Biophilic Design in Illinois and Indiana: Principles, Applications, and Regional Insights

Section 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

Humans possess an inherent, genetically encoded tendency to affiliate with nature, a concept termed “biophilia”.¹ This affinity stems from over 99% of human evolutionary history spent adapting to the natural world, not human-created environments.³ This biological predisposition suggests that connections with natural features and processes remain crucial for human physical and mental health, fitness, and overall well-being.² However, modern lifestyles, particularly in urbanized societies, have led to a significant disconnect from the natural world. It is estimated that individuals now spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, often in environments lacking natural elements and adequate ventilation.¹ This separation can negatively impact psychological states, cognitive function, and physical health.¹

1.2 Emergence of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design has emerged as a critical architectural and planning approach to counteract this modern disconnect.⁸ It seeks to intentionally integrate elements, patterns, and processes of nature into the built environment—our predominant contemporary habitat—to satisfy the innate human need for nature connection.¹ The fundamental goal is to create “good habitat” for people as biological organisms within modern structures, landscapes, and communities.³ This practice draws heavily from environmental psychology and evolutionary biology, recognizing that our sensory and cognitive systems evolved in response to natural stimuli.² By weaving natural elements into buildings, biophilic design aims to foster well-being, enhance productivity, and promote a more harmonious relationship between humans and their surroundings.⁸

1.3 Rationale and Significance

The relevance of biophilic design is amplified by pressing contemporary challenges. Rapid global urbanization often leads to denser, less natural environments.¹⁷ Growing concerns about public health, mental well-being, and stress levels, particularly highlighted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the need for restorative environments.⁷ Furthermore, biophilic strategies can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability goals by enhancing biodiversity, managing stormwater, mitigating urban heat islands, improving air quality, and potentially reducing energy consumption.⁹ The increasing recognition of these multifaceted benefits is reflected in the projected growth of the global biophilic design market.¹

1.4 Study Focus

Despite the growing body of research on biophilic design globally, there is a need for focused investigation within specific regional contexts. This report undertakes a comprehensive academic examination of biophilic design principles, applications, contextual influences, policy landscapes, measured impacts, and future potential specifically within the states of Illinois and Indiana. By analyzing these aspects within distinct geographical, ecological, and regulatory boundaries, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the current state and trajectory of biophilic design in this region of the American Midwest.

1.5 Report Structure

This report is structured to systematically address the key facets of biophilic design in Illinois and Indiana. Section 2 defines biophilic design, outlining its core principles, theoretical frameworks, common elements, and documented benefits. Section 3 presents specific case studies of biophilic design implementation in both states, analyzing the strategies employed and design intentions. Section 4 explores the regional context—climate, ecosystems, and urban/rural characteristics—and its influence on biophilic applications in Illinois and Indiana. Section 5 investigates the relevant policy landscape, including building codes, certifications, and incentive programs. Section 6 examines the available evidence on the measured impacts of biophilic design within the two states. Section 7 provides a comparative analysis of biophilic design trends, prevalence, and approaches in Illinois versus Indiana. Section 8 synthesizes the findings, discussing the current state, challenges, and future potential of biophilic design in the region. Finally, Section 9 offers concluding remarks and identifies areas for future research.

Section 2: Defining Biophilic Design: Foundations and Frameworks

2.1 Formal Definition

Biophilic design is an architectural and planning practice focused on creating healthier, more productive, and aesthetically pleasing built environments by consciously incorporating elements, forms, and processes of the natural world.¹ It moves beyond the incidental inclusion of nature to systematically satisfy the inherent human need—biophilia—to affiliate with life and lifelike processes within modern structures and communities.³ Its fundamental aim is to establish beneficial habitats for human occupants as biological organisms, recognizing that human adaptations over evolutionary time were shaped by responses to the natural, not artificial, world.³ Effective biophilic design is distinguished from mere decoration with natural objects by its emphasis on creating sustained, meaningful engagement with nature that positively impacts human health, fitness, and well-being.³

2.2 Core Principles and Frameworks

The conceptualization and application of biophilic design have evolved through several influential frameworks.

