"Bridging nature and technology will lead to new innovative solutions."
Nurtured by
Nature
Humans are visual creatures, therefore, scientific findings from numerous suggest the mental, emotional and physical benefits of naturalness in our living environment. While people benefit from their connection with the natural world, the environment also benefits when people feel connected and committed to caring for the Earth.
“Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works, collaborate with the creator.” - Antoni Gaudi
Multiple scientific findings show the mental, emotional and physical benefits of naturalness in our living environment. For example, experiments have been done using eye-tracking equipment to better understand how people look at natural patterns they encounter. Using functional MRI techniques to identify brain activity, it appears that people are “hard-wired” to respond to certain forms of fractals in nature. As it turns out, many studies indicate that exposure to patterns in nature reduce people’s levels of stress by as much as 60%. The stress reduction effect transpire due to physiological resonance that takes place within the human eye.
Generally, it can be said that if we surround ourselves with more shapes, structures and elements copied from nature we will suffer from fewer cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, have enhanced immune function, have lower odds of experiencing serious psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression, are less likely to require antidepressants, recover faster from illness, and live longer. These positive results force us to consider the serious value of bringing nature to the spaces we occupy in our day-to-day lives. While people benefit from a connection with nature, the environment also benefits when people feel connected and committed to caring for the Earth – and between climate change and habitat loss, the planet is in serious need of some care.
Biomimicry in interior design
The amount of time someone spends in nature isn't the only factor to consider. It's also beneficial to feel connected to nature even when you're confined to a desk, home, or hospital bed. Being connected to nature appears to have a positive impact on mood, mental well-being, and physical health. Biomimicry is dedicated to this task by imitating natural elements and systems, such as patterns, to improve our lives, performance, and well-being.
In design, incorporating organic and biomorphic patterns doesn't necessarily involve using actual living organisms. Instead, it entails seeking to mimick nature. Whether used for functionality, decoration, or as a structural aspect of design, biomorphic forms and patterns have been proven to contribute to human well-being. They reduce physiological stress responses and increase preference for views, both of which are vital in establishing a healthy life balance and promoting mental health on a larger scale.
The primary goal of designing patterns inspired by nature is to create an enriching environment based on an understanding of symmetries, fractal geometries, and spatial hierarchies found in our natural surroundings. The more we stay connected to nature, the more at ease we feel, and the more dedicated we become to care for the Earth.
