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Biophilic design is not a new trend but we are seeing it being emphasized, prioritized and normalized more and more throughout real estate projects & urban planning and for good reason.

Biophilic Design is defined as an approach to architecture and interior design that seeks to integrate natural elements, patterns, and processes into built environments to foster a sense of connection to nature.

Rooted in the concept of biophilia—humans’ innate affinity for the natural world—it aims to enhance physical and mental well-being, improve productivity, and create more sustainable spaces. This can include elements like natural light, greenery, organic materials, views of nature, and designs that mimic natural forms and rhythms.

Nature & the Built Environment

By blending natural elements into the interiors and exteriors of the built environment we create spaces that nourish the soul, enhance our well-being, remind us of our deep connection with the earth, cool our streets, clean the air and conserve energy. From scent to sight, adding fresh and living green decor to the design of your project allows the spirit to settle and the senses to expand into the natural world.

Some of the Benefits of integrating biophilic design into your projects may include:

Biophilic Projects that are Inspiring Us

This collection of case studies highlights the far-reaching creative, economic and climate benefits of integrating biophilic design into urban developments worldwide. By prioritizing nature-inspired solutions, cities can achieve greater resilience, enhanced public well-being, and long-term economic prosperity.

Forest City – Liuzhou, China

China Has Officially Started Construction on the World’s First “Forest City” Designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti

Forest City is a visionary urban development integrating lush greenery into its architectural and infrastructural design. This yet-to-be-built project exemplifies the potential of biophilic cities in enhancing urban climate resilience while reducing pollution through the absorption of CO2 by its abundant vegetation. The city is designed to incorporate vertical forests, green rooftops, and tree-lined streets, setting a precedent for sustainable megacities of the future.

Azulik – Mexico

SFER IK – Tulum Azulik by Roth Architecture ethos: Architecture must be harmonious with our organic bodies and an extension of our physical and psychological states. Architecture must generate a respectful dialogue with the environment in which it is based. As beings that participate in nature, our creations are an extension of this ecosystem.

Nestled in the heart of Tulum, SFER IK – Azulik is a premier example of biophilic luxury design, thoughfully merging the built environment with the natural world. Through the use of organic architecture, open-air spaces, and locally sourced materials, a deep connection between visitors and nature promotes ecological harmony. This project showcases how regenerative hospitality can create economic and environmental value.

CopenHill – Denmark

The landmark CopenHill waste-to-energy plant first imagined by Bjarke Ingels Group opened in Copenhagen 2019

CopenHill is a pioneering example of multi-functional infrastructure that combines waste-to-energy technology with urban recreation. The facility not only generates energy for thousands of homes but also features an artificial ski slope, hiking trails, and a lush rooftop park. By integrating greenery and public spaces into an industrial structure, CopenHill enhances both the local economy and quality of life while reducing carbon emissions.

Oriente Green Campus – Lisbon, Portugal

The Oriente Green Campus is a multi-building tech oasis born from an existing retail mall designed by Saraiva + Associados (Architect of Record).

Situated in Lisbon, Oriente Green Campus redefines urban sustainability by integrating energy-efficient structures with biodiverse landscapes. This development prioritizes green infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and eco-conscious architecture, contributing to a healthier, more resilient urban environment.

Future of Cities’ Climate & Innovation HUB – Miami, FL – USA

Located in Miami, the Climate & Innovation HUB by Future of Cities is the first aspiring net-zero office and event space in South Florida to demonstrate the intersection of environmental technology and urban resilience. Featuring biophilic installations from Plant the Future and showcasing climate-responsive design elements, the HUB serves as a model for sustainable urban innovation. The ReefLine‘s 3D printed prototypes located in The Yard at the HUB showcase how art, ecology, and infrastructure can coalesce to enhance coastal resilience while boosting local eco-tourism and economic activity.

Potato Head Bali, Indonesia

Some 5,000 flip-flops comprise this art installation at the Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Bali integratng biophilia with Upcycled Place-based Design

The Potato Head creative village in Bali is a beacon of sustainable hospitality, incorporating upcycled materials, zero-waste initiatives, and a focus on local craftsmanship. Its commitment to circular economy principles makes it a leader in regenerative eco-tourism. Potato Head Bali’s approach demonstrates how sustainability is a driver of economic growth and innovation in the hospitality sector. By integrating biophilic designupcycling, and place-based practices, the brand has set a new standard of cool for eco-friendly tourism, lifestyle brands and hospitality projects inspiring other brands to follow suit.

COMO Adventure Grove, Singapore

COMO Adventure Grove by Playpoint

COMO Adventure Grove reimagines urban play spaces with biophilic elements inspired by Singapore’s natural landscape. The integration of native plant species and organic play structures fosters ecological awareness and engagement for visitors of all ages.

EcoKid Kindergarten – Vinh, Vietnam

Eco-Kindi that is stimulating, safe and sustainable. The design of a new eco-kindergarten by LAVA with Module K and Viet Décor features spaces encouraging curiosity, activity-based learning and interaction with nature for the next generation of Vietnamese children.

