Biophilic Design: A Natural Evolution
Biophilic design is moving beyond the simple inclusion of houseplants and scenic views.
Today, architects and designers worldwide are increasingly embracing trees as central components in their work, merging environmental consciousness with stunning aesthetics.
From the towering palm trees that grace public spaces to venerable oaks that frame private homes, trees are rising as iconic features in architectural design.
Ryoko Okada, the principal at ODA Architecture in New York, expresses the calming effect that nature can have, suggesting that a living tree can act as both a visual anchor and a captivating piece of art.
Public Spaces as Pioneers of Change
Urban design has been at the forefront of tree-centered innovation, with public spaces leading the charge.
The Ford Foundation atrium in New York is a prime example, featuring a breathtaking 12-story space filled with various trees, including magnolias and eucalyptus.
Lower Manhattan’s Brookfield Place adds to the allure with its Winter Garden atrium, showcasing 16 striking Washingtonia palm trees.
Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport goes even further, boasting a vast 6-acre indoor forest that hosts over 2,500 trees from Madagascar, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
These extraordinary environments not only bring joy but also inspire architects to incorporate similar green designs into both residential and commercial projects.
Creative Approaches to Tree Integration
When maintaining live trees proves impractical, designers get imaginative in finding ways to honor them.
At a ranch in Paso Robles, California, KAA Design transformed a charred manzanita—a casualty of a 2016 fire—into a striking art piece.
Painted in a matte black finish, this tree now stands as a symbol of resilience and rebirth.
Incorporating trees into architectural designs requires careful planning.
Okada warns against placing mature trees in residential settings without consulting a landscape architect first; considerations like soil depth, natural light, and local climate are crucial for a tree’s survival.
For example, the palm trees at Brookfield Place are replaced every decade due to their restrictive growing conditions.
Anna Zarra Aldrich from the University of Connecticut highlights the importance of allowing trees to adapt gradually to their surroundings to cultivate resilience.
Interestingly, the recycled mulch from these palms is used to nurture native trees, creating a beautiful cycle of life.
As architects wholeheartedly embrace biophilic principles, trees are destined to play an even more significant role in shaping urban and residential landscapes.
Through vertical forests, integrated courtyards, and creative tributes to nature, these innovative projects celebrate the powerful bond between humanity and the natural world.
As Kirkpatrick emphasizes, a tree is much more than a design element; it’s a vibrant, living entity that enhances the essence of a home.
Source: Optimistdaily