Biophilic Design is not an aesthetic trend, but a scientific and design approach that transposes our innate affinity with Nature into constructed spaces capable of generating physical and psychological well-being.

The Bolten & Barbiero Protocol, developed by Biophilic Design consultant Bettina Bolten and biologist Giuseppe Barbiero over years of multi- and interdisciplinary research and collaboration within the Affective Ecology Laboratory (GreenLeaf) at the University of Valle d’Aosta, was created to bridge the gap between academic research and design practice, providing architects and interior designers with an operational and scientific methodology.

Credits: pexels. Andrei Serikov

Biophilia and biophobia: two faces of the same coin 

According to Harvard University biologist E.O. Wilson, biophilia is “the innate tendency to focus our attention on life forms and everything that reminds us of them and, in some circumstances, to become emotionally attached to them.” It is a set of emotions, values, and attitudes that drive our relationship with Nature.

Alongside biophilia exists biophobia, a reaction of abhorrence or fear linked to the threatening aspects of Nature, such as spiders, scorpions, snakes, and others. Both have had an evolutionary function: to guarantee our survival as a species.

The protocol suggests designing environments that stimulate our biophilia and reduce biophobic stimuli, thus improving the balance of the autonomic nervous system: less stress, greater concentration, resilience, and mental and physical health.

An Evolutionary Approach

For 99.9% of evolutionary history, our species has lived in an intimate relationship with Nature, depending on it for survival.

Our ancestors perfected a set of adaptive responses to the wild, aimed at recognizing the qualities of an environment in terms of resources and shelter. Adaptive responses to natural environments have been codified into a set of responses to the wild, aimed at recognizing the qualities of an environment in terms of resources and shelter. Our ancestors honed a set of adaptive responses to the wild, aimed at recognizing the qualities of an environment in terms of resources and shelter. These adaptive responses to natural environments became codified in our behaviours and even in our DNA. Thus, over long years of evolution in close contact with nature, we developed our innate biophilia. Biophilia, therefore, has ancient roots.z

The protocol integrates these evolutionary principles into contemporary design, transposing human preferences linked to evolutionary history in Nature (natural light, views of natural landscapes and vegetation, natural materials and colours, sounds of Nature, organic shapes, curiosities, etc.) into concrete guidelines for urban, architectural, and interior design interventions.

From theory to application

Credits: Pexels-Rahime Gul

The Bolten & Barbiero Protocol stems from studies in biology and evolutionary psychology and integrates fundamental concepts of environmental psychology. It is further enriched by the valuable contributions of Stephen R. Kellert, an ecologist at Yale University and one of the leading pioneers of biophilic design, widely considered the father of this approach.

Evolutionary psychology is the branch of evolutionary biology that explores universal psychological processes, considering how they have contributed to the survival and adaptation of the human species. It is a basic approach for studying and implementing the principles of Biophilic Design within a more coherent and universal framework. Throughout evolution, humans have developed a strong instinct for choosing safe and resource-rich shelters. Within the framework of evolutionary psychology, Biophilic Design takes on a deeper meaning and broader applicability.

The criteria embraced by the Bolten & Barbiero model address psychological and physical needs that have developed throughout our evolution and stem from our universal requirements.

The elements of Biophilic Design can be divided into two fundamental groups following the principles of evolutionary adaptation developed by our species in the search for safe and resource-rich habitats (Orians, 1980).

The first group with the topics

• natural light + artificial light in line with our circadian rhythms
• protection and control
• sounds (natural)/avoiding annoying and harmful noises
• air (thermal comfort, air quality, natural ventilation)
• views/panoramas of natural landscapes and vegetation

seems to satisfy our search for a safe place to live.

The second group with the themes

• vegetation
• water
• smells (avoiding those from unpleasant sources)/natural scents
• curiosity
• organic shapes/materials/finishes/workmanship/natural colors

seems more related to the SEARCH FOR RESOURCES AND FOOD.

Why it is a valuable tool for designers

For architects and interior designers, applying the Bolten & Barbiero Protocol means:

• getting a methodology based on research and scientific data, not just on empirical approaches or aesthetic suggestions;
• providing healthier and more regenerative spaces, in line with the growing demand for environments that support health and well-being;
• gaining new professional competitiveness by aligning with internationally recognized protocols;
• integrating design solutions based on the relationship between humans and Nature, improving the quality of the user experience.
• supporting the sustainability and resilience of buildings by combining biophilia, aesthetic needs, functionality, and positive environmental impact;
• demonstrate added value to customers by transposing biophilic design into concrete metrics of comfort, productivity, and well-being;Una visione per il futuro del design;

A view for the future of design  

Credits: Pexels – Samil Nammau

Creating “lists of suggestions” is not enough: Biophilic Design must be based on guidelines validated by scientific studies and experiments, capable of being transposed into genuine support manuals for designers.

The Bolten–Barbiero Protocol paves the way, offering a model that is not limited to “bringing Nature into built spaces,” but aims to reconnect human beings with Nature, transposing biophilia into design, restoring balance and profound well-being.

For designers who want to make a difference, the Bolten & Barbiero Protocol is now one of the most advanced scientific tools for turning Biophilic Design into a real value in design.

Want to learn more about the Bolten & Barbiero Protocol and how to apply it to your projects?

Take part in the MeM training courses organized with Bettina Bolten: a course that combines scientific theory and practical exercises, culminating in a final workshop on applying the protocol to participants’ projects.
A unique opportunity for designers who want to take Biophilic Design to the next level, transforming every project into a regenerative and biophilic space.