Biophilic Design in Architecture: Tying Nature and Wellness Together
A biophilic sanctuary that maximizes natural light, adaptability, and wellness—blurring boundaries between built space and nature.
In a world increasingly disconnected from the natural environment, this project"Tying up the nature with the human" in Oslo, Norway embraces biophilic design architecture to tie human well-being with nature. The concept centers around integrating essential natural elements—light, greenery, and openness—into daily spatial experiences, enhancing both mental and physical health.
Designed by Mahsa Abdkarimi, Ali Torabi, and Elnaz Ghorbani, this runner-up entry of the Solarium competition proposes a dynamic, multi-functional building with spaces for meditation, libraries, spas, and communal gatherings. At the heart of the project lies a garden house, acting as both visual and spatial anchor, bridging public and private zones through transparency and greenery.
Natural Light and Climate Responsiveness
To combat the limited daylight in Nordic regions and its impact on mental well-being, the building maximizes exposure to controlled natural light using transparent facades and adjustable aluminum louvers. These louvers contain insulation layers to block cold drafts while regulating sunlight. Strategic placement of double-skin glass and solid concrete further balances light transmission and thermal comfort.
Responsive Geometry for Maximum Site Efficiency
The triangular plot posed design limitations that were overcome through innovative form manipulation. By mirroring and offsetting the triangular boundaries into an optimal rectangular footprint, designers minimized unusable corners. The softened angles increase spatial functionality and daylight penetration, reinforcing biophilic principles.
Flexible, Adaptable Interior Architecture
Interior zones embrace open-plan concepts with minimal fixed partitions. Adaptability is further amplified through a continuous ramp circulation system, linking various levels and encouraging fluid transitions between spaces. The ramp incorporates multifunctional stop points, eliminating monotony and offering opportunities for informal interactions and meditative pauses.
Integrated Nature and Social Wellness
The garden house, visible from most internal areas, serves as a constant reminder of nature’s presence. Its transparent canopy allows sunlight to cascade through the building, forming a central atrium. Around this atrium, zones for private (library, spa, yoga) and public use (lounges, café, garden paths) coexist, fostering both solitude and community.
Outdoor areas are programmed with seating and rest spaces to experience Norway’s natural phenomena like the aurora borealis, visible through the fully glazed façade. These features aim to uplift the user’s mood, strengthen their connection to nature, and promote a lifestyle of calm and productivity.
This project seamlessly blends biophilic architectural principles with spatial adaptability and natural integration. By using materials and form to manage light and climate, and designing for both solitude and community, it creates a timeless sanctuary that keeps users energized and emotionally rooted. It is more than a space—it is a sensory journey grounded in nature.
