Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2017 - 4

BB: We intuitively sense when a built or natural place is a good
habitat for humans. Biophilic design builds on the science of
understanding those elements that lead to that positive response.
It allows us to design buildings that support our health and well
being more effectively.
SWP: What do think of Stephen Kellert's contribution to
biophilic design?
BB: Stephen Kellert did important research on how biophilia
impacts the lives of children, particularly in inner cities. He was
one of the first to translate the need for connection with nature
into a way of thinking about design.
SWP: There are a number of different frameworks around
biophilic design, and possibly more to come in the future. Can
you briefly describe the framework you developed and how
people can learn more?
BB: The Terrapin team developed the 14 Patterns of Biophilic
Design as a way to codify the various pieces of science on human
response to nature in the built environment. The intended
audience is the design community, and a pattern language is an
old tool for understanding design concepts.
SWP: Biophilic design is about more than working through a
checklist of elements - green roof, natural light, fountains etc...
What is this magic and why is it important?
BB: Plants, animals and water are the things that most people
assume are the sole basis of biophilic design. Biomorphic forms,
natural materials, fractal patterns, prospect views, and spaces that
provide refuge are other strong elements of biophilic design.
Sometimes too many elements are not as effective as the right
elements done really well. The best results, the magic, sometimes
involve one or two elements.
SWP: Your firm has done some excellent work on the biophilic
design-human health-economic benefit relationship. What have
you found that is most surprising to you in this work?
BB: We first pulled together evidence for The Economics of Biophilia
to show owners and others that connection to nature in the built
environment is not a frivolous luxury, but actually has significant
health and economic benefits. For example, biophilic design
can increase retail sales, improve healing times in hospitals and
improve the academic performance of school children. Increased
productivity of employees can result in office settings.
We are continuing to research how biophilic elements change
people's use of space and economic outcomes. Our latest paper,

FOR SOME, BIOPHILIA MAY
BE THE CURRENT FAD, BUT
THE SCIENCE UNDERLYING
IT IS GROWING AND AS WE
CONTINUE TO URBANIZE THE
NEED BECOMES EVEN GREATER
FOR THE CONNECTION
TO NATURE IN THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENT. IT IS AN IDEA
THAT IS HERE TO STAY.
- BILL BROWNING
Human Spaces 2.0 which we released in July of 2017, looks at
the impact biophilic design on
guest experience and economic
performance in hospitality
properties.
SWP: How do green roofs
provide biophilic benefits to
building occupants? What
affects do they have on our
health and well being?
BB: A well designed green roof
has the obvious environmental
benefits of stormwater

mitigation, reduced heat island
and increased biodiversity.
If it is visible and/or can be
occupied, it a provides a direct
connection to nature that can
lower stress, improve cognitive
function and elevate mood.
SWP: How do green walls
provide biophilic benefits to
building occupants/visitors?
BB: Green walls, particularly if
they are biodiverse and placed in
highly visible locations, provide
a strong visual connection to na-

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LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR / FALL 2017 / 4

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2017