2.2.1 Foundational Concepts: Early thinking categorized biophilic interventions into three broad types:

• Nature in the Space: The direct, physical presence of natural elements like plants, water, animals, breezes, scents, and sounds within a space.⁹
• Natural Analogues: The indirect evocation of nature through the use of objects, materials, colors, shapes, patterns, and forms that mimic or suggest natural elements and processes.⁹
• Nature of the Space: The configuration of space to incorporate spatial qualities found in nature, such as prospect (open views), refuge (protected spaces), mystery (partially obscured views), or risk/peril (safe experiences of apparent danger).⁹

These foundational categories established the core idea that nature could be integrated both directly and indirectly, influencing not just the contents of a space but its very structure and feel.

2.2.2 Kellert’s Framework: Scholar Stephen R. Kellert further structured the field by proposing two primary dimensions of biophilic design: the organic or naturalistic dimension, relating to shapes and forms reflecting the human affinity for nature, and the place-based or vernacular dimension, connecting a building to its local geographical and cultural context.³ Within these dimensions, Kellert identified six key elements as a practical framework:

1. Environmental Features: Direct experiences of nature, including plants, water, animals, natural materials, sunlight, and air.¹⁰
2. Natural Shapes and Forms: Representations and simulations of natural forms, such as botanical motifs, animal forms, arches, vaults, and shapes mimicking geology.¹⁰
3. Natural Patterns and Processes: Incorporation of properties and processes found in nature, like fractals, sensory variability, aging of materials (patina), and central focal points.¹
4. Light and Space: Strategic use of natural and artificial light to create desired effects (e.g., spaciousness, mimicking natural light patterns like dappled light), and manipulation of spatial volumes.¹
5. Place-Based Relationships: Connecting the design to the specific location’s ecology, geology, history, and culture through indigenous materials, native plantings, landscape integration, and avoiding “placelessness”.¹
6. Evolved Human-Nature Relationships: Tapping into fundamental human psychological responses to nature, such as the desire for prospect and refuge, curiosity and exploration, order and complexity, and mastery/control.¹

Kellert’s framework provided a more detailed theoretical structure, emphasizing both direct nature contact and the importance of context and inherent psychological responses.

2.2.3 Terrapin Bright Green’s Patterns: Building upon earlier work, the consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green developed the “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design” (later expanded to 15 with “Awe”).²⁶ This framework, widely influential in practice, aims to articulate the relationships between nature, human biology, and built environment design in a more operational way for designers.¹⁷ The patterns are organized under the three foundational categories and are associated with varying levels of empirical evidence supporting their impact on stress reduction, cognitive performance, and emotional well-being.²⁸ Key patterns include:

• Nature in the Space: Visual Connection with Nature (views), Non-Visual Connection (sounds, smells, touch), Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli (unpredictable movement), Thermal & Airflow Variability, Presence of Water, Dynamic & Diffuse Light, Connection with Natural Systems (awareness of processes like seasonal change).¹⁷
• Natural Analogues: Biomorphic Forms & Patterns (mimicking natural shapes), Material Connection with Nature (minimally processed local materials), Complexity & Order (rich sensory information with hierarchy).¹⁷
• Nature of the Space: Prospect (unimpeded views), Refuge (protected withdrawal space), Mystery (promise of more information, obscured views), Risk/Peril (identifiable threat with reliable safeguard).¹⁷

This progression from broad principles to more detailed, evidence-linked patterns reflects the field’s maturation. Early concepts established the core idea, Kellert provided theoretical depth, and Terrapin offered a more actionable toolkit for designers, moving the practice towards more intentional, strategy-driven implementation based on scientific understanding.¹⁷ This evolution provides designers with increasingly sophisticated frameworks to integrate biophilia beyond mere intuition.

2.2.4 Key Tenets: Across these frameworks, several core tenets define effective biophilic design. Firstly, it requires repeated and sustained engagement with nature; isolated or fleeting exposures are unlikely to yield significant benefits.³ Secondly, natural elements should be integrated cohesively into the overall environment, not merely placed as disconnected objects, to create an immersive experience.³ The human connection to nature is profound ³, and superficial applications fail to engage the deep physiological and psychological responses documented in research.³ Benefits arise from a holistic experience engaging multiple senses.⁹ Thirdly, biophilic design aims to foster emotional attachments to places, enhancing satisfaction and motivating care for the environment.³ Finally, it promotes positive and sustained interactions between people and their environment, enhancing relationships and a sense of community.³ Evaluating biophilic projects, therefore, necessitates assessing the quality, cohesiveness, and sustained nature of the integration, not just cataloging individual elements.

