Rendering of the Whaler Hotel

The Eco-Conscious Design Strategy of Connecting with Nature

Understanding the significance of biophilic sustainable initiatives.

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” -Edmund Burke

With numerous O’Brien and Open Concept projects on the boards and in construction along the Oregon coast, several are noteworthy for their emphasis on direct connections to nature. Projects such as the Lloyd Hotel Astoria, the Whaler Hotel, Lincoln Sands, and the Hull Residence all incorporate the design strategy of connecting to nature.

Designing and constructing buildings with a direct connection to nature is called biophilia. Biophilic design enhances human-nature relationships.

These design strategies have many implications. On a smaller scale, their impact can be seen in the way they affect an individual occupant, and on a broader scale, with its direct impact on the environment.

Studies have shown that biophilic design contributes to improved physical and mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Below are several biophilic design strategies:

1. Providing access to, and views of, nature.

2. Incorporating passive heating and cooling.

3. Incorporating natural lighting.

4. Incorporating natural materials and colors.

5. Use natural shapes and forms.

Biophilic design benefits the individual occupant in a variety of ways; below are just a few:

1. Helps sharpen your senses.

2. Improves mindfulness.

3. Reduces stress and blood pressure.

4. Increases creativity.

5. Improves overall mood.

Benefits of biophilic design for the environment:

1. Helps increase biodiversity.

2. Reduces the carbon footprint and energy consumption.

3. Aids in natural resource conservation.

4. Helps manage stormwater runoff and reduces pollution.

5. Improves the air quality.

While the projects listed here may not be entirely biophilic or totally sustainable, the incorporation of biophilic design strategies such as those listed above on projects like the Lloyd Hotel Astoria, where reclaimed natural materials are incorporated, and views of the ocean are celebrated, can have a profound impact on the building’s inhabitants and the environment.

As stated in the above quote, let’s begin by making a small difference instead of risking doing nothing. Small initiatives can have large implications.

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” -Edmund Burke

With numerous O’Brien and Open Concept projects on the boards and in construction along the Oregon coast, several are noteworthy for their emphasis on direct connections to nature. Projects such as the Lloyd Hotel Astoria, the Whaler Hotel, Lincoln Sands, and the Hull Residence all incorporate the design strategy of connecting to nature.

Designing and constructing buildings with a direct connection to nature is called biophilia. Biophilic design enhances human-nature relationships.

These design strategies have many implications. On a smaller scale, their impact can be seen in the way they affect an individual occupant, and on a broader scale, with its direct impact on the environment.

Studies have shown that biophilic design contributes to improved physical and mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Below are several biophilic design strategies:

1. Providing access to, and views of, nature.

2. Incorporating passive heating and cooling.

3. Incorporating natural lighting.

4. Incorporating natural materials and colors.

5. Use natural shapes and forms.

Biophilic design benefits the individual occupant in a variety of ways; below are just a few:

1. Helps sharpen your senses.

2. Improves mindfulness.

3. Reduces stress and blood pressure.

4. Increases creativity.

5. Improves overall mood.

Benefits of biophilic design for the environment:

1. Helps increase biodiversity.

2. Reduces the carbon footprint and energy consumption.

3. Aids in natural resource conservation.

4. Helps manage stormwater runoff and reduces pollution.

5. Improves the air quality.

While the projects listed here may not be entirely biophilic or totally sustainable, the incorporation of biophilic design strategies such as those listed above on projects like the Lloyd Hotel Astoria, where reclaimed natural materials are incorporated, and views of the ocean are celebrated, can have a profound impact on the building’s inhabitants and the environment.

As stated in the above quote, let’s begin by making a small difference instead of risking doing nothing. Small initiatives can have large implications.

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