One of the major interior design legacies of Covid-19 is the expansion of biophilia in retail, work and public environments. As we know, the pandemic trigged a major reconnection with nature. And with the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the repopulating of offices, malls and hospitality venues, developers are seeking to ‘bring the outdoors indoors’ by embracing biophilic design.
The use of plants, trees and green walls in buildings has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental and physical wellbeing, and the post-Covid focus on wellness is driving widespread innovation in this area. Biophilia is also becoming popular as its connects health and sustainability, which resonates strongly with younger generations of employees and consumers.
Across the regions in which we operate, we’re seeing increased efforts to bring greenery, water and open space into interior design. Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore – a former Benoy project – is a prime example, with a live rainforest and waterfall at the heart of a luxury retail complex. Indeed, clients are becoming bold and aspirational in their visions for these ‘externalised interiors’ – particularly in hot climates (where warm air can be cooled through transpiration), but also here in Europe.
Currently, the Benoy ID team is working with a top London retailer on a major biophilic design scheme. Looking to convert a cold and shiny consumer environment into a softer, leafier, more family-oriented experience, this project reflects the general trend for the greening of urban interiors.