Every project starts with a problem to solve. On my most recent multifamily project on the Upper East Side, the problem was simple to name but hard to fix: 34-story residential dwelling didn’t feel cohesive. Different areas of the ground floor felt disconnected from each other, and nothing tied the experience together from one area to the next. My solution came from an unexpected place but something just a few blocks away – green-filled Central Park.
The Power of Biophilic Design
Biophilic design has been around for decades. As Foster + Partners describes it in their Plus journal, the term “biophilic” comes from the Greek words for “life” and “affinity,” reflecting our natural tendency to seek connection with nature—even in the most urban, built-up environments. What was once considered simply good design instinct—bringing in natural light, incorporating natural materials, or creating views of plants and greenery—is now supported by growing research. Across the industry, designers are becoming more intentional about creating biophilic spaces that can promote psychological well-being, reduce stress, and support cognitive and emotional health. Since health and well-being are core values in my approach to design, incorporating biophilic principles into this project felt like a natural choice!
Why I Chose It for This Project
A room can look finished and still not feel good to be in. In a multifamily in the middle of the hustle and bustle of New York City, having a safe haven, really matters. Incorporating biophilic elements gave me a way to unify the design across the space while also giving the people who use it something restorative, not just another shiny or colorful object, but something that supports how they want to feel.
Design Elements
I approached the redesign through a few key elements:
- Wallcoverings — Organic patterns and botanical motifs created a consistent visual thread throughout the spaces, bringing in references to nature without relying on literal or faux greenery at every turn.
- Lighting — Lighting became another opportunity to reinforce the biophilic concept through soft, diffused light and organic form. One statement fixture, designed to look as though leaves were floating around it, became a visual anchor that connected the wallcoverings, materials, and overall design story.
The Result
My lesson in all this is that the best biophilic spaces aren’t the ones that scream “nature”, but integrate natural elements subtly and intentionally, as if the design could exist in no other way. As the world gets busier, that’s the standard I’m holding my own work to going forward.