Characteristics of Biophilic Buildings (Heerwagen and Hase, 2001)

2 Dimensions and 6 Elements, and 72 Attributes of Biophilic Design (Kellert, 2008)

1. Environmental Features

• Color• Water• Air• Sunlight• Plants• Animals• Natural materials• Views and vistas• Façade greening• Geology and landscape• Habitats and ecosystems• Fire

2. Natural Shapes and forms

• Botanical motifs• Tree and columnar supports• Animal (mainly vertebrate) motifs• Shells and spirals• Egg, oval, and tubular forms• Arches, vaults, domes• Shapes resisting straight lines and right angles• Simulation of natural features• Biomorphy• Geomorphology• Biomimicry

3. Natural Patterns and processes

• Sensory variability• Information richness• Age, change, and the patina of time• Growth and efflorescence• Central focal point• Patterned wholes• Bounded spaces• Transitional spaces• Linked series and chains• Integration of parts to wholes• Complementary contrasts• Dynamic balance and tension• Fractals• Hierarchically organized ratios and scales

• Natural light• Filtered and diffused light• Light and shadow• Reflected light• Light pools• Warm light• Light as shape and form• Spaciousness• Spatial variability• Space as shape and form• Spatial harmony• Inside-outside spaces

5. Place based relationships

• Geographic connection to place• Historic connection to place• Ecological connection to place• Cultural connection to place• Indigenous materials• Landscape orientation• Landscape features that define building form• Landscape ecology• Integration of culture and ecology Spirit of place• Avoiding placelessness

6. Evolved human nature relationships

• Prospect and refuge• Order and complexity• Curiosity and enticement• Change and metamorphosis• Security and protection• Mastery and control• Affection and attachment• Attraction and beauty• Exploration and discovery• Information and cognition• Fear and awe• Reverence and spirituality