Cover The Jewel, an architectural marvel within Singapore's Changi Airport, stands as a landmark achievement in biophilic design
The Jewel, an architectural marvel within Singapore's Changi Airport, stands as a landmark achievement in biophilic design
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With the aid of advanced technologies and cutting-edge construction techniques, architecture embracing biophilic design principles is becoming an increasingly familiar sight across the globe.
According to the Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront report by the World Green Building Council, high-rise buildings account for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions. Of that figure, 28 per cent stems from the energy required to operate these structures, while 11 per cent arises from the extraction of materials during the building process. Encouragingly, projections suggest that by 2030, all newly built or renovated structures will emit 40 per cent less carbon, and new buildings will operate with zero carbon emissions.
Notably, biophilic design has been recognised as a key approach for the property sector to pursue sustainability targets, all while upholding elegance and a refined aesthetic.
Biophilic design: Bringing nature into living and working spaces
The concept of biophilia first appeared in the 1980s, introduced by psychologist Erich Fromm and later brought into popular consciousness by biologist Edward O. Wilson. Rooted in the Greek for “love of life,” the term reflects a deep human affinity for connecting with living things.
In the realm of architecture, biophilic design refers to the thoughtful integration of natural elements into built environments. Though not entirely new, this design approach has gained momentum since the pandemic, as more individuals seek a harmonious balance between work and personal life.
As sustainable values move ever closer to the fore, biophilic design is increasingly featured in contemporary projects. Such spaces not only offer aesthetic appeal but also deliver tangible environmental advantages—enhanced air quality, more efficient cooling systems, improved water usage, and longer building lifespan. Beyond offices, this style is also favoured in upscale resorts and luxury residences, catering to a growing demand for wellness-focused living.
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Beyond its green credentials, biophilic design holds significant promise for mental and physical wellbeing. A study by Aarhus University found that workplaces incorporating natural elements can boost positive mood by as much as 13 per cent, and productivity by up to 8 per cent. On a physical level, spaces designed in this way may help lower cortisol, regulate blood pressure, and steady heart rate—all of which contribute to a better quality of life.
Three notable architectural works in the biophilic design style
Biophilic architecture is not solely defined by the inclusion of greenery. It represents a holistic integration of plants, natural light, biodiversity and organic materials within the built environment.
Among the most prominent examples is the Barbican Centre in London, often likened to the “Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the Brutalist style”. First opened in the 1980s and having undergone numerous renovations since, the Barbican Centre today ranks among the largest performing arts venues in Europe and remains one of the earliest embodiments of biophilic design. The complex encompasses expansive green spaces, a tranquil nature reserve, broad tree-lined avenues, and a network of lakes, ponds, waterfalls and fountains. As a result, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of both cultivated nature and cultural performance.
Another striking example is Bosco Verticale in Milan, described as the world’s first “vertical forest”. As envisioned by Italian architect Stefano Boeri and his team at Boeri Studio, the project was conceived not simply as a residence, but as a shared habitat for people, trees and birds. Designed to enhance urban greenery by planting vegetation vertically, Bosco Verticale is cloaked in more than 20,000 trees and plants of various species, a bold concept at the time of its inception, yet one that continues to thrive, defying early scepticism.
In Southeast Asia, The Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport offers yet another expression of biophilic principles. This architectural spectacle is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, soaring to 40 metres, and features a tropical garden comprising over 100,000 plant species. Additional areas within The Jewel are dedicated to themed gardens where travellers can meander and unwind. The seamless blend of filtered natural light through its glass façade and the fresh atmosphere created by dense vegetation gives rise to a calming, sensory experience that momentarily distances visitors from the pace of modern life.
Read more: The “sportstuga” movement: Swedish design’s quiet rebellion against 20th-century urbanism
Timothy Beatley, author of Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature into Urban Design and Planning, argues that urban spaces embracing biophilic design have the potential to transform everyday living. Looking ahead, such architecture is expected to proliferate in cities worldwide, enriching urban life while fostering environments that are both nurturing and sustainable.
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