What are the most innovative and inspiring examples of green technology in biophilic design? (2024)

One of the most visible and popular examples of green technology in biophilic design is the use of living walls and roofs, which are vertical or horizontal surfaces covered with plants, soil, and water systems. Living walls and roofs not only improve the appearance and air quality of the spaces they occupy, but also provide insulation, noise reduction, stormwater management, biodiversity, and food production benefits. Some examples of living walls and roofs include the Musée du quai Branly in Paris, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, and the Edgware Road Tube Station in London.

Another example of green technology in biophilic design is the use of biomimetic materials and systems, which are inspired by nature's structures, functions, and processes. Biomimetic materials and systems aim to emulate nature's efficiency, resilience, adaptability, and beauty, while minimizing waste, energy, and material use. Some examples of biomimetic materials and systems include the Eastgate Centre in Harare, which uses a passive cooling system based on termite mounds, the Eden Project in Cornwall, which uses a geodesic dome structure based on soap bubbles, and the Heliotrope in Freiburg, which rotates to follow the sun and generate solar power.

A third example of green technology in biophilic design is the use of green infrastructure and networks, which are systems and features that connect and enhance natural areas and ecosystems within and around urban environments. Green infrastructure and networks provide multiple benefits, such as improving water quality, reducing flood risk, moderating temperature, supporting wildlife, and creating recreational and educational opportunities. Some examples of green infrastructure and networks include the High Line in New York, which transforms an abandoned railway into a linear park, the Sponge City Initiative in China, which uses permeable surfaces, wetlands, and rain gardens to manage stormwater, and the Singapore Green Plan, which aims to create a city in nature with green corridors, parks, and gardens.

A fourth example of green technology in biophilic design is the use of green transportation and mobility, which are modes and systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, noise, and pollution, while promoting active and healthy lifestyles. Green transportation and mobility include options such as walking, cycling, public transit, electric vehicles, car-sharing, and bike-sharing, as well as infrastructure such as bike lanes, pedestrian paths, bus rapid transit, and charging stations. Some examples of green transportation and mobility include the Copenhagenize Index, which ranks the most bike-friendly cities in the world, the Curitiba Bus System in Brazil, which is considered a model for efficient and affordable public transit, and the Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, which is designed to be a zero-carbon, zero-waste city powered by renewable energy.

A fifth example of green technology in biophilic design is the use of green education and awareness, which are tools and strategies that inform, inspire, and engage people about the benefits and challenges of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Green education and awareness include methods such as interactive exhibits, games, apps, documentaries, podcasts, blogs, and social media, as well as platforms such as schools, museums, libraries, and community centers. Some examples of green education and awareness include the Biomimicry Institute, which offers online courses, workshops, and resources on biomimicry, the Green School in Bali, which is a holistic and experiential learning environment that incorporates sustainability into its curriculum and campus, and the Climate Museum in New York, which is a proposed museum that aims to foster dialogue and action on climate change.

A sixth example of green technology in biophilic design is the use of green innovation and entrepreneurship, which are processes and practices that create new products, services, or solutions that address environmental and social problems or opportunities. Green innovation and entrepreneurship involve aspects such as research and development, design thinking, prototyping, testing, scaling, marketing, and funding, as well as collaboration among various stakeholders such as academics, businesses, governments, NGOs, and consumers. Some examples of green innovation and entrepreneurship include the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge, which is an annual competition that invites teams to solve real-world issues using biomimicry, the Solar Impulse Foundation, which is a global initiative that supports and showcases 1000 solutions that can protect the environment while being profitable, and the Green Alley Award, which is a European award that recognizes startups that work on circular economy solutions.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Green Technology

+ Follow

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.