6 pages bio

BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN THE OTIS CLASSROOM

Tino, Antonella, Helen & Sam

INTRO TO BIOPHILIA

Biophilia (meaning love of nature) focuses on human’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes. It suggests that we all have a genetic connection to the natural world built up through hundreds of thousands of years of living in agrarian settings. Biophilic design dates back to the early '80s when a biologist named Edward Wilson hypothesized that humans have an innate biological affinity for the natural world. A survey on human activity deemed that humans spend 90% of our time indoors which makes it a necessity for the outdoors to be brought in and create environments that reference nature.

“Quite a few studies show how a proximity to nature, or even a visual image, helps foster a more positive outlook. If you ask someone to give you an image of something inspiring, nine out of ten people will show you a landscape, so there’s something innate in nature that equals happiness.”

How can we redesign or add elements to the Otis College campus that reinforce the positive values of helping students relax, reflect, and mentally rejuvenate. How can we design it to reflect principles of Biophilia or nature inspired design?

By redesigning the basic principles of a classroom at Otis, we can change the environment to be more conducive to learning and mental health benefits.

Having an environment that promotes wellness affects us all in a positive way. Our happiness levels increase, we feel more optimistic and we will most likely work better too.

DESIGN BRIEF

NEGATIVES

The windows of the classroom are a problem for most students. The sunlight is very dazzling and hot when it comes through the glass. Students will cover the windows with cardboard to avoid sunlight.

When the classrooms are full, the air becomes very stagnant and hot due to poor ventilation and no circulation.

Open ceilings can see all the pipes, and harsh lighting also makes the rooms feel cold and uninviting.

The furniture and desks are very small and uncomfortable and are made of plastic and metal. They also make it very hard to collaborate.

Finally, the flooring is a white linoleum that make the room feel clinical.

All of these aspects are examples of why these classrooms are not conducive to a learning environment. A classroom should be comfortable, calming and should support collaboration.

OTIS CLASSROOM

OTIS CLASSROOM In the current classroom environment, it can be hard to work or focus due to the very artificial elements of the room.

By adding different elements of Biophilic design to the current classroom, we can greatly change the work environment. Using biological patterns, such as those found in leaves or plant life, we can come up with beautiful designs that reflect nature which will create a new work environment for us.

HOW NATURE INSPIRES BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Biophilic designs are not just fixtures with greenscape and plants. Actual biological models are the foundation for biophilic designs. Patterns found in nature, such as the natural waves in the surface of a cactus, can transfer into interior design elements, thus making us feel closer to nature.

Nature inspired design provides natural shapes and forms, light and space, and a visual connection to the design. Biophilic designs are more than just organic forms. It mimics nature in a smarter way by abstracting the spirit of nature f rom them and pushes it further.

EXAMPLES OF BIOPHILIA IN INTERIOR DESIGN

REDESIGN OF THE CLASSROOM Our redesign of the Otis classroom features a numerous amount of simple changes to the interior that model biological patterns. Each of these improvements transform the room into a productive workspace.

Windows - the redesign for the windows is based directly on leaf patterns. The patterned screens would fit over the existing windows and filter light as well as allow windows to be opened.

Ventilation - by replacing the cardboard cutouts with screens, it would allow windows to now be utilized and opened, allowing for ventilation in the rooms.

Ceilings and lighting - the ceilings would be retrofitted for a suspended wooden ceiling to cover up the current exposed ceiling, wiring and AC. Within the ceiling would be drop down lighting to give a better distribution of soft warm light in the room.

Furniture - singular manufactured desks would be replaced by modular furniture that allows for better collaboration and a more creative environment. Furniture material would feature a natural wood and canvas fiber cushion.

Flooring - flooring could be replaced or covered by a neutral colored carpeting.

WINDOW SCREEN DESIGN The design for the window screens comes f rom the biological model of plant patterns. Currently, students will use cardboard to cover the windows which looks very unattractive. These screens would filter light as well as allow the windows to open.

SUSPENDED CEILING

The suspended wood ceiling would cover up the current exposed ceiling in Ahmanson. Wood naturally absorbs and reflects sound and the panelling would be designed based on the biological models of plant patterns. Sounds f rom adjacent rooms would be reflected making this ceiling design effective and cosmetically attractive.

MODULAR CLASSROOM FURNITURE

In contrast to the current singular desk in the classrooms, modular furniture would make the classroom environment better for collaboration and would allow the room to feel much more warm and comfortable. The furniture pieces would feature a natural wood and a soft green canvas fabric.

THANK YOU