EcoKid Kindergarten in Vietnam leverages biophilic design to create an immersive learning environment for young students. Featuring abundant natural light, green roofs, and open-air classrooms, this project highlights the intersection of education, sustainability, and economic value in urban design.

Monaco Cable Car Mid Station

This project is the result of winning a competition to design a new cable car station in Monaco. The project is currently undergoing relevant authority approval processes by Shigeru Ban Architects.

Designed by Shigeru Ban Architects, the Monaco Cable Car Mid Station integrates sustainable materials and greenery into its innovative transport infrastructure. By prioritizing environmental aesthetics and reducing urban congestion, this project exemplifies how biophilic transit solutions contribute to economic efficiency. The Monaco Cable Car (Monaco-Téléphérique) is a unique urban cable car system in Monaco, connecting key areas of the city-state, including the Monte-Carlo district and the Fontvieille district. The system is designed to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the densely populated principality. The Monaco Cable Car is part of Monaco’s broader efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility. By reducing reliance on cars, the system helps lower carbon emissions and traffic congestion in the city-state.

Paper Green House Les Tonnelles, Japan

This greenhouse is composed of arches made from paper tubes connected by metal joints. on the exterior, a ready-made greenhouse frame was installed with a double layer of fluorine film with an air layer in between to suppress the temperature changes of the interior. In summer, the leaves of the plants grown inside will cover the ceiling, blocking sunlight completed in 2019 by Shigeru Ban Architects.

Also designed by Shigeru Ban Architects, the Paper Green House Les Tonnelles showcases sustainable, modular design using paper-based materials. This project underscores the economic and environmental benefits of adaptable, low-impact construction methods.

Santalai – Bogota, Colombia

Santalaia is a high end multi-family residential building situated on the eastern edge of the densely populated Colombian capital of Bogotá. It has a privileged location in the Rosales neighborhood, adjacent to several embassies and with a wonderful view over the eastern hills. In 2013 architects Exacta Proyecto Total approached Groncol, vertical garden and greenroof designer and installer, with the idea of having a multi-family residential building entirely covered with plants. 

Santalai in Colombia showcases an eco-friendly architecture that merges functional design with urban living. “Designing irrigation, water recycling systems, as well as plant selection were some of the biggest challenges with the Santalaia project. The Santalaia building is also using water from the apartments’ showers for irrigation, among many technical details we installed humidity and radiation sensors to optimize water consumption as well as a water treatment plant so as not to have any water waste.” Pablo Atuesta, General Manager of Groncol.

The Jewel – Singapore

Jewel Changi Airport Development / Woh-Hup and Obayashi Singapore – Designed by Safdie Architects, the dome-shaped building houses a dynamic mix of retail, leisure, garden and hotel amenities, as well as airport operations.

The Jewel at Changi Airport is an architectural marvel that integrates indoor greenery, waterfalls, and natural light to enhance traveler experiences. By combining commercial, leisure, and ecological elements, The Jewel exemplifies how biophilic design can drive tourism, retail, and economic growth.

Greenshades – Spain

Greenshades is a versatile system that adapts to the multiple shapes and dimensions of tensioned sails. The lightness and ease of installation allows the generation of shadows and nature in commercial streets and public spaces where trees or other vegetation cannot be placed due to lack of space.

Greenshades in Spain is a leading example of urban greening initiatives, featuring innovative shading structures covered in vegetation to reduce urban heat and improve air quality. This project highlights the economic benefits of incorporating nature-based solutions into city planning.

Medellín Green Corridors InitiativeColombia

Mixed-use building in Medellín, Colombia, featuring apartments, offices and restaurants. Its unique volumetry is determined by the corner curves of the lot where it is located. 2019 by ALH Architecture This project achieves an urban response to its immediate surroundings with a commercial plinth and living space. It has thick gardens at height with a great variety of species generating dynamism on the facades. The materials used are brick, steel and glass, which last over time and, due to their texture and colour, allow the building to blend into its surroundings

The Medellín Green Corridors Initiative, a biophilic urban planning project, has successfully reduced temperatures in the city by up to 2-3°C (3.6-5.4°F) in some areas. This was achieved by planting trees, creating green spaces, and integrating vegetation into the urban landscape, which helped mitigate the urban heat island effect.

The initiative cost approximately $16.3 million USD and involved planting thousands of trees and plants across 30 corridors and 124 parks. The project not only cooled the city but also improved air quality, biodiversity, and the overall quality of life for residents.

The Medellín Green Corridors Initiative has an estimated monthly maintenance cost of around $625,000 USD. This includes expenses for watering, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and general upkeep of the green spaces and trees. The maintenance is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the project in cooling the city and providing environmental benefits.

The cost is shared between the city government and local communities, with some areas involving community participation to reduce expenses. The investment is considered worthwhile given the significant environmental, social, and economic benefits the project has brought to Medellín.

Coming Soon to Portugal

A new biophilic development in Portugal is in the works, emphasizing ecological sustainability and innovation with Future of Cities. Further details and project insights will be shared here soon. Stay tuned!