An Approach That Strengthens Our Connection with Nature: Biophilic Design and Flooring

Biophilic design, which is based on the relationship between nature and humans, is one of today’s popular design approaches. This word, formed from the combination of the Greek words Bio (Life) and Philia (Love), argues that all components existing in nature are in interaction with each other.

When we talk about biophilic design, we refer to an approach that allows us to feel the strong bond between nature and ourselves more deeply in our lives and to integrate our contact with the natural into our daily routines. This understanding integrates natural elements into spatial design and bases it on people’s instinct to connect with nature.

As one of the most effective stages where the intended impression of interior design can be expressed, floors play a key role in creating a natural and sustainable ambiance. Therefore, the floors of a space designed with a biophilic approach are an important component that will enable us to reflect these principles in the desired way. In this blog post, we will explore the principles of biophilic design and the importance of biophilic design in flooring design!

Aesthetics, Health, Sustainability: The Importance of Biophilic Design
The good and peaceful mood brought by being intertwined with nature is known by everyone. Research shows that natural elements reduce our stress levels, improve our mood, and enhance our cognitive functions.

The awareness of people’s need to connect with nature shapes the understanding of biophilic design, which is about creating living spaces that enhance creativity, tranquility, and physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Today, it is not surprising that many of us living in big cities feel disconnected from nature. We often have to spend most of our time in closed spaces, in tense and unnatural environments. Taking a nature walk, getting fresh air, or spending quality time is not always possible for city dwellers. Even if we cannot change environmental factors, we can establish our inner balance by equipping our living spaces with natural elements. With a lifestyle that increases our contact with nature, we can experience nature even in the most crowded and exhausting cities and feel that we are a part of it. When we put natural elements at the center of our lives, we see how quickly our physical and mental health improves. By adopting this approach for the sake of ourselves and our loved ones, we also reduce our carbon footprint and minimize our environmental impact.

“Well-Being” and Biophilic Design
The state of “well-being,” which is of golden value today, is a situation that is difficult to obtain and maintain. However, we need to make some effort to establish our inner balance and achieve inner peace. While we try to purify ourselves from the stress of city life through methods such as yoga and meditation, the conditions and environments in which we practice also affect the efficiency of our efforts. For this reason, if we calm the interiors where we spend most of our time with arrangements that balance our biological cycle and circadian rhythm as much as possible, we make it easier for ourselves to focus.

The use of natural elements indoors will make it easier for us to achieve a state of “well-being.” Incorporating textures such as wood and marble, integrating plants that fit the space, using natural colors such as green, earthy tones, and yellow in the right places, and ensuring sufficient access to natural light are factors that make us happier and more productive. We should design the environments we live in to benefit from daylight and natural ventilation and choose the objects and structural elements we interact with from natural materials.

A Future Sprouting from the Floor: The Aesthetic Power of Biophilic Design
Biophilic design’s attitude towards integrating interiors with nature and enabling people to establish a closer relationship with their natural environment is positioned parallel to the principles of sustainability. Preferring natural materials in flooring design, using wood suitable for sustainable forest management principles, and integrating recyclable materials are factors that help reduce carbon emissions and form the basis of eco-friendly design. Choosing natural fiber carpets made of materials such as wool or sisal also represents environmental approaches.

The use of natural patterns, textures, and colors brings us back to nature, making it easier to balance our rhythm and feel peaceful. In addition, it is very important that building materials are durable for long-term use and recyclable. A building material that carries these values not only reduces our carbon footprint and provides us with a healthy living space but also gives us the joy of taking a positive step for the environment.

Biophilic Approach and Green Footprints
Biophilic touches in flooring design open the doors to a more sustainable and cleaner future while offering more natural experiences. Reflecting the calming effect of nature into our living spaces gives us positive energy and dynamism.

The impact of the biophilic approach in flooring design is not limited to visuals. The content and production stages of the material must also not contain any chemicals that could harm our health. Especially in our homes, it is of great importance for our immune system that floor coverings we touch with our bare feet do not contain harmful chemicals. These materials must be made of natural components that do not harm our skin or respiratory system, which is crucial for our quality of life and comfort.

If we consider that indoor air quality is also one of the indispensable elements of biophilic design, the contribution of carpet tiles to improving air quality by collecting invisible fine dust particles in the air is also vital. For example, the In-groove series developed by modulyss to reduce the amount of fine dust collected in the air captures and holds fine dust more effectively thanks to the thickness of the yarn and the weaving structure. This ensures better air quality and minimizes the effects of allergens.

In workplaces or commercial spaces with heavy traffic, it is recommended to choose floors with easily and effectively cleanable surfaces and that do not contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). In closed spaces where VOC-free floor coverings are used, better air quality is achieved.

Traces of Nature in Flooring Design: Modulyss
In this context, the carpet tile collections of Modulyss deserve praise. Their characteristic collections, reflecting the colors and textures of nature, bring the calm and powerful effect of nature indoors beyond their aesthetic appearance and tactile experience. Their innovative designs repeat the colors, patterns, and textures of nature in the language of the space, creating a natural tranquility.

The Handcraft carpet tile collection of modulyss® masterfully reflects the subtle nuances of nature into a minimal design aesthetic. Each design in the Handcraft carpet tile collection interprets the mosaic of nature with the artistry of organic forms and detailed craftsmanship. The collection consists of the “Moss,” “Leaf,” “Willow,” and “Grind” series. The “Moss” series with its organic texture; the “Leaf” series reflecting the beauty of fallen leaves; the “Willow” series reminiscent of the dance of willow branches; and the “Grind” series inspired by earthy pathways enable you to reflect natural nuances into your living spaces. The Handcraft carpet tile collection brings together the magnificence of nature with impeccable design.

Another collection that stands out in terms of biophilic design is the “Rudiments” carpet tile collection of IVC Commercial®. With its soft texture and nature-inspired patterns, “Rudiments” offers designers a sustainable and aesthetic option for incorporating natural elements into interiors. The “Clay Create” series within the collection allows you to reflect the impressive quality of clay, a natural texture, onto your floors. The other series in the collection, “Basalt,” “Metallic Clay,” “Jute,” and “Teak,” also reflect different nuances of nature as their names suggest.