Bio-Inspired Design: How Fractal Patterns in Architecture Boost Well-Being
Fractal patterns, or biophilic fractals, are simple, self-repeating patterns. Fractals are found all over the natural world - think of spiral shells, tree branches, flower petals, ferns, snowflakes, just to name a few. When used in architecture, fractal patterns can provide an element of calm and the feeling of bringing the outdoors to an indoor space.
Biophilic fractals are not only beautiful, but humans are naturally drawn to them. In fact, we look for fractal patterns as soon as we enter a new space, and pupil dilation while searching varies in a fractal manner. Our innate preference for uninterrupted fractal patterns comes from our early human history - since we evolved in nature, we grew to see uninterrupted fractal patterns as a sign that an area was undisturbed by potential predators. Now, exposure to nature and natural patterns gives us an inner feeling of peace and safety. When architects and designers incorporate fractal patterns in architecture, they bring a calming, nature-connected feel indoors.
Biophilic Design and Well-Being
Biophilic interventions can improve our health and well-being in a number of ways:
Emotional Sustainability
Biophilic interventions help reduce stress, lowering heart rate and cortisol levels. Fractal patterns in architecture and interior design can offer that same sense of peace and security we get from fractal patterns found in nature.
Additionally, fractal patterns can improve mental health - time spent in viewing fractal patterns, indoors or outdoors, is consistently linked to lowered stress levels and improved mood.
Cognitive Well-Being
Biophilic fractals can also improve cognitive health. When people spend time in nature, which is full of biophilic elements, they show higher levels of attention and focus. When natural elements were incorporated into office environments, office workers experienced improved creativity and focus.
Resilience
Biophilic fractals can also aid in faster recovery and over physical well-being. When exposed to scenes of nature, which fractal designs replicate, patients recovered faster and took less analgesics than patients resting in similar rooms with views of a brick wall. Besides speeding up recovery times for patients in healthcare settings, views of nature and access to natural light improve sleep and reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Fractal Designs in Architecture
When considering incorporating fractal patterns in architecture, there are many examples to draw inspiration from. Here are just a few:
Stuttgart Airport
Architect Frei Otto was inspired by the fractal patterns found in nature to create the structure of the Stuttgart Airport in Germany, which was completed in 1969. The main pillars branch out like trees, creating an aesthetically pleasing and structurally efficient design.
The Palmer House
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Palmer House as an equilateral triangle with rooms that are the same triangular shape. The rooms are arranged within the larger triangle and decrease in size depending on the type of room. The building is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and construction was completed in 1952.
Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School (BHE):
Located in South Carolina, Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School underwent a significant design change when administrators made the decision to move locations. While the old location was a standard school space, the new location incorporated elements of biophilic design, inspired by another school that had incorporated some biophilic elements into one of their classrooms with positive results. Since it was an existing school system that simply changed locations, it was easy to compare the impact of the new biophilic building with the old building. The results were obvious: in the new building, chronic absenteeism reduced to a rate far below the national average. Additionally, BHE saw a lowered level of behavior issues among students, and higher teacher retention rates, among the highest in the district. In terms of academic performance, academic growth either met or exceeded projected growth across grade levels.
Practical Benefits to Biophilic Design
Aside from the physical, mental, and emotional benefits, there’s a practical benefit to nature-inspired design as well. Repeating structures can dissipate the energy of impinging waves, so fractal building designs can minimize noise from traffic and vibrations from earthquakes.
Easy Ways to Add Biophilic Fractals at Home
You don’t need to be an architect to enjoy the benefits of fractals in your home. Consider:
Fractal-patterned carpets, wallpapers, or textiles
Living walls or indoor plants with repeating leaf structures
Water features with ripple patterns
Art or décor inspired by nature’s geometry
The host of benefits that accompany biophilic design are too good to overlook, so it’s worth it to consider adding biophilic design into your personal home or office space. Follow our blog, podcast, or newsletter for more nature-inspired design ideas.