Biophilic Living with Interior Architect Anna Tiula

WLLW spoke with Anna Tiula, a Helsinki-based interior architect whose appreciation for nature-connected design informs her work and its relationship to overall wellbeing. The term biophilia, meaning a love of life and living things, was introduced by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm and later developed by biologist E.O. Wilson and social ecologist Stephen R. Kellert through 'The Biophilia Hypothesis'. At its heart is the idea that humans have an innate tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life.

In design, that connection can take many forms, from natural light, plants and views to the use of natural materials, organic forms and spatial qualities that evoke the feeling of being in nature.

Rooted in the Nordic region, where a close relationship with local nature and the changing seasons is part of everyday life, Tiula underscores the necessity of tailoring our interiors to support the needs of the nervous system, improve sleep and reduce stress. For her, truly effective design aligns with our innate biological preferences, recognising that we instinctively seek spaces that help us feel calm, restored and well.

Edgars Creek project by Breathe Architecture in Melbourne. Photo courtesy of Tom Ross

Your practice has a strong focus on biophilic design, incorporating design elements that foster a deeper connection with nature. Can you share how this became a focal point in your design philosophy?

I have always been interested in wellbeing – understanding what makes us feel well, what it means physically and the components of happiness. We spend 90 percent of our time indoors. It's evident that interiors, that spaces, have an effect on our ability to rest, work and achieve balance. As a Nordic-based interior architect, I understand that a life connected to nature leads us to balance; through nature, natural materials, tranquility and a muted color palette. Wellbeing in interiors is essential for all of us, especially for urban dwellers who may not have an everyday connection to nature in the cities where they live and work.

After my studies and going through the research, I realized that Nordic biophilic design is one of the strongest pathways for human wellbeing in interior architecture. A Nordic, nature-connected lifestyle, even at the city scale, serves as a valuable benchmark when designing and constructing city structures with interiors that cater to human rest and work. This is where empathy becomes essential. As a designer, I view user experience and its success, as one of my primary responsibilities when crafting interiors.

Junsei House in Seattle, designed by Suyama Peterson Deguchi. Photo courtesy of Ed Sozinho and Charlie Schuck

Can you provide a brief overview of the adoption of biophilic architecture and some key elements of this design philosophy?

Biophilic design and biophilic architecture have existed since the early years of Modernism and even before. Early societies had to consider nature and climate when building homes. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto was one of the pioneers of nature-connected, human-centered design, even without the biophilic label. Aalto is recognized as one of the pioneers in using empathy and user experience in his architectural designs. He was adept at articulating his work philosophy and goals, often assisted by both his first wife, Aino Aalto, and after her passing, Elissa Aalto. Their perspectives offer us, the later generations, rich resources to understand the ideas behind his still-admired architecture and design.

When Asia started rapidly developing larger infrastructure, such as hospitals, extensive biophilic research yielded excellent scientific results. The symbiosis between interiors and local nature contributed significantly to patient recovery and health.

Throughout history, most cultures worldwide have embraced biophilic design because it's grounded in natural human needs. These cultures adapted this design to suit their unique requirements and aesthetics. It isn't just a fleeting aesthetic or style. It serves as a foundational reference for designers.

Edgars Creek project by Breathe Architecture in Melbourne. Photo courtesy of Tom Ross

Biophilic design emphasizes the use of natural materials and elements to enhance wellbeing. Could you discuss both the physiological and psychological benefits?

It wasn’t so long ago that humans were primarily outdoors and our lives and routines revolved around nature. Our nervous system hasn't yet fully adapted to urban life. It hasn't evolved as swiftly as our societal structures have. Our nervous system is still hardwired to seek signs of safety and danger. Consequently, we can become easily stressed in continuously noisy environments, under aggressive lighting, in unsuitable temperatures, or surrounded by striking colors.

