Responds to geography both in terms of site (specific location) and situation (location relative to surroundings). A strong connection to geography can foster a desirable sense of local familiarity.
Geographic Connection
Contextual Relationships
Contextual Relationships
Harmoniously relates the existing ecology (that is, to the existing living organisms and physical surroundings). New construction inevitably reshapes existing natural systems, but biophilically designed structures aim to preserve ecological productivity.
Ecological Connection
Contextual Relationships
Integrates history, traditions, geography, and ecology to form essential individual and collective relationships. The need for cultural connection is crucial (as it links people to place); architectural vernacular is often a major component of a person’s heritage.
Cultural Connection
Contextual Relationships
Layers and joins spaces in diverse ways to hint at the intended use and capacity of various spaces. This enables internal wayfinding and creates “neighborhoods” within the structure.
Internal Relationships
Perceptual Attributes
Provides a sense of comfort and familiarity to the users. In order for a building to be a productive space, users should not feel uncomfortable or on edge (physically, climatically, etc.)
Safety/Refuge
Perceptual Attributes
Distinguishes the importance, priority, and use of various spaces within the building. For example, differences in ceiling height can articulate the difference between transition and destination.
Order, Hierarchy, Complexity
Perceptual Attributes
Evokes the process of natural discovery, and entices users to move throughout space in a variety of ways. Keeps the user alert and interested.
Enticement & Discovery
Environmental Features
Connects the space to the surrounding world. Failure to integrate natural light into interior spaces can result in the dissociation from natural circadian rhythms. Variations in light (filtered, diffuse, colored, reflective, etc.) add layers of visual complexity.
Natural Light
Environmental Features
Highlights specific spaces, particularly when architectural distinctions are not possible. Color is a powerful atmospheric tool (it has been shown to have a significant influence on building users), and should be applied judiciously and thoughtfully.
Color
Environmental Features
Instills a sense of calm, but can also be used pragmatically (i.e., as a natural cooling feature). When water itself cannot be introduced, allusions to it (through views, sound, color, etc.) can be similarly effective.
Water
Environmental Features
Introduces nature to building interiors in a scalable and tangible way. Plants are easily maintained and positively affect both mood and air quality.
Plants
Environmental Features
Connects interior spaces to the surrounding world in terms of both time (natural light) and place (contextual relationships). Views need not be spectacular to be effective, but they should ground the space in its context.
Views/Vistas
Environmental Features
Makes the space healthy, livable, and productive. Poorly insulated/climatically controlled buildings are uncomfortable for workers (and can also have adverse effects on machinery and furniture).
Airflow
Environmental Features
Links to the outdoors, making for comfortable and familiar interior environments. This is particularly effective when it takes indigenous materials and design vernacular into account, as it further grounds the building in its context (see cultural connection).
Natural Materials
Natural Patterns
Corresponds to natural variation in the sizes and types of spaces and crafts a dynamic user experience. Rarely in the natural world do you find exact spatial repetition; by that token, exact spatial repetition in buildings feels innately artificial.
Spatial Variation
Natural Patterns
Adapts the patterned and serial nature of organic form (such as the golden ratio, Fibonacci sequence, etc.). Repetitive elements in constructed space imply an affinity with the natural world.
Linked Series &
Repeating Elements