‘Biophilia’ and ‘Biophilic design’ are buzzwords that appear more and more as the years go by…But what do they mean? And how could biophilic design benefit your restaurant, café or bar facility?

Defined as an innate love for and connection to the natural world, the term was popularised by naturalist Edward Wilson in his 1984 book ‘Biophilia’. His theory states that we, as human beings that evolved as a species in nature, feel most at home in nature and have an innate desire to interact with all forms of life.

Biophilic design is a concept now used more than ever within the building industry to increase connectivity to the natural environment through the integration of natural elements into built environments.

From reducing stress to improving air quality and even increasing productivity, this form of design is particularly important in restaurant, bar, and café spaces for several reasons:

 

Enhance the Atmosphere and Ambience

Incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and organic textures can create a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere for customers, encouraging them to linger longer and enjoy their dining experience.

Reduce Stress and Improve Well-being

Exposure to nature has been proven to reduce stress levels and promote well-being. By bringing elements of nature indoors, biophilic design can help create a more soothing and calming environment for guests, enhancing their overall dining experience.

Improve Air Quality

Indoor plants not only add visual appeal but also help purify the air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. This can contribute to a fresher, healthier indoor environment for both guests and staff.

Connect to Place and Culture

Biophilic design elements can be used to reflect the local environment, culture, and cuisine, creating a sense of place and authenticity that resonates with guests. For example, incorporating native plants or materials can celebrate the restaurant’s geographical location and heritage.

Increase Engagement and Social Interaction

Natural elements like indoor gardens or outdoor seating areas can encourage customers to engage with their surroundings and each other, fostering a sense of community and social interaction that encourages them to stay at your restaurant, café or bar space.

Create a Positive Brand Image

Restaurants, bars, and cafés that prioritize biophilic design demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and overall guest well-being. This enhances your brand image and appeals to the ever-growing market of eco-conscious customers who value these principles.

Differentiate and Gain a Competitive Advantage

In a crowded marketplace, biophilic design can help restaurants, bars, and cafés stand out from the competition by offering a unique and memorable dining experience that appeals to customers seeking a connection to nature, whether they knew it or not.

Increase Productivity and Creativity

Studies have shown that exposure to nature can boost creativity, productivity, and cognitive function. By incorporating biophilic elements into your restaurant design, you can create a more stimulating and inspiring environment for guests and staff alike.

 

We hope this article has helped you to understand the significance and numerous benefits of biophilic design for restaurant, bar, and café spaces.

From improved atmosphere and well-being to differentiation and competitive advantage in the hospitality industry, there are many reasons to include biophilia in your catering offer.

If you’re looking to launch a new concept or refurbish an existing location with biophilic elements included, email enquiry@ifse.co.uk today to kick-start your transformation journey! ✉️

 

ifse projects in this article

• ‘The Seed Kitchen’ for award-winning venue, Friends House
• ‘Campus Kitchen’ for wellness-focused workspace, Campus Reading
• ‘The Central.’ for leading UK university, Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford
• ‘The eatery.’ for leading UK university, Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge
• #ifse refurb project for Lavazza/Lavazza Professional UK‘s flagship store
• ‘The Kitchen @ Felixstowe’ for seaside eatery, Martello Café and Kitchen
• ‘Magdalen Café’ for science and tech powerhouse, The Oxford Science Park