Biophilic Design Initiative

Biophilic Design is the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities. The International Living Future Institute has seen a demonstrated need among the Living Building Challenge community for biophilic design resources that can take the practice from theory to reality. ILFI has made it a strategic organizational priority to accelerate access to the benefits of biophilic spaces.


Featured Case Studies

Desert Rain

Desert Rain

Bend, OR
Betty and Clint Josey Pavilion

Betty and Clint Josey Pavilion

Decatur, TX
Vandusen Botanical Garden Visitor Center

Vandusen Botanical Garden Visitor Center

Vancouver, BC, Canada


The Biophilic Design Toolkit

The Biophilic Design Toolkit is a robust collection of resources to help designers explore biophilic design and promote human-nature connection in the built environment. The toolkit provides guidance, inspiration, and support for key activities from introducing biophilic design to teams, to the planning and design stages, all the way through construction and occupancy. 

The Biophilic Design Toolkit includes: Fundamentals of biophilic design, success stories, design guidance, biophilic design map, biophilic design activities and guidebook, and opportunities to go further.

Where to Start

What if we could experience the same physical, psychological, and emotional benefits moving through an urban landscape that we experience walking through a forest?

Get inspiration from award winning biophilic design projects by viewing the Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award winners.

Start your biophilic design journey by taking an online course and becoming certified in biophilic design.