More than two dozen representatives of some of the biggest names in technology, science and sustainable design gathered March 15 at HOK’s San Francisco office to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of biophilic design into architecture and urban planning. Biophilic design recognizes people’s innate, ancestral connection to nature and seeks to incorporate the natural environment into design either directly (such as through natural ventilation and views to plant life and the outdoors) or metaphorically (such as through the use of patterns and textures that occur in nature).
Organized in partnership with the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the forum sought to define the current and future state of biophilic design for designers, planners and building owners and to create a framework for its adoption and evaluation. Design leaders from Google and Amazon led one of the day’s first sessions, sharing how their companies are integrating biophilic design into their buildings and workspaces. Other organizations in attendance included Genentech, Salesforce, UC Davis Health, the GSA and City of Palo Alto.