Bringing nature inside: improving the indoor experience

Abstract

In the modern world, United Stated people spend 90% of the day indoors, going against the innate desire all human beings possess to be connected with nature. Understanding how the connection to nature benefits individuals, and what this lost connection may be causing or negatively enhancing, is an important part of future design because improving the design of interior spaces will improve the health of those using it. Expanding and deepening the design toolkit to include tangible elements, such as using tall potted plants as a spatial divider, purposefully placed colorful plants as wayfinding elements, hanging plants as light diffusers, and many other design solutions, offers clear opportunity to add natural benefits, such as improved mental health, cleaner air, and expanded attention, to any project. This study reviewed the literature of nature-based benefits and major issues people are struggling with and determined that the disconnect between humans and the natural world is harming society, and that a change must occur. These findings were used to determine an equitable solution that could be incorporated into the design world. Realizing the issues affect those of all economic and social standing, an affordable, small-scale solution became the focus of this study. Offering opportunity for anyone to include potted plants in design makes this solution as attainable as it is effective. Encouraging design professionals and those who seek to do so on their own to incorporate plants into interior design is the first step towards a more impactful reconnection with nature.