From offices to homes biophilic design is shaping spaces that make us feel better and work smarter

In a world where most of us spend upwards of 90% of our time indoors, it's little wonder that architects, designers and developers are turning to biophilic design, an approach that brings nature back into our built environments.

Rooted in the theory of biophilia, coined by American biologist E.O. Wilson in the 1980s, biophilic design is far more than a stylistic trend. It’s a restorative response to the sensory deprivation of modern life. And in 2025, as cities densify and digital fatigue sets in, it’s becoming a cornerstone of responsible, human-centric design.

More than just adding a plant

Biophilic design isn’t simply about sprinkling a few succulents across a co-working space. At its core, it’s about cultivating a deeper, more intuitive relationship between people and the natural world, through light, texture, pattern, material and airflow.

This approach can be direct, such as incorporating living walls, water features, and generous natural lighting, or indirect, through natural materials, organic forms and biomorphic patterns. The aim is always the same: to reconnect users with the rhythms and richness of nature.

Studies show that biophilic spaces can significantly reduce stress levels, improve cognitive function, and elevate mood. For designers, this means creating not only beautiful environments but healthier, more productive ones too.

Urban examples leading the way

Nowhere is the impact of biophilic design more apparent than in our cities. In Singapore, the Jewel Changi Airport has become an international landmark for nature-led design, featuring a rainforest under glass and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. In London, the Battersea Roof Gardens offer residents an elevated green sanctuary with curated planting that mirrors the Thames Valley’s biodiversity.

In Australia, where climate and light lend themselves naturally to this philosophy, biophilic architecture is flourishing. Recent developments in Melbourne and Sydney are integrating indigenous plant species, open-air communal spaces, and passive ventilation systems that reflect a distinctly local interpretation of the movement.

These aren’t one-off statements, they’re signs of a broader shift. A new generation of designers is viewing buildings less as sealed boxes and more as ecosystems in their own right.

Challenges in urban implementation

Of course, integrating nature into high-density environments is not without its challenges. Limited floor space, fluctuating weather conditions, and budgetary constraints can all impact feasibility.

However, innovation is rising to meet these obstacles. Modular green wall systems, drought-resistant planting, and digitally monitored microclimates are helping to make biophilic solutions more scalable and cost-effective. Likewise, policy shifts in urban planning are starting to mandate the inclusion of green infrastructure, from tree-lined streets to rooftop gardens.

As designers, we must balance creativity with pragmatism, finding elegant, functional ways to embed nature within the grid of the city.

What’s next for biophilic design?

Looking ahead, the most progressive applications of biophilic thinking are regenerative, not just sustainable. The goal is no longer to “do less harm” but to actively heal and enrich both people and planet through design.

We’re seeing early signs in projects that integrate circular water systems, biodiversity corridors, and community-based food growing schemes. Expect to see more collaborations between ecologists, architects and industrial designers as nature becomes a central brief, not a decorative afterthought.

Designing for human instincts

In many ways, biophilic design is a return to common sense, creating spaces that align with our biology, not work against it. It reminds us that even the most advanced environments should still nurture something ancient: our innate need for nature.

As designers, this gives us a compelling brief. Not just to build smarter or greener, but to build in a way that makes people feel alive. And in the end, isn’t that what good design is all about?