The hospitality industry is catering to a new generation of guests seeking unique experiences in their travels through strategic biophilic design. This practice of connecting people with the natural world within built environments has shifted from a hot new trend to an industry staple for a good reason.
The benefits of biophilic design for interior spaces are firmly based in science. Humans have an innate affinity for nature and elements that echo the patterns, sounds, and colors of the outdoors. Whether viewing a spring garden, a burbling fountain, or verdant wallscape planters, the physical and emotional impact is the same.
Impact of Biophilic Hotel Design
Stress levels begin to decline as the brain releases dopamine– that feel-good hormone that lifts the spirits. Research shows that exposure to green spaces and biophilic features is the perfect antidote to our urban lifestyle. Nature calms our nerves, engages the senses, and triggers an instinctual emotional response of contentment.
This positive reaction to natural surroundings is the goal of successful biophilic design hotels around the world. An abundance of sunlight, views of open-air landscapes, vertical gardens, scattered vegetation, and other types of biophilic décor help hotels, resorts, and restaurants create a memorable experience. This increases customer satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat business.
At its most basic level, biophilic design is about crafting a multi-sensory experience that has both physical and psychological benefits. Consider the following statistics on biophilic architecture and design elements in the hospitality industry.
- Guests spend 36 percent more time in lobbies adorned with lush foliage and biophilic elements compared to hotel lobbies without
- Hotel rooms with an “ocean” or water view are priced up to 20 percent higher
- Guests are twice as likely to leave a positive review of hospitality establishments when using the word “experience,” a pervasive descriptor of biophilic design
- Customers rate biophilic design hotels higher in terms of wellness, relaxation, and sleep quality
Bringing the Outdoors Inside
In the quest for customer loyalty and repeat business, more hotels and restaurants are intentionally designing spaces that soften the boundary between the indoors and out. They bring life to interior spaces by weaving in biophilic elements that range from subtle to overt.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, and bamboo
- Architecture that embraces the non-uniform patterns of nature
- Water features
- Indoor topiaries
- Moss walls
- Displays of fresh-cut flowers and unique flora
- Hanging and potted plants
- Faint smell of sage, pine, or other essential oils
- Clear sightlines of natural landscapes
Harness the Therapeutic Effects of Nature
Biophilic design is an effective way to differentiate your hotel or restaurant space from the competition, while creating a memorable experience that inspires customers to share their enjoyment and return for more.
Pandemic Design Studio can help you create an atmospheric stress-reliever with our modern ceramic vases and iconic wallscape planters. Need some inspiration or fresh ideas for a custom project? Reach out anytime for a personal consultation.
