Aesthetic as ActivismBiophilic Design

When asked what her personal design aesthetic was, Northern Arizona University (NAU) graduating senior Monica Martinez, Student ASID laughed. “That’s hard,” she said and then proceeded to describe an aesthetic based on Scandinavian Modernism with a masculine color scheme, natural woods, and leather. “Fake, of course,” she added. Other soon-to-be graduates mingling in NAU’s Beasley Gallery for the Interior Design Expo Open House didn’t hesitate when asked the question.Yliana Kolosseus, Student ASID whose “Urban Heights” project took third place among the 38 capstone projects, quickly stated biophilia, organic, modernism, neutrals and bringing nature inside as the founding principles of her aesthetic. She referenced the importance of research in creating designs that are focused on the health and wellness of users in all types of spaces as the fundamentals of where she begins when working with a client.

In fact, many of the seniors I spoke to mentioned biophilia as part of their aesthetic. Kara Sepel, Student ASID described an aesthetic in which she likes to mix natural elements with industrial accents to create variety in her designs. Mia Armijo described a tendency toward organic materials and shapes supplemented by vintage and retro pieces to stick to the classics and avoid trends that will quickly pass. Abbie Letourneau prefers to play with harsh textures and soft biophilic materials to keep her designs exciting.

This next generation of designers all understood the importance of working with their clients to create a final design solution that reflected the clients taste and needs but also the need to educate the end user on the importance of interacting with nature not just outside but in interior spaces as well. Their concern goes beyond the use of daylighting, living walls and fountains in interior spaces and extends to their knowledge of sustainable and organic materials and concern for the well-being of other species. Note the above comment about being sure to use vegan leather in lieu of the real thing.

The National Resources Defense Council and the US Green Building Council introduced their LEED Certification program for buildings in 1993. Designers and Architects are aware of the requirements for these certifications and the value of achieving LEED credentials in their personal practice. Since this certification was created, The International Well Building Institute has also created the WELL Building Standard focused on “creating and certifying spaces that advance human health and well-being.” This standard goes beyond rating materials and systems used in the building and takes into consideration the percentage of landscaped exterior spaces, the inclusion of natural elements on the interior and the use of natural light.

As we move forward in a world changed by the Covid-19 pandemic, these students are prepared to take the lead as ambassadors for creating healthier, more productive and happier spaces. In defining the aesthetic of their work, these students have chosen to include elements that not only define the look of the space but also the feel and performance of that space for end users. For more information on biophilic design consider the following courses on the ASID Academy: Theory of Biophilic Design, Biophilic Design: Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment.

Christina Dickinson, ASID Communications Director