Source: GV Consulting Published: 05/08/2020

ENG ITA SRB

© 2018 - 2023 GV Consulting. All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy / Cookie Policy / Data Access

Downloaded from www.unsplash.com, photographer Taylor Simpson

During the period of Pandemic, people created several new habits among which Well-being and Return to Nature have become the new essentials. In order to respond to
those needs, hoteliers and architects are forced to find new ways to ensure sustainable, healthy and mentally stimulating spaces that will provide unique experiences and
emotional well-being of guests. We are seeing Biophilic design as a solution to the post-Covid challenges.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN
The concept of Biophilia is defined as human tendency of being connected to the nature and it derives from Greek meaning the love of life and nature. The biophilic design
refers to the creation of interior environment where natural materials, organic shapes, plants, water and natural light play a vital role. In hospitality, it refers to integration of
nature within all aspects of hotel design and style with a focus on health improvement and people’s well-being.

The benefits of biophilic design are numerous. It improves various cognitive performances and well-being. According to Bonnie Casamassima, ‘’Biophilic design has profound
benefits to engaging our senses and supporting emotional wellbeing: reduced cortisol levels (a marker of our body’s stress response), increased kindness, improved learning
engagement and increased social connectivity. Beyond supporting emotional wellbeing, it has even been shown to positively impact an organization’s financial wellbeing
through increasing focus and productivity, for example.’’

In the design world, biophilic approach means much more than adding a tree plant in the lobby or placing flowers in every room. It is about creating a sanctuary where
people feel protected and healthy. An oasis where guest can find inner peace and joy surrounded by the beauty of nature.

According to Lorraine from Cadiz collaboration, ‘’Biophilic design can be very powerful in the hospitality industry’’. She refers to Biophilic design as ‘’A cost-effective way to
enhance the guest experience, it can bolster feelings of community while improving well-being and health. These principles enable us to not only create a more engaging
design experience, but also trigger a deeper affinity to certain brands’’.

So how can hoteliers utilize biophilic approach to soothe post-Covid anxiety and at same time create unforgettable moments for guests?

There are numerous ways to successfully integrate biophilic design in your hotel:

Bring movement to your space through water features, creation of shadows, etc.;
 Enable sunlight throughout the day;
Use natural materials as much as possible;
Use organic shapes;
Introduce local vegetation;

Bill Browning described it as the following: ‘’The hand of the fabrics; the scents of flowers, candles and food; crackling of logs in a fireplace; the splash of water in a fountain;
the texture of wood grain and stone in furnishings; and bird song in a lobby or on a patio’’.

Through biophilic design, we engage all our senses simultaneously and tend to value and enjoy the moment of present more.

Every day we are putting our mental and physical health at risk due to the fast way of living and now also due to global pandemic that has brought a lot of stress and
uncertainty for the future. Emotional well-being has become a paramount importance for every individual. Since we spend most of our time indoor, it is very important how
it makes us feel. We see Biophilic design as a reliable framework that will not through nature support our emotional well-being in many aspects.

Bonnie Casamassima cite Shane Totten, architect and Director of Research + Education at Southface, “When you utilize biophilic design principals in the built environment,
you’re fostering a strong sense of connection, sense of order and sense of safety. Thinking about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, if you don’t feel safe, you’re not able to aspire
to higher levels of wellbeing. Biophilia allows us to feel safe, supported and present. With these needs met, we can therefore more easily aspire to the higher levels of
wellbeing, happiness and achievement.”

References:
Francis, L. (2018, September). Biophilic design in hospitality. Retrived August 8, 2020, from https://bit.ly/3ibWOhq
Browning, B. (n.d.). Human spaces 2.0: Biophilic Design in Hospitality. Retrieved August 7, 2020, from https://bit.ly/3gJ1POd
Casamassima, B. (2020, May). Can Biophilic Design Improve Emotional Wellbeing? Retrived August 7, 2020 from https://bit.ly/31nhlZy