In modern times, biophilic design is all about bringing together nature and man-made elements. While biophilic design most often refers to bringing nature into indoor environments, it can also be used for outdoor spaces too.
This week’s blog explores how biophilic design can be incorporated into outdoor environments by using outdoor landscape lighting to enhance the natural elements that will promote health and joy.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is the idea that humans are naturally drawn to nature. As it turns out, there are also benefits to being in nature. It can be applied to both indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating natural textures, natural shapes, and lighting techniques in a seamless way. All of that works together to keep the focus on the natural, rather than the man-made.
Responsible environmental practices are also a big part of biophilic design. The use of natural light, water and fire elements, and organic materials come together to create a relaxing and inviting outdoor space. The use of sustainable materials, native plants, and outdoor lighting that reduces light pollution. In the end, biophilic designs benefit humans and wildlife alike.
What are the Benefits of Biophilic Design?
Being in nature can have many benefits. Some benefits include reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. At the same time, people’s focus, creativity, and cognitive function can be enhanced. There are ways that biophilic design can be utilized in outdoor landscape lighting to reap its benefits.
By offering outdoor landscape lighting solutions that adhere to biophilic design concepts, you can stand out amongst your competitors and be a more attractive option to your clients.
With biophilic design, you can give your clients outdoor spaces that enhance tranquility and connection with nature and leave them 100% satisfied.
Key Biophilic Lighting Strategies
When looking to create an outdoor landscape lighting scheme that adheres to a biophilic design, keep these concepts in mind:
1. Use Warm, Natural-Toned Lighting
Choose outdoor lights that have a warm color temperature. A light with a color temperature around 2700K creates a cozy atmosphere because it mimics the natural lighting from a sunrise or a sunset. You don’t want to use light that is too bright or blue-toned, as they can be disruptive and give an artificial, harsh feel.
2. Emulate Natural Light Patterns
The purpose of biophilic design is to keep things as close to the natural as possible. Ways to imitate natural light patterns include:
● Using downlights for the moonlighting technique. Moonlighting casts a soft, natural light downward. It gives the same feeling as natural moonlight.
● Having low-intensity outdoor landscape lights that aren’t overpowering. They will beautifully highlight focal points, guide people down pathways, or illuminate the surrounding environment.
● Adding dimmable fixtures, timers, photocells, or motion sensors to an outdoor landscape lighting system. They reduce light pollution and adjust the brightness of the lights according to the time of day or night.
● Having features such as glare guards to ensure that the light is directed where it is needed.
3. Blend Fixtures into the Natural Environment
For an all-natural look, consider choosing outdoor light fixtures that come in earth-colored tones or are made from natural materials like brass. Brass is a durable material that can develop a charming patina over time. Well lights are beautiful light fixtures that are installed flush to the ground, providing maximum light and minimum distraction. Strategically position lighting fixtures so that they blend into the environment and won’t draw attention to themselves. For example, you can conceal lights with bushes, surrounding boulders, or rock gardens.
4. Enhance Water Features & Fire Elements
Features that highlight the natural elements such as water fountains, ponds, or fire pits are great because they offer an interesting visual and appeal to the outdoor space. Underwater lights that are warm-toned installed in water features can create a soft, glowing effect that would make them stunning at night.
Firepits are a popular feature for outdoor spaces, as they provide light and warmth for chilly nights. Hardscape lights can bring out the texture of the stone or rocks and increase visibility to prevent trips or falls in the area.
Create Sustainable, Serene Outdoor Lighting with LightCh8in
Installing an outdoor landscape lighting system that complies with biophilic design concepts will help create the perfect outdoor environment for your clients. By balancing natural light patterns, sustainable materials, and thoughtful light placement, outdoor living areas can become inviting and sustainable spaces.
Ready to elevate your outdoor landscape lighting installs? Log in or register for a free LightCh8in account to explore our wide range of outdoor landscape lighting supplies. Find brass outdoor light fixtures, premium direct burial cable, LEDs, and more that will help give your clients their outdoor paradise.