‘Affinity for nature’ design competition launched

Science suggests that all of us may be hard-wired to love the natural world, and now a global competition named Reconnect Your Space is calling for architectural, interior or urban landscape design entries that put this affinity for nature, or “biophilia”, at the forefront. The competition, launched by carpet tile manufacturer Interface, invites architects, designers and students of these disciplines to submit their visions for how biophilia can influence the design of a new or existing space, either inside within built environments or outside in cities.

Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into manmade environments in order to help people feel and perform better and one winning submission will be selected as the most unique, inspiring and purposeful way of reconnecting this space with nature. “Reconnect Your Space” is also intended to foster dialogue, spark ideas and pique global interest in biophilic design for working, playing and living.

Evidence of biophilic design can be seen in a variety of ways — from New York’s acclaimed High Line linear park built on an historic elevated freight rail line, to the growing popularity of community gardens throughout Sydney, as well as through the ecological approach to building design showcased in Singapore’s Solaris high-rise project.

Research has shown benefits such as productivity, emotional well-being, stress reduction, learning, healing and environmental protection resulting from biophilic design and humankind’s innate psychological and physiological connections with the natural world.

“Biophilic design is ‘purpose driven’ design that recognizes humanity’s strong link with the natural world, which can be utilized for good,” said Maria Davlantes, senior vice president and CMO of Interface, Inc.

“Our hope is that ‘Reconnect Your Space’ inspires compelling examples of leading-edge biophilic design. We appreciate the global emergence of this exciting area and how the broader design community and communities at large stand to benefit through its development.”

One winning entry will be chosen by a renowned panel of judges from the global design community. Judges include: Robert D. Fox, principal at Fox Architects based in New York City; Paul McGillick, editorial director at Indesign Publishing in Sydney; and Richard Weston, professor of architecture at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University in Wales. The panel will select the winner from six finalists determined by social media based voting at interfacereconnect.com.

Participating entrants can visit the “Reconnect Your Space” page for details.