Indirect Versus Direct Biophilic Design

Biophilic design includes both direct and indirect attributes. While direct biophilic design includes a physical or living aspect of nature, indirect biophilic design offers an aesthetic feeling through an inorganic portrayal of nature.

Living in a home right in front of a lake house allows a direct interaction with the lake water and natural environment. In contrast, someone living in a city setting may have photographs or paintings of bodies of water hung around his or her apartment in an effort to experience a sense of indirect biophilic design. Direct interaction with water through touch, movement, sight or sound attracts individuals and often results in positive feelings. However, representation of water through images may allow humans to experience more of an emotional or intellectual satisfaction.