COMMENTARY

Examining the rise of biophilic design

Kuan Chee Yung, Senior Vice President (Architecture) at CPG Consultants, shares his insights on biophilic design, a new design trend that is distinct from Green or eco-conscious design.

As I had discussed in the foreword for this issue of Construction+, the Green design movement globally and in Singapore has come a long way. The general population is becoming more and more environmentally conscious, and sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of the agenda for businesses across industries and around the world. Governments are also looking to encourage businesses to become more environmentally friendly through initiatives such as the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark scheme.

I had also written about the emergence of a new design trend—biophilic design—and about the importance of distinguishing it from Green design, or even from eco-conscious design. Buildings that have Green or sustainable designs are not necessarily biophilic, or vice versa. Instead, biophilic design focuses on expressing and encouraging the love for living things and living ecosystems. Some might think that differentiating biophilic design from other seemingly similar design trends might come across as pedantic and purist, but it is necessary to fully explore the possibilities inherent in each concept.

The expansive rectilinear roof in Changi Airport Terminal 3 uses the layering of ceiling panels, baffles, skylights and high-tech ‘butterflies’ to create a random aperture pattern build-up that evokes a rainforest canopy – Images courtesy of CPG Corporation

TAPPING ON OUR INNATE BIOPHILIA
As I had mentioned in the foreword, ‘biophilia’ refers to the innate attraction—which all human beings have—to nature. In other words, people automatically and subconsciously feel better when immersed in designs that remind them of nature. As such, biophilic design elements are aimed at tapping on this connection. Research has demonstrated that on one level, biophilic design brings a state of calm and balance when the body’s parasympathetic system is stimulated. For the layman, a window to a naturalistic scene or the swimming fish in an aquarium already suffices to deliver that kind of effect.

On another level, the natural ecosystems integrated into the biophilic design can often improve the quality of air; allow natural light; filter and cleanse water; lower temperature; grow food, etc., in the built environment. At its highest level, biophilic design brings together people who value and enjoy nature, and work together to protect and regenerate it.

Solaris also features rainwater harvesting and recycling system, a climate responsive façade, a solar shaft and extensive sunshading louvres – Images courtesy of CPG Corporation

Singapore is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to biophilic design, and at CPG we have worked on many of the iconic buildings in Singapore that utilise biophilic principles. From creating the first touch point upon arrival at Changi Airport; visiting key attractions such as Gardens by the Bay; fostering conducive study environments in universities such as The Hive @ NTU; working in business parks and commercial facilities such as Solaris; exploring the nature reserves; and enjoying the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters features of parks, CPG’s biophilic design hand constantly seeks to create these pockets of spaces that integrate nature with the man-made environment, unveiling another beautiful aspect of tropical nature.


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KUAN CHEE YUNG
Senior Vice President (Architecture), CPG Consultants
Kuan Chee Yung has over 20 years of architectural experience, particularly in master planning, innovation and research-intensive institutional, resort design, industrial, MRT station upgrades, waterfront developments, commercial, wellness and residential projects. He was awarded with the Green Architect of the Year at the SGBC-BCA Sustainability Leadership Awards 2017.

He is passionate about lifestyle and knowledge industry developments. His interest in various facilities led him to both lead and assist in ongoing township, campus and innovation as well as experience catalyst projects. Ever concerned about the human condition and the environment, he is currently leading research into biophilia, Economy of Communion, SMART Campus, 3-Generation/Quality of Life and HSR Cities.