Biophilic-Inspired Design Takes Center Stage: How Bricks Bring Nature In

Largely driven by rural migration to cities and overall population growth, 68% of people worldwide will live in urban areas by 2050. By doing so, many will benefit from greater access to basic services, proximity to public transportation, and better education and employment opportunities. But the pursuit of living urbanized lives also leads to isolation from the outdoors –be it a forest, a meadow or the mountains– that can negatively impact our physical and mental health. Exposure to nature has long been proven to reduce stress levels, boost mood, foster productivity and, above all, enhance well-being. So, considering we typically spend around 93% of our time indoors (and that the pandemic has magnified that statistic), now more than ever we find ourselves seeking a connection with the outdoors and all its inherent benefits. Architects thus face the important challenge of bringing nature in, which is precisely where biophilic design comes into play.

Ginza Ecological Map / Hakuten Corporation

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us with more opportunities to deeply reflect upon the global environment and human-nature relationship. As we strive for a more sustainable society, it is essential to present Shiseido's unique approach of "beauty" to the community. Spring 2020,COVID-19 has emptied the streets of Ginza, one of Japan's largest commercial cities and the birthplace of Shiseido.

Opening Next to the Park House / Qukan

I feel that houses directly facing a small park in a residential area are built in such a way as to reject the park, perhaps because of privacy concerns. This may be due to the fact that the proximity of the park makes it difficult to maintain a sense of distance from the park. In this house, we sought to create a new expression of a house that benefits from the park while maintaining a good sense of distance and making the most of its advantages.

DK Branch Office / skimA

DK Daegu branch HQ is located on Daebong-ro in Daebong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City. Daebong-ro is a street of small commercial facilities, called Bonnidan-gil, and was once a street with a lot of floating population but now popularity has declined due to the redevelopment of apartments. In the back of the site, ‘Cheongwoon Mansion apartment complex is located, and by chance, the site faces a 200 m-long open view between the apartment buildings.

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