Biophilic Hospitality Design: Using Nature to Improve the Guest Experience

Green Spaces & Natural Elements Proven Effective in Hospitality Design

Nature-inspired design has long been proven to boost the guest experience, and, in turn, increase revenue and positive reviews for hotels and other hospitality businesses. For example, David Gerson, vice president of marketing for Interface, found in his research that people are willing to spend 25% more money on food and beverages in a biophilic hospitality environment. Another study found that 36% hotel guests spend time in a hotel lobby with biophilic design elements in comparison with the 25% guests in a more conventional hotel. And, unsurprisingly, it has been shown that people are willing to pay an average of 23% more for a room with a view of nature.

Implementing Biophilic Design in Your Hotel, Restaurant, or Business

What about hotels and restaurants without an ocean view or other natural landscape they can leverage for attracting guests? According to Terrapin Bright Green, a leader in the green building industry, “Hotels with limited available space or a modest renovation budget can create micro-experiences, such as within a lounge area, with plants and small a water feature.” And, when it comes to adding natural design elements? “Small interventions are sometimes more effective – both from cost (investment and maintenance) and health standpoints – when well designed and strategically located.”

Green walls provide a visual connection to nature

Living walls—whether real or artificial—are modern design features that provide a visual connection to nature, which is considered one of the most impactful associations in biophilic design. Many hospitality designers and trade professionals prefer artificial green walls over the real thing, since the former require zero maintenance (which also means no maintenance costs). No watering, pruning, trimming, or fertilizing is ever necessary—and they never have to worry about withering, browning, or dying greenery. This freedom from constant maintenance also means the freedom to place the green walls anywhere—including hard-to-water alcoves and hallways without sunlight.

Rooftop gardens create “public private spaces”

Rooftop gardens and green outdoor common spaces are quickly becoming a must-have in hospitality design. Luxury hotels like Hotel Sofitel and the Four Seasons have already led the charge in using rooftop gardens that double as green space and produce for their farm-to-table restaurants. And guests can take refuge in manufactured green spaces on hotel grounds, allowing them to achieve respite in nature, even in the middle of a bustling city.

Potted trees and plants for a “direct nature connection”

One study found that people who enter an environment that allows them a direct connection with plants (being able to see, touch, and smell them) are 15% happier. Happy guests will attribute positive emotions to your brand, will be more likely to tell their friends about their experience, and will more likely be repeat customers and raving online fans. Potted plants and trees, though seemingly simple design elements, have been proven to relieve stress and promote feelings of well-being. Not only are they an opportunity to incorporate color and texture into a lobby or guest room design theme, but they are also effective air-purifiers.

“References to nature” in design also important

Natural textiles, wood wall panels, stone flooring and details, and other organic elements are also beneficial when incorporated into a larger biophilic design theme. Not only do these elements provide a tactile experience, but they also have a soothing, grounding effect that speaks to a guest’s desire for escape, as one would escape into nature to find peace and restoration.