biomorphic design – Architecture Student Chronicles

In our biophilic design series, we’ve explored the principles of bringing nature into architecture and the practical techniques architects use to create nature-inspired interiors. Now, let’s zoom in on a real-world example that showcases biophilic design at its most ambitious: Amazon’s The Spheres in Seattle, USA. This iconic workplace, designed by NBBJ, is a testament to how biophilic design can transform urban workspaces, boosting employee well-being, creativity, and sustainability. For architecture students, The Spheres offers a masterclass in balancing bold vision with practical execution. This article dives into the project’s biophilic elements, its measurable impacts, and the lessons you can apply to your own designs. By the end, you’ll be inspired to reimagine workspaces as vibrant, nature-infused environments—and maybe even sketch one yourself.

The Spheres: An Overview

Opened in 2018, The Spheres are three glass-domed structures integrated into Amazon’s urban campus in Seattle’s Denny Triangle. Unlike traditional office buildings, The Spheres are an indoor rainforest, housing over 40,000 plants from 30 countries, winding pathways, and collaborative workspaces. Designed to foster innovation and relaxation for Amazon employees, the project embodies biophilic design’s core mission: to reconnect people with nature in densely built environments.

In 2025, The Spheres remain a global benchmark for workplace design, especially as companies prioritize employee mental health and sustainability post-pandemic. The project’s success lies in its seamless integration of nature into a high-tech, urban setting, proving that biophilic design can thrive even in corporate contexts. For students, The Spheres offer a case study in how architecture can address modern challenges—stress, disconnection from nature, and environmental impact—while creating functional, inspiring spaces.

Biophilic Design Elements in The Spheres

The Spheres incorporate a range of biophilic design strategies, drawing from the principles we discussed in our first article: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. Below, we analyze the key elements that make The Spheres a biophilic masterpiece.

1. Direct Experience of Nature: Indoor Rainforest and Greenery

At the heart of The Spheres is its lush indoor ecosystem, featuring trees, ferns, orchids, and epiphytes across multiple levels. The planting scheme mimics a tropical rainforest, with a 60-foot “Rubi” ficus tree as a centerpiece.

Indoor Rainforest Ecosystem | Direct Experience of Nature: Indoor Rainforest and Greenery

Implementation: Plants are supported by custom irrigation and climate control systems, maintaining humidity and temperature akin to a natural forest. Living walls and hanging gardens maximize greenery in vertical spaces.
Impact: The dense vegetation provides a visual and sensory connection to nature, reducing stress and enhancing mood, as supported by studies like those in Scientific Reports (2019) showing nature exposure lowers cortisol levels.
Student Takeaway: Consider how vertical greenery can transform small spaces. In a studio project, design a compact atrium with a living wall to mimic this effect.

As cities grow denser and urban life becomes more disconnected from the natural world, architects are turning to innovative solutions to bridge this gap. Enter biophilic design, a transformative approach that integrates nature into the built environment to enhance human well-being, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. In 2025, biophilic design is not just a trend—it’s a movement reshaping how we conceive spaces, from homes to offices to public plazas. For architecture students, understanding biophilic design is essential to creating buildings that respond to modern challenges like mental health, climate change, and urbanization. This article explores the principles of biophilic design, its evidence-based benefits, and why it’s a cornerstone of contemporary architecture. By the end, you’ll be inspired to observe and incorporate biophilic elements in your own projects.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design draws from the concept of biophilia, a term popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson, which describes humanity’s innate affinity for nature. In architecture, biophilic design translates this affinity into intentional strategies that bring natural elements into buildings and urban spaces. It’s not just about adding a few potted plants; it’s about creating environments that mimic natural systems, engage the senses, and foster a deep connection to the outdoors.

Biophillic Design - nature integration — Biophillic Design – nature integration

Unlike traditional architecture, which often prioritizes functionality and aesthetics over human experience, biophilic design places well-being at its core. It uses elements like natural light, greenery, water features, and organic materials to create spaces that feel alive and restorative. From towering green skyscrapers like Milan’s Bosco Verticale to cozy homes with expansive windows, biophilic design is versatile, applicable to projects of any scale or budget.

In 2025, biophilic design is gaining momentum due to its alignment with global priorities: sustainability, mental health awareness, and resilient urban planning. As architecture students, you’re at the forefront of this shift, equipped to shape a future where buildings don’t just shelter us—they nurture us.

The Principles of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is grounded in a framework of principles, most notably the 14 patterns outlined by environmental psychologist Stephen Kellert and colleagues. These patterns provide a roadmap for architects to integrate nature meaningfully. Below, we explore the key categories and examples of how they manifest in architecture.

1. Direct Experience of Nature

This category emphasizes tangible connections to natural elements. It includes:

Visual Connection with Nature: Designing spaces with views of greenery, such as gardens or forests. For example, large windows in a home overlooking a park create a calming effect.
Non-Visual Connection with Nature: Incorporating sounds, smells, or textures, like the sound of a water fountain or the scent of cedarwood.
Presence of Water: Using water features, such as indoor streams or reflecting pools, to evoke tranquility.
Dynamic and Diffuse Light: Mimicking natural light patterns, like skylights that shift with the sun’s movement.

A project like the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore exemplifies this, with its indoor rainforest and cascading waterfall, immersing visitors in nature within a bustling urban hub.

Case Study: The Impact of Biophilic Design in Urban Workspaces