As humans, we share an innate, rather mysterious love of nature. There is a pull from within to experience natural forms and processes. It explains why we might walk the long way around the park or travel miles to listen to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Since most of our time is spent indoors, biophilic design emulates the sights, sounds, and feelings of nature that we crave in the places we eat, sleep, work, and recreate. It largely accomplishes this by incorporating natural elements such as light, stone, wood, and plants into these spaces.
Bamboo is an ideal material in biophilic design because of its large-scale versatility and durability. It not only enhances natural aesthetics within a space, but it also practically supports sustainable living principles. This article will examine how bamboo is used in biophilic design and how it supports sustainability, as well as discuss ways to incorporate it into your interior spaces.
Bamboo in Biophilic Design
Biophilic design traces its origins to biologist Edward O. Wilson’s work Biophilia in 1984. Wilson suggests that humans have an innate attraction to nature in part on a genetic level. While the genetic link has not been identified, studies corroborate that our exposure to nature has measurable psychological and physical response results. Thus, biophilic design seeks to transpose the positive responses humans experience in nature into architecture and interior design by utilizing natural forms and materials.
Some tangible benefits of biophilic design and the use of natural elements include boosting mood, lowering blood pressure, inducing relaxation, enhancing mental well-being, and improving air quality. Using natural materials also reduces exposure to harmful chemicals used in construction. Another benefit is biophilic design often employs natural lighting which improves productivity and reduces stress–especially while working.
As a versatile natural material, bamboo is used in biophilic design in many ways. It can serve as a live house plant or a living wall. It can create natural sounds as a fountain or wind chime. It’s commonly used to add natural wood tones in interior design through furnishings and fixtures. In this way, bamboo can channel many of the physical and mental benefits of biophilia into your home or space.
Bamboo in Sustainable Construction and Design
Sustainability in construction and interior design is important because these industries are dependent on the use of natural resources. Construction alone accounts for roughly 50% of the world’s usage of raw materials and it produces a significant amount of waste. This is why the use of sustainable materials like bamboo that reduce the use of other natural resources is impactful in our world today.
Bamboo is an incredible asset to sustainable construction because of the way it grows. Known as the “miracle plant”, it is one of the world’s fastest-growing grasses. It can be harvested every three to five years and it doesn’t require watering or pesticides. It produces more oxygen than trees and can be grown in a number of different environments. In terms of rigidity, bamboo is stronger than wood, bricks, concrete, and even steel — making it ideal for building.
Bamboo is also an asset to sustainable interior design. It grows faster than other woods without sacrificing longevity and its versatility means it can be molded into a wide array of furnishings. Its aesthetic natural look works with both neutral and bold color pallets and its sturdiness, in conjunction with the fact it weighs less than wood, makes it ideal for furniture and shelving. It can even replace the use of some plastics.
How To Integrate Bamboo into Your Spaces
The benefits of biophilic bamboo can be integrated into your home or workspace regardless of where you live or how much money you have. As a generally affordable plant and wood, it can be incorporated on either a small or large scale.
One option is to start topically with interior design elements. Focus on integrating natural colors or textures into the decor. You can purchase a bamboo house plant as a form of live greenery or integrate it as a light golden wall frame or shelf. You can add a bamboo end table, coffee table, or bookstand to your space. Bamboo is a great material for furniture since it is bug and water-resistant, so you could even add an outdoor patio set.
Another option is to remodel or renovate using bamboo. You can utilize bamboo for kitchen cabinets, new flooring, or even a ceiling. Its durability and resistance to warping with changes in humidity make it quite comparable to hardwoods. It is important to note that these uses for bamboo are more involved and may require working with your Home Owner’s Association or building manager. If any objections to your bamboo renovations do arise, be sure to familiarize yourself with your HOA’s rules and respond reasonably so as to reach an agreement that everyone can support.
Conclusion
Biophilic design supports our innate attraction to natural elements within the interior spaces in which we spend the most time. In these spaces, bamboo is an ideal material. Its natural aesthetics are perfect for biophilic design and its growth supports sustainability.
You can easily integrate bamboo into your home or workspace by adding small bamboo furnishings and decor or by selecting it for large-scale renovations and remodels. Either way, your space will naturally benefit both you and the environment through the use of bamboo and biophilic design.
Image Source: Photo by George Milton.