2.3 Common Elements

Drawing from these frameworks, several common tangible and intangible elements are frequently employed in biophilic design:

• Natural Light: Maximizing daylight penetration through windows, skylights, atria, and light wells; using strategies like light shelves and reflective surfaces; incorporating dynamic and diffuse light patterns that mimic natural variations; considering the color temperature of light.¹
• Vegetation: Incorporating indoor plants, potted plants, flower beds, green (living) walls, green roofs, courtyard gardens, façade greening, and ensuring visual access to exterior greenery and landscapes.¹ Prioritizing native species is often recommended.⁹
• Water: Including features like fountains, ponds, water walls, aquariums, constructed wetlands, or simply providing views or sounds of water.¹
• Natural Materials: Utilizing wood, stone, bamboo, cotton, wool, leather, and other materials sourced from nature, often with minimal processing to retain natural textures and characteristics, and ideally reflecting local ecology or geology.¹
• Views of Nature: Designing spaces to offer visual connections to exterior natural elements, living systems, and natural processes, such as gardens, parks, trees, water bodies, or changing weather.⁴
• Natural Patterns & Forms (Biomorphic Forms & Patterns): Incorporating shapes, forms, textures, and arrangements that persist in nature, such as botanical motifs, floral patterns, animal forms, spirals, fractals, organic curves (rather than straight lines/right angles), and mimicking processes like growth or aging (e.g., weathering steel).¹
• Other Sensory Experiences: Engaging non-visual senses through auditory stimuli (water sounds, birdsong, wind), haptic experiences (natural textures), olfactory elements (fragrant plants, natural materials), and thermal and airflow variability that mimics natural environments.¹⁷
• Spatial Qualities: Designing spatial configurations that evoke feelings associated with natural landscapes, including Prospect (expansive views), Refuge (secure, protected spaces), Mystery (partially obscured views enticing exploration), Risk/Peril (controlled exposure to apparent danger), Complexity & Order (hierarchical, information-rich environments), and integration of parts to wholes.³

2.4 Theoretical Benefits

A substantial body of research, theory, and empirical evidence points to a wide array of benefits associated with incorporating biophilic design principles and elements into the built environment. These benefits span multiple domains:

• Psychological Well-being: Perhaps the most cited benefit is stress reduction. Exposure to nature, even indirectly through views or images, is linked to lower physiological stress markers like cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.³⁰ Biophilic environments foster feelings of calm, tranquility, and restoration, improving overall mood and positive attitude.⁷
• Cognitive Function: Biophilic design can enhance cognitive performance. Studies suggest improvements in concentration, attention, mental engagement, and memory.¹³ Natural elements can stimulate the brain and restore directed attention resources, leading to increased creativity and better problem-solving abilities.⁸ This translates to potential increases in workplace productivity.⁴
• Physiological Health: Beyond mental health, biophilic design impacts physical health. Access to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality.⁹ Views of nature and access to natural elements have been associated with faster recovery times from illness and surgery in healthcare settings.⁹ Improved indoor air quality, often achieved through enhanced ventilation and the air-purifying effects of plants (green walls/roofs), contributes to a healthier indoor environment, potentially reducing respiratory issues and absenteeism.⁹ Reduced exposure to toxins like VOCs through the use of natural materials also supports physical health.⁹
• Environmental Sustainability: Biophilic design aligns with and contributes to environmental sustainability. Incorporating vegetation (green roofs, walls, landscapes) enhances urban biodiversity, provides habitat, improves air quality, manages stormwater runoff, and mitigates the urban heat island effect.⁹ Using sustainable, recycled, low-impact, and regionally sourced materials reduces the carbon footprint of construction.⁹ Energy efficiency can be improved through passive strategies like daylighting, natural ventilation, and the insulating effects of green roofs/walls.⁴⁴ Overall, it promotes a connection between buildings and the natural environment, fostering conservation.⁹
• Economic Advantages: The cumulative benefits translate into tangible economic advantages. Increased employee productivity and creativity, coupled with reduced absenteeism and potentially lower healthcare costs, can significantly impact a business’s bottom line.⁴ Properties incorporating biophilic features may command higher market value and premium rents.⁹ The initial investment can yield substantial returns through these operational savings and enhanced value.⁶

