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Interior Design vocabulary · Interior Styles

Biophilic design

Meaning in interior design, with examples

/ˌbaɪəʊˈfɪlɪk dɪˈzaɪn/nounCommon term

In interior design, biophilic design means: An approach that connects people with nature inside buildings, using plants, daylight, natural materials, views and natural shapes to improve well-being.

In Turkish: biyofilik tasarım, doğa odaklı tasarım

How it is used

Popular in offices, hospitals, hotels and schools, and often linked to well-being and productivity. It is more than adding plants: it also includes daylight, fresh air, organic patterns, water and natural textures.

Example sentences

  1. The new office uses biophilic design: a living wall, timber ceilings and desks near the windows.

  2. Biophilic design isn't just plants; natural light and materials matter just as much.

Common collocations

  • biophilic design principles
  • biophilic office
  • living wall
  • biophilic elements
  • natural lightLight that comes from the sun through windows, doors and skylights, and changes in strength and colour through the day.
  • textureThe way a surface feels, or looks as if it would feel, such as rough, smooth, soft or grainy; in design it adds depth and interest to a room.
  • JapandiA style that blends Japanese and Scandinavian design: calm, minimal rooms with natural materials, low furniture, muted earthy colours and fine craftsmanship.
  • natural stoneStone cut from the earth, such as marble, granite, limestone and travertine, used for floors, worktops, walls and bathrooms; every slab looks slightly different.

More terms: Interior Styles

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