Some of the most luxurious and coveted inside spaces are those which make you feel like you are spending time in the great outdoors – and it’s this which underpins the concept of biophilic design.
A style of design which connects the inside and outside worlds so seamlessly that nature becomes a foundational part of the modern architecture and building design, a bar which is considered biophilic is one where nature is celebrated rather than shut out. In its simplest sense, a hospitality venue or bar which is biophilic in design is one which satisfies our human need to spend time enjoying the great outdoors – but in such a way that we don’t lose access or proximity to modern amenities and luxuries.
So, how can you make biophilic design work in your bar, without losing sight of the immersive and intimate environment that so many guests want and expect from a bar?
How to encompass biophilic design into the hospitality sector
Biophilic design bridges the great outdoors with the inside of your venue or setting – using natural influences, materials, and design focal points to create somewhere that allows guests to feel at one with nature.
There are different ways of achieving this depending on your hospitality business, its location, and its layout – however most interior designers and restaurant or bar design specialists will focus on how to infuse different elements of the space into nature.
Here are some examples of how to connect biophilic design with a hospitality space…
- Integrate natural and unvarnished wood surfaces into the space.
- Use colours which reflect the space outside, including neutral and natural tones, greens, and browns.
- Consider the importance and value of natural light in a biophilic setting. Where possible, make natural light a functional and aesthetic focal point in your venue with large windows,
- Bring texture into the space. Woven textures, rattan features, and clay and stone accessories are all great ways of using texture to create aesthetic interest while also supporting a biophilic space inspired by nature.
The main features of a bar and how they bridge inside and outside influences
There are a number of standout features which are commonly associated with the design of a bar, from the bar itself to the seating options, the layout and configuration of the space, and of course the drinks that are served.
From an interior design perspective, some of the easiest areas to focus on are the bar itself and the seating / furnishings which are integrated for guest comfort. Using natural wood materials is one very easy way of bringing the outside into your bar – with wooden furnishings so popular that they make up a large percentage of the market’s products anyway.
Layout and configuration is another way that you can bring the outside and influences from nature into your bar – either by opening out the design and structure of the bar to encompass outside seating, or by creating an inside garden with large plants and trellis features. Using oversized plants instead of walls is a great way of separating different areas of the bar and creating some privacy and intimacy for guests, without shutting them away from the main action.
Finally, why not explore ways to bring the outside to your menu and into the presentation of your drinks? Edible flowers can be an excellent addition to drinks, not only making them more aesthetically pleasing for guests but also lending them to photos and to an indirect marketing campaign via the photos captured by your guests and visitors.
Is a biophilic bar the right solution for you?
A biophilic venue is one where guests can appreciate the luxury and finer points of the space amid a sense of time spent outside – connecting them with the great outdoors. It’s not a design scheme for everyone, but when used right it can create a memorable and enticing experience which is underpinned by intricate design flair and eye-catching features.