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Avoid getting surprised when you hear about this new kind of providing hospitality: biophilic hospitality. This is a design mantra, as well as a concept turned to reality, wherein the appearance of spaces incorporates elements from nature – trees, cascading waterfalls, and other greenery. 

The best and most popular examples are the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and the Changi Airport in Singapore, too. 

Biophilia, or “love of nature,” isn’t a new idea. But in the context of hospitality, it’s taken on a powerful new role in an increasingly urban, overstimulated, and climate-conscious world. Hotels are more than just places of sleep. Malls are more than just the shoppers’ paradise.

This content will take you on a journey through the world’s best biophilic spaces and discuss what elements should be in your biophilic design to get started. 

The World’s Best Biophilic Spaces

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1. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Opened in 2012, the Gardens by the Bay is among the newest urban parks and attractions in the Lion City. It spans 105 hectares across the Central Region of Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. It is home to the largest greenhouse in the world, the Flower Dome. 

Even from afar, you will know that this space is a prime example of a biophilic space. It incorporates biophilic elements, such as the iconic Supertrees and biodomes, which aim to harmonize human innovation with the resilience of nature, showcasing the potential for sustainability and beauty to coexist. Celebrating diversity through nature. 

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2. Apple Park, the United States

Another amazing example of a biophilic design is the Apple Park in Cupertino, the headquarters of Apple, Inc., the biggest tech company in the world. Photos on stock websites online show this place to those who have not been here, as designed, like a perfect circle. Its interior courtyard is filled with native plants and trees. 

This design emphasizes how natural light breathes life into the greenery, thanks to glass panels allowing sunlight to pass through. There are also almost 10,000 trees around the campus, which include orchards, meadows, and so much more.

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3. Bosco Verticale, Italy

From afar, it would look as if Bosco Verticale is AI-made, but it is not. Meaning “Vertical Forest” in English, this is among the most iconic examples of biophilic architecture. Its residential towers feature over 20,000 plants, which include trees, shrubs, and perennials, contributing to the ecosystem of the building in Milan, Italy.

This greenery set does not just enhance the visual appeal, but also improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

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4. Changi Airport, Singapore

Changi Airport is also listed as one of the most beautiful airports across the globe. It isn’t entirely a biophilic space, but the greenery is centered at the Jewel at the airport, showcasing the integration of nature through hanging trees and cascading waterfalls. 

These biophilic spaces, like the Barbican Centre in London, Apple Park in California, and Bosco Verticale in Milan, demonstrate how connecting people to nature can enhance well-being, inspire creativity, and promote sustainability. Of course, there are more attractions you can think of. 

So, if you wish to get inspired by these spaces and incorporate biophilia into your structure, here are some tips. 

Key Elements of Biophilic Design in Hotels and More

When designing and building biophilic spaces, be sure to include the following elements:

Natural Light and Shadow Play

Modern biophilic spaces are thoughtfully designed to maximize natural daylight, using floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and atriums to create an immersive connection with the outdoors. These light sources are often complemented by intentional shadow play—like dappled light filtering through indoor trees or wooden slats that echo the feel of forest canopies. This dynamic interplay of light and shade mirrors natural environments such as forests and caves, promoting stress reduction and emotional balance.

Insights from top-rated construction experts for hospitality spaces highlight how these design elements aren’t just aesthetic—they’re deeply rooted in human psychology and wellbeing. By integrating these elements into architectural plans, experts create spaces that not only look beautiful but actively contribute to guest relaxation, mental clarity, and overall well-being—transforming a hotel stay into a restorative, nature-infused experience.

Living Materials

Of course, the plant, tree, and other green elements must be real. Minimize synthetic surfaces as much as possible. You can use materials that age, shift, and breathe. Think of rattan, bamboo, timber, lime plaster, and handmade terracotta tiles. These textures not only feel more human under touch, but they also wear in ways that evoke organic evolution. 

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Water and Air

No, you’re not looking at air and water for cars in gas stations, but water features. The fountain at the Changi Airport, right? Fountains, reflective pools, or gentle misting elements create soundscapes that calm the nervous system. Meanwhile, clean air is a non-negotiable. For instance, hotels are investing in natural ventilation systems, air-purifying indoor plants, and essential oil diffusers featuring cedar, rosemary, or wild mint.

Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Alright, biophilic spaces are all about championing the outdoors and how it feels. The best spaces of this kind know how to harmonize the vibes of the outdoors with the indoors. Some spaces are just filled with greenery, leaving the indoor areas seemingly gasping for air.

How Biophilic Design Is Reshaping Hotels 

Biophilic spaces are transforming hotels by integrating nature into design to enhance guest well-being. Natural elements like indoor gardens, flowing water features, and abundant sunlight create calming, immersive environments that reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

These designs also improve air quality and energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable hospitality trends. Hotels incorporating biophilic elements stand out in a competitive market, attracting wellness-focused travelers and boosting guest satisfaction.

As architectural breakthroughs continue to evolve, biophilic hospitality is more than just a style. It’s a statement.

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