Key Elements of Biophilic Design Used in Building Construction

Based in Montgomery, Texas, William “Bill” Starkey possesses nearly four decades of experience working in the residential and commercial construction industry. From 1978 to 2015, William Starkey led Starkey Construction as the CEO of the green-focused building company.

One of the goals of green construction is to incorporate biophilic elements into buildings. The concept of connecting human beings with nature, biophilic design is increasingly being incorporated into building construction to enhance the health and productivity of the people living or working inside. Scientists have discovered that people work more efficiently, heal more rapidly, and learn more effectively when the spaces they spend time in contain natural elements.

Enhancing indoor environments using biophilic design expands beyond incorporating greenery into indoor spaces. Biophilic design can take the form of using natural patterns, such as curves rather than straight lines, in building construction to mimic those found in nature.

Bophilic design elements may include the addition of water to the interior space and using natural light or man-made lighting system that changes throughout the day to support a healthy circadian rhythm. Similarly, utilizing building systems that modify temperature and airflow in workspaces is another way to help people connect with the natural environment.