Case Studies of Biophilic Buildings Around the World

Biophilic buildings are transforming architecture by integrating natural elements, light, ventilation, and landscapes into their designs. These projects aim to foster a deeper connection between humans and nature, improving well-being, productivity, and sustainability. Around the globe, pioneering architects and developers are reimagining workspaces, homes, and public areas through the lens of biophilia. This page explores a selection of extraordinary biophilic buildings, uncovering their design philosophies, key features, and tangible benefits for their users.

Innovative Urban Green Spaces

Bosco Verticale, Milan

Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest,” is a pair of residential towers in Milan designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti. They are renowned for hosting over 900 trees and thousands of shrubs and plants across their façades and balconies. This living ecosystem not only provides visual delight but also serves practical purposes—absorbing CO2, moderating building temperature, and dampening urban noise. Residents benefit from improved air quality and a unique connection to seasonal cycles, all in the midst of a busy metropolis. Bosco Verticale has established a pioneering precedent for urban residential biophilic architecture, sparking similar projects worldwide.

One Central Park, Sydney

One Central Park in Sydney seamlessly weaves together architecture and extensive vertical gardens. Designed by Jean Nouvel in collaboration with botanist Patrick Blanc, the building features over 250 species of Australian plants cascading along its structure. The combination of natural sunlight, mirrored reflectors, and automated irrigation fosters a sustainable green façade that supports urban biodiversity. Residents and visitors enjoy serene garden spaces within and around the building, while innovative design solutions mitigate the urban heat island effect, making Central Park a model for sustainable redevelopment in dense city centers.

Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Singapore

The Parkroyal Collection Pickering hotel in Singapore is famous for its lush sky gardens, water features, and plant-covered terraces. WOHA Architects conceptualized the building as a “hotel in a garden,” weaving over 15,000 square meters of greenery into its structure. This biophilic design not only offers visual and psychological benefits but also aids in passive cooling, reduces energy consumption, and provides habitats for local bird species. Guests are immersed in a living landscape, experiencing firsthand how well-crafted green architecture can elevate daily life and well-being.

Biophilia at the Workspace

Amazon Spheres, Seattle

The Amazon Spheres in downtown Seattle are a radical departure from traditional corporate offices. Designed by NBBJ, these glass domes comprise a network of walkways and meeting spaces nestled among over 40,000 plants from around the globe. Employees can hold meetings in treehouse-like pods or take restorative walks through the verdant interior. The spheres illustrate how a workspace infused with nature can stimulate innovation, enhance concentration, and support the holistic well-being of staff. Their global notoriety has helped raise the profile of biophilic design in the tech industry and beyond.

The Edge, Amsterdam

Dubbed “the greenest building in the world,” The Edge in Amsterdam exemplifies how biophilic principles can coexist with cutting-edge technology. Its atrium is bathed in daylight, while open-staircases and abundant interior planters bring greenery deep into the building’s core. Sensors adjust lighting and climate according to occupancy, minimizing resource use. Employees at The Edge consistently report higher job satisfaction, attributed largely to the abundant biophilic elements. The building illustrates that intelligent design can achieve energy efficiency and foster a thriving, people-centered workplace.

COOKFOX Architects Studio, New York

COOKFOX Architects transformed their Manhattan office into a showcase for biophilic design principles. The studio features green walls, natural wood finishes, generous daylight, and sweeping views of Bryant Park. Employees have access to a spacious landscaped terrace, establishing a strong visual and physical connection with nature. Studies conducted within the studio report reduced anxiety, better focus, and higher creativity among designers. The project serves as a model for adapting biophilic strategies to existing buildings within dense urban environments.

Educational Spaces in Harmony with Nature

Green School in Bali is internationally admired for its bamboo architecture and campus interwoven with rivers, permaculture gardens, and rainforest. Designed by John Hardy and the local community, each building uses natural ventilation and daylight instead of conventional climate control. Students spend significant time outdoors, engaging in hands-on sustainability projects. The biophilic approach extends beyond structures—it’s a vital part of the school’s educational philosophy, fostering environmental stewardship, curiosity, and holistic development in every student.