With the unique request of providing a concept design for outpatient clinics that will be eventually located in malls and other commercial areas, and that needed to separate de dynamics of commercial centers and the reclusion required to take care of our own wellbeing, the concept of Biophilia started to take shape for these spaces.

The word ‘biophilia’ literally means a love of life or living things. It stems from Greek and is the opposite of phobia. We have an intuitive and deeply ingrained attraction to nature and a biological need for contact with the natural world. This is where we can design for an emotional and sensory experience. If we were asked to imagine a place where we feel calm and relaxed, chances are we would imagine a place in nature. Researchers have found more than 90 percent of us imagine a natural setting to calm and ease stress.

This trend is more than hospitals and clinics simply integrating some plants into their design. They look to the many benefits of biophilic design to enhance their brand and their guests overall experience by tapping into the wellness and wellbeing properties associated with this design trend.

The natural and biophilic design concept is characterized by Exposure to natural lighting, views of nature/ room with a view, natural architectural patterns, use of sustainably sourced materials, living green walls/ vertical gardens, direct and indirect exposure to nature.

Name: MAF Clinics
Location: Dubai, UAE
Client: Majid Al Futtaim
Status: Under Construction
Role: Lead Architect
Design Consultant: Perkins + Will