A customer referred to “biophilic design,” and I had never heard of it. What does that mean?
Tom Coble, VP of sales at Piqua, Ohio-based Hartzell Hardwoods, answers:
“Biophilic design” refers to making choices in building design and design materials that recognize our innate connection with nature. This could mean anything from using natural light to placing live plants in an interior environment to installing real wood floors. Studies have shown that surrounding ourselves with natural elements can have a profound positive impact on our well-being and overall health.
The studies put scientific backing to something many people have always felt: When we choose natural materials like hardwoods in our interior environments, we create spaces that resonate with our brains on a deeper level. The warmth, texture, and organic beauty of a natural material such as a hardwood floor evokes a sense of comfort, calm, and serenity. These connections lead to lower stress levels, improving overall health and even leading to the ability to think on a higher level.
Alternative materials and synthetic products may mimic the look of hardwood, but they lack the inherent qualities that make us feel connected and grounded. In fact, their predictable repeating patterns and uncanny lack of nuance can make people feel worse. These artificial materials can disrupt the harmony of our living spaces and contribute to a sense of detachment from the natural world. And, of course, when alternative products reach the end of their lifespan, they often end up in landfills, where their decomposition can take centuries. Even when hardwood products must be disposed of, they are biodegradable and have a significantly shorter decomposition time.
