As we enter 2024, it’s time to explore the exciting and ever-evolving world of design. As leaders of design, it is crucial to stay current and draw fresh inspiration from the styles expected to dominate the upcoming year. One trend that will surely steal the spotlight again this year is biophilic design. But to call it just a trend would be an understatement. We don’t see this emerging pattern of design going anywhere anytime soon. Biophilic design taps into our intrinsic connection with nature, a bond deeply ingrained within our DNA that transcends fleeting aesthetic preferences.
Over the past year, we have witnessed a surge of interest in health-centric, experiential design philosophy, making the core principles of biophilic design the most impactful design elements in projects worldwide. As we move further into 2024, this momentum is expected to increase, with designers placing a greater emphasis on our primal affinity for nature and adopting eco-conscious and earth-fostering practices.
To inspire your design journey, here are seven innovative biophilic design elements essential for this upcoming year. From vibrant living walls to ingenious integration of circadian lighting, these elements will revolutionize your design process, cultivating a synergistic relationship with nature and enhancing overall well-being.
1. The Rise of Outdoor Spaces
With the growing awareness of the importance of spending time in nature, outdoor spaces are set to become a key feature in biophilic design trends in 2024. Architects draw inspiration from the natural world to create functional and beautiful environments like rooftop gardens, green spaces, and integrated courtyards. These spaces will be aesthetically pleasing, and promote relaxation and mindfulness. Expect to see more meditation spaces, yoga studios, and workplaces with a focus on wellness.
This outdoor space reenergizes its occupants and enhances their well-being. Photo courtesy Cityscapes Boston.
2. Multi-sensory Spaces
Biophilic design is all about creating spaces that connect us with nature, and that includes stimulating all of our senses. In 2024, we can expect to see more spaces that incorporate elements that look natural, feel, smell, and even sound like nature. These multi-sensory spaces can include elements like water features, natural materials like wood and stone, and plants that provide sensory experiences like texture and fragrance.
Biophilic design advances a multi-sensory connection with nature at the ASU School of Design, Tempe, Arizona. Photo courtesy Plant Solutions.
3. Vertical Gardens and Green Walls
Living walls and vertical gardens have been popular for some time now, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. These structures provide a visual connection to nature, enhance air quality, absorb noise, and even help regulate temperature. In 2024, we can expect to see more creative ways of incorporating plant walls into various spaces, such as office buildings, hotels, and even homes.
The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, Arizona. Photo courtesy Plant Solutions.
4. Biophilic Lighting
Just as natural lighting is vital for our mental and physical health, biophilic lighting is set to become one of the hottest trends in 2024. Designers and architects will focus on maximizing natural light in indoor spaces with large windows, skylights, and light wells. But it doesn’t stop there. Mirrors and reflective surfaces will also be enlisted to help spread the glorious natural light around every corner. We will also see the use of circadian lighting that mimics natural sunlight and lighting fixtures that incorporate living plants. Biophilic lighting is proving to be a powerful tool in creating spaces that inspire and promote wellness.
Cala at Senna House Hotel, Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo courtesy Plant Solutions.
5. Urban Farming
As cities become more crowded and urbanization continues to rise, there is an increasing need to integrate nature into our urban environments. Urban farming is predicted to be a major trend in 2024. Designers and architects are incorporating vertical gardens, hydroponic farming, and green roofs into their biophilic designs, making urban farming one of the most significant biophilic design trends.
Designers and architects are incorporating vertical gardens and green roofs into their biophilic designs. Photo courtesy Shutterstock.
6. Natural Materials
In 2024, natural materials such as wood, stone, and water will play a key role in biophilic design trends. From the use of reclaimed wood and stone to create natural-looking surfaces to incorporating water features that mimic natural streams and waterfalls, natural materials are powerful tools when creating spaces that feel connected to the natural world. Using natural materials is another essential aspect of biophilic design. Designers and architects will continue to incorporate wood, stone, and other natural materials into various spaces to create a connection to nature. In 2024, we can expect to see an increased use of handcrafted items and materials with visible imperfections, providing a unique and authentic feel to our spaces.
Using natural materials is another essential aspect of biophilic design. Courtesy: Photo courtesy Plant Solutions.
7. Seating Arrangements
With more people working from home and the rise of co-working spaces, seating arrangements are becoming increasingly crucial in biophilic design. In 2024, we can expect to see more spaces incorporating flexible and modular seating arrangements that allow for easy socialization and collaboration while providing opportunities for solitude and reflection.
Clayco Construction, Phoenix, Arizona. Courtesy: Photo courtesy Plant Solutions.
2024 promises to be an exciting year for design, with a focus on biophilic design with multi-sensory spaces, vertical gardens, plant infused lighting, the use of natural materials, and biophilic technology. This movement is spearheaded by sustainability and well-being advocates in the design and architecture community. By immersing ourselves in biophilic design, we can create spaces that capture the beauty and tranquility of the natural world and also foster a deeper connection with nature. This connection, in turn, can inspire a sense of consciousness and responsibility, motivating individuals to take better care of our beloved planet. Now is the perfect time to explore these trends and incorporate them into your designs for the year ahead!
About Plant Solutions: Founded in 1981, Plant Solutions work hand-in-hand with architects and interior designers to bring the magic of the outdoors inside. This interiorscape and biophilic design expert has grown into one of the most well-known, highest quality companies in the Phoenix area. For more information about Plant Solutions’ use of biophilic design, visit http://www.plantsolutions.com.
