Architecture has always been shaped by the world. From resources to monuments, we all have a relationship with design. But what about the environment? Have you ever wondered how ecosystems and nature around the world are affected, or how they would even be incorporated? Architecture doesn’t have to choose between nature and modern designs—it can give back by letting it in. Think about the last time you saw any greenery in any building. Nowadays, as cities and towns begin to expand and explore new techniques with buildings, the relationship between nature and architecture is more important than ever.
We have spent so much time in our lives being in buildings; we don’t even have time to exist in nature. The more we adapt to these boring, almost two-hour classrooms and depressing office spaces, the more we slowly become estranged from natural environments. The problem might not be how much time we spend indoors, but the amount of thought we put into how we can incorporate the environment more. Designs and ideas have changed drastically over centuries. From ancient stone temples to high-tech buildings, one thing has stayed the same: creating shelter to protect and organizing human life. Designs can be a reflection of how humans behave and how we feel. Depressing office buildings that strip away walls and have wide-open floor plans can create overstimulation due to lack of privacy. Buildings that provide more natural lighting and use real materials like brick, wood, and raw stone could lower anxiety and give a sense of freedom.
It is shown that after two decades of using nature-based design strategies in projects, there has been a 15% rise in productivity gains, a 25% improvement in comfort, and a 38% reduction in fatigue. These findings, according to Medium, show that nature-based designs can enhance well-being and performance. Consolidating these natural materials creates environments that promote comfort and healthier spaces.
A study done by Rhagd K. Khorshid and other researchers has found that 76% of individuals with anxiety disorders found fluorescent lighting affected their mental state negatively, which can lead to triggering memories of past unpleasant environments. Not only is lighting essential when it comes to clearing your head and getting into the right mindset, but it also helps maintain your body's internal clock that controls physical, mental, and behavioral systems.
But how exactly can we add more life to these boring and lifeless designs? Biophilic architecture is the practice of seeking a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing indoor environment. For over 2,000 years, biophilic architecture has been helping improve mental health, help gain productivity, and even shorten patient recovery times. Some examples of biophilic design include the Amazon Sphere in Seattle, Washington, Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy, and the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore.
Modern engineering in this architecture proves that we don’t have to take over landscapes with only concrete, but we can coexist with nature by allowing thousands of plant species, natural water, and natural light, which can break down the barrier between the indoors and outdoors. The average person spends 90% of their life indoors; this should make biophilic design a need rather than a luxury. As humans, we are built for nature and short amounts of stress, not the boring modern designs that make us feel trapped. We don’t have to wait for these big multi-million companies to build green benefits to start having these benefits. It can start with you. There are biological reasons as to why we are so drawn to buying houseplants; our brains are just so tired of looking at plain white walls and overhead fluorescent lighting. New generations struggle with burnout and constant screen time more than ever, but bringing those elements into dorms, bedrooms, or study spaces can help push through anxiety levels and give you a sense of simplicity.
At last, biophilic architecture isn’t about following trends that’ll die down in a month—it is about claiming the right to healthier lifestyles. Thinking of nature as something we just visit once a week puts an end to pushing for that space to let the inside in. Getting away from our daily routines shouldn’t be a reason to see just a glimpse of green outside. An average traditional building might keep us safe, but it won’t keep us happy. By taking charge of our current environments, we can build that bridge between our need for more nature and the high-tech buildings. From the very spaces we wake up in, we can have the power to redesign our futures for a better life instead of settling for four walls that feel like a jail cell. Nevertheless, we can’t expect the drive to change the world if the building drains our energy. Venturing into a better living environment isn't just a social media trend but opening a new potential where humanity and nature can grow together.
Works Cited:
The Influence of Nature in Design: A Practitioner's Guide to Biophilic Architecture by Ar. Prerana Kothari (June 18th, 2025)
The Effect of Fluorescent Light on Anxiety Patients,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7978391/#sec3
Biophilic design-taking a closer look at its origins and early usage (Clotilde Coudray)
https://rb-architectes.com/en/biophilic-design-taking-a-closer-look-at-its-origins-and-early-usage/
Photo:
Jewel Changi Airport (cover photo of blog)
Jewel-changi-airport-singapore.jpg
https://aeworldmap.com/2018/09/26/jewel-changi-airport-singapore/