The breadth of these benefits—spanning psychological, physiological, cognitive, environmental, and economic domains—underscores the holistic impact of biophilic design. It addresses fundamental human needs ² by integrating natural systems that affect multiple interconnected human and environmental functions. This suggests that biophilic design should be viewed not just as an aesthetic choice or an amenity, but as a strategic approach capable of delivering multifaceted value, potentially justifying its integration into core organizational, institutional, and urban planning objectives.

Table 1: Core Principles, Frameworks, and Common Elements of Biophilic Design

Category/Framework	Key Concepts/Elements	Description & Examples	Supporting Snippets
Foundational Concepts	Nature in the Space	Direct, physical presence of nature	Plants, water features, animals, natural airflow, scents
	Natural Analogues	Indirect representations mimicking nature	Natural materials (wood, stone), biomorphic patterns, nature photos, natural colors
	Nature of the Space	Spatial configurations evoking natural qualities	Prospect (views), Refuge (enclosure), Mystery (partial views), Complexity & Order
Kellert’s Framework	Environmental Features	Characteristics of the natural world in built environment	Sunlight, water, plants, animals, natural materials, air quality
	Natural Shapes & Forms	Representations/simulations of natural forms	Botanical motifs, animal motifs, arches, curves, mimicking geology
	Natural Patterns & Processes	Properties found in nature	Sensory variability, fractals, aging materials, information richness
	Light and Space	Use of light and volume	Natural light, shadows, spaciousness, light interaction with materials
	Place-Based Relationships	Connection to local context	Native plants, local materials, cultural/ecological references, landscape integration
	Evolved Human-Nature Relationships	Fundamental psychological responses	Prospect & Refuge, Order & Complexity, Curiosity & Exploration, Affection & Attachment
Terrapin’s Patterns (Examples)	Visual Connection with Nature	Views to nature, living systems, processes	Window views, indoor plants, green walls, aquariums
	Non-Visual Connection	Auditory, haptic, olfactory, gustatory stimuli	Nature sounds, tactile materials, natural scents
	Presence of Water	Seeing, hearing, or touching water	Fountains, water walls, ponds, views of water bodies
	Dynamic & Diffuse Light	Varying intensities of light and shadow over time	Daylight, moonlight, manipulated light, light/shadow play
	Material Connection with Nature	Minimally processed materials reflecting local ecology/geology	Natural wood, stone, bamboo, reflecting local context
	Prospect	Unimpeded view over a distance	Balconies, open hallways, elevated views, transparent partitions
	Refuge	Place for withdrawal, protected from behind/overhead	Booths, alcoves, lowered ceilings, enclosed spaces with views out
Key Tenets	Sustained Engagement	Repeated, ongoing interaction with nature	Integrated systems, not isolated elements
	Integration	Cohesive incorporation of elements	Holistic design approach
	Emotional Attachment	Fostering connection to place	Sense of belonging, care for environment
	Positive Interactions	Promoting relationship between people and nature	Social connection within naturalized spaces

Section 3: Biophilic Design in Practice: Case Studies from Illinois and Indiana

3.1 Introduction to Case Studies

Examining real-world applications is crucial for understanding how the theoretical principles and documented benefits of biophilic design translate into tangible projects within specific regional contexts. This section analyzes identified case studies from Illinois and Indiana, detailing the biophilic strategies employed, the underlying design intent, and any reported outcomes or notable features. These examples illustrate the diverse ways biophilic design is being interpreted and implemented across different building typologies and geographical settings within the two states.