To activate our parasympathetic nervous system, we need the tranquility found in nature. This natural language needs to be replicated in man-made environments because we can't just turn off our inherent responses. When our environment signals safety, allowing us to relax, we're able to focus on work, sleep better, and most importantly, stress hormones don't falsely alert our body. Chronic stress and high anxiety levels are significant barriers to overall wellbeing and health.

"We, as humans, are still very much a part of nature, even though we often find ourselves in artificial surroundings."

Anna Tiula

Could you elaborate on how adopting a biophilic approach can have broader environmental benefits, such as material sourcing?

What benefits the planet invariably benefits humans. Utilizing natural, non-toxic materials without adverse chemical reactions benefits both the environment and human health in our living spaces. It's essential to understand the research behind how our physical and psychological states respond when we are in conditions that are unsuitable for the human body.

Change is driven by knowledge, but predominantly rooted in design thinking. Architects, designers, and even sectors like real estate and finance, have a responsibility to comprehend how interiors affect our wellbeing. Often, the health of our environment mirrors our own health. We, as humans, are still very much a part of nature, even though we often find ourselves in artificial surroundings.

When we make choices that favor biophilic, natural materials and connect ourselves with local nature, environmental benefits are achieved in tandem.

Casa Galloway by Lindye Galloway in Newport Beach, California. Photo courtesy of Sam Frost

For those looking to infuse biophilic elements into their existing homes, what practical advice can you offer? Are there any easy-to-implement strategies that can make a significant difference?

Not all interiors, especially in urban settings, have the advantage of a sea view or other immediate biophilic elements. This is where certain techniques come in handy to bring nature inside, even without a direct connection to the local environment.

Techniques such as green walls that help to purify the air using plants, light bulbs mirroring the color frequency of natural light – since blue light is not optimal for our nervous system – humidifiers and even nature soundtracks and scents. These are representative technologies designed to create the ambiance of a natural environment, the type that resonates with our human needs, especially when the actual nature element is missing in the room. Remember, it's all about fresh air and natural sunlight.

As for design choices at home, allow yourself the flexibility to dim the lights when you're feeling tired, opt for a nature-inspired muted color palette and tune into the needs and signals of your body and mind. After all, it's your home, your haven.

Terra House Mexico designed by Noa Santos Interiors. Photo courtesy of Noa Santos Interiors

Have you applied the principles of biophilic design in your own living space? If so, could you share some insights into the transformative effects it's had on your personal wellbeing?

I work and live in the heart of Helsinki, which is still one of the most nature-connected capitals, even though there have been missteps in residential construction. As I mentioned earlier, Nordics understand the significance of the seasons, we cherish cottage living, and have a deep appreciation for nature-connected design.

After years of working and studying design in relation to human wellbeing, I've naturally grown attuned to the messages of my own mind and honed my physical awareness. In turn, I've learned to design my home in alignment with the needs of my nervous system.

"When our environment signals safety, allowing us to relax, we're able to focus on work, sleep better, and most importantly, stress hormones don't falsely alert our body."

Anna Tiula

What resources or projects can our readers explore to learn more about the principles of this holistic approach to architecture?

I'd recommend visiting interiors from the Modernist era. Beneath a sometimes brutal exterior often lies a peaceful interior, characterized by incredible natural light and a serene atmosphere emanating from the use of wood and spacious layouts. Some hotels in the Nordic region are beautifully intertwined with nature, embodying a ‘highly biophilic’ design that offers rejuvenation for the nervous system.

Biophilic design is inherently local in its application. The idea is not to create a jungle inside, but to connect the interior with the local nature outdoors in the name of human wellbeing.

Further recommendations include exploring Isabelle Sjövall's work in Neuroscience and Design and listening to the podcast 'Journal of Biophilic Design'.

Featured Image: Gentl & Hyers

Photography: Tom Ross, Ed Sozinho and Charlie Schuck, Rafael Soldi, Jake Curtis, Sam Frost, Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Noa Santos Interiors, Helsinki Interiors