Bloom Where You Are Planted: Biophilic Space Design for Women's Wellness

Biophilic space design for women's wellness

- Katherine L. Magsanoc

Is there a connection between how a woman's space is designed and her well-being? Speaking from experience, yes.

During the pandemic lockdown, we were holed up on the 25th floor of a low-ceiling condo in Mandaluyong City. It was a one-bedroom unit, and the windows were only on one side, facing Saint Francis (and Lourdes School of Mandaluyong).

Day after day, I would sit beside the window and stare at the Sierra Madre mountain range from a distance. There were no vehicles on the roads, so the sky was clear enough for me to make out some windmills on one small part of it.

We were living in a nice area, beside a nice mall. I had a nice view of the sky (and birds which I never noticed until it was that quiet) and my son and I never got sick of COVID. But the space made me feel like I could not breathe.

Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women's Day, and the whole of March is Women's Month in the Philippines. I thought of writing design- and space-related topics connected to women's well-being.

Biophilic design—even before I learned this was what it was called—eventually worked for me. When the lockdown eased a bit, we moved out of the condo and into an 80s-style apartment in Quezon City.

Wood, plants, and white—these were the keywords that helped me regain balance in that new space. These were the elements of my biophilic design.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is the conscious effort to connect humans with nature in the built environment. It's about bringing the outdoors in, incorporating natural elements like light, plants, materials, and even patterns that mimic nature.

Biophilic design is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating a sense of connection to the natural world, which is inherently beneficial to our mental and physical health.

Why is Biophilic Design Important for Women?