3.2 Illinois Case Studies

3.2.1 Google Chicago HQ (Commercial Office, Chicago):

This project involved the transformation of a seven-floor, windowless cold storage warehousing facility in the historic West Loop into a vibrant headquarters for Google.53 The primary design intent was to create a healthy, inspiring, and empowering work environment that fostered community and collaboration while connecting occupants to the building’s historical context and the surrounding city.53 Key biophilic strategies included maximizing natural light through open offices along the perimeter and a multi-story atrium, which serves as a central “piazza” casting sunlight onto each floor and creating a sense of spaciousness.53 Views of the Chicago skyline are prominent from open offices and glass-lined conference rooms.53 The design celebrated the original industrial structure (concrete elements) while softening it with warmer materials, live plants, art, curving walls, and rounded fixtures.53 Each floor features a distinct Chicago theme (parks, transit), avoiding placelessness and strengthening cultural connection.53 Sensory variability was introduced through dynamic video walls, edible plants, diverse textures, and bold graphics.53 Bounded spaces, such as cozy seating areas in the café and near the atrium, provide refuge while maintaining visual connections.53 Reported outcomes focus on the successful transformation into a light-filled, vibrant space with appreciated views and a central gathering area that encourages interaction, effectively revitalizing the building and connecting it to its neighborhood context.53 While specific quantitative data on occupant productivity or well-being improvements were not detailed in the reviewed sources, the project achieved Biophilic Design certification through the Living Future Institute.67

3.2.2 Willis Tower (EQ Office / Zauben) (Commercial Office, Chicago):

As part of a major repositioning effort for the iconic Willis Tower, operator EQ Office embraced biophilic design to make the building more inviting and enhance tenant wellness and productivity.21 A key partner, Zauben, installed smart living walls in the EQ Office space and a main meeting area, intended to blend nature with the modern workplace.21 Zauben’s systems emphasize air purification (claiming up to 87% removal), high plant coverage, self-watering capabilities, longevity (50+ years), and potential noise reduction (up to 15 dBA).16 Beyond the living walls, the project includes a 30,000-square-foot outdoor terrace and a green roof featuring three beehives to elevate urban biodiversity and habitat restoration.21 The green roof also contributes significantly to stormwater management, potentially absorbing up to 80% of rainfall, and offers energy savings and heat island mitigation benefits.21 The overall intent was to create a closer bond with nature for occupants and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.21 While specific occupant outcome data for the Willis Tower implementation were not found in the provided sources 21, the project serves as a high-profile example of integrating large-scale biophilic features (living walls, green roof, terrace) into a major commercial building renovation.

3.2.3 Cirrus and Cascade (Multifamily Residential, Chicago):

This adjoining condominium and apartment development in Lakeshore East explicitly incorporates biophilic elements to connect residents with the outdoors.47 A central feature is a 900-square-foot conservatory within the shared amenity space, designed with natural materials like end grain wood flooring and abundant plants.47 The design emphasizes visual connection through floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views over the adjacent 0.8-acre Cascade Park.47 The intent is to make residents feel immersed in nature, even within the building’s common areas, fostering a sense of calm and relaxation.47

3.2.4 Westerly Apartments (Multifamily Residential, Chicago):

Developed by Fifield Cos. in the River West neighborhood, Westerly adopts a “Flora and Fauna” theme intended to be quirky, fun, and interesting.47 Biophilic elements include wall installations of foliage and planting boxes, particularly highlighted in the penthouse-level party room and dining space.47 The lobby incorporates diverse patterns and materials, along with unique features like an anthropomorphic chair, to evoke the theme.47 While general biophilic strategies like textured wallpaper and hanging plants are mentioned as possibilities 47, their specific use at Westerly is not confirmed in the source.47

3.2.5 Libertyville Pediatric Dentistry (Healthcare, Wheeling):

This project, undertaken by ACOA Construction with Wildleaf, involved the installation of Reindeer Moss Walls.5 The stated goal was twofold: acoustic improvement and biophilic design enhancement.5 Moss walls, particularly preserved ones, are often presented as low-maintenance ways to introduce natural textures and forms, contributing to a visual connection with nature.42 Specific outcomes for this project were not detailed.5

3.3 Indiana Case Studies

3.3.1 Nature Conservancy Headquarters (Office, Indianapolis):

This project stands out as one of Indiana’s first LEED Platinum certified buildings, constructed on a reclaimed industrial site.50 The design intent was deeply rooted in sustainability and reflecting the Conservancy’s mission.50 Biophilic and sustainable strategies are interwoven: extensive use of native Indiana plantings representing the state’s diverse ecosystems, permeable pavement feeding a rain garden for irrigation, roof drainage capture for gray water use, a geothermal heating system, and ample daylighting.50 Material connection to place is emphasized through the use of Indiana limestone, reclaimed brick from the previous structure, and wood harvested sustainably from Conservancy-owned forests.50 Two levels of roof gardens provide direct access to vegetation.50 The project received design awards, praised for its integration of natural elements in an urban setting and its simple, elegant form using layered materials.50

3.3.2 Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion (Multi-use Venue, Indianapolis):

This project involved the adaptive reuse of the historic, 100-year-old Swine Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.65 The design focused on sustainability, preserving agricultural history, and creating a versatile, energy-efficient venue.65 Key strategies include the careful reclamation and reuse of wood from the original barn, restoration of the original brick and limestone façade (including decorative pig head medallions), and recreation of original window openings to maximize natural light.65 A significant feature is an advanced rainwater treatment system that cleans and manages stormwater before it reaches nearby Fall Creek, aligning with city goals for waterway health.65 Energy efficiency is addressed through large windows and glazed overhead doors for natural light, giant fans for air circulation and destratification, and zoned, thoughtfully designed HVAC systems adaptable to diverse event needs.65 This project exemplifies sustainable adaptive reuse integrating historical preservation with modern environmental considerations.

3.3.3 Butler University LEED Gold Buildings (Higher Education, Indianapolis):

Butler University showcases a strong commitment to green building, with multiple facilities achieving LEED Gold certification, including the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Addition, Fairview House, Irvington House, and Dugan Hall.35 The collective intent across these projects emphasizes energy efficiency, water conservation, responsible material use, and creating healthy indoor environments.35 Common biophilic-related strategies include maximizing natural light and exterior views (explicitly noted for Pharmacy, Fairview, Irvington, Dugan Hall), significant water use reduction through low-flow fixtures and stormwater management (rain gardens, pervious asphalt), use of regional and recycled materials (limestone, recycled content), low-VOC materials for better air quality, preservation of open space and vegetation, and support for alternative transportation.35 Documented outcomes include significant energy and water savings for several buildings and the achievement of LEED Gold certification.35

3.3.4 Indiana University LEED Buildings (Higher Education, Multiple Campuses):

Indiana University (IU) has an extensive portfolio of LEED-certified buildings across its campuses (Bloomington, Indianapolis, Gary, South Bend, Kokomo), achieving Certified, Silver, and Gold levels.68 The university emphasizes maintaining natural surroundings and ecological infrastructure.70 The intent behind these projects aligns with LEED goals: resource efficiency, healthy environments, and demonstrating sustainability.69 Literature specific to IU also discusses biophilic classroom design aiming to reduce student stress and improve well-being and academic performance.15 Specific examples highlight strategies like native/adaptive plantings and rain gardens (IUSB Community Building), extensive daylighting and views (Innovation Center, general principle), water-efficient fixtures (IUSB Community Building, Innovation Center), geothermal systems (IUSB Community Building), use of recycled/regional materials (Innovation Center), and preservation of campus forested patches.15 While specific biophilic outcomes are not quantified per project in the provided data, the sheer number of certified buildings and the explicit focus on natural light, views, and campus ecology indicate a significant integration of biophilic-related principles.69

3.3.5 Wellfield Botanical Gardens (Public Garden, Elkhart):

Mentioned briefly as an example that “blends unique architectural design with the beautiful garden backdrop,” suggesting an intentional integration of built form and landscape.73 No further specific details on biophilic strategies were provided.

3.3.6 Holliday Park Nature Center (Nature Center, Indianapolis):

Designed explicitly to serve as a “communicative link between people and nature” and instill curiosity and respect for the natural world.74 Strategies include nestling the building into the landscape, creating an outdoor court integrated with existing trees and a historic pergola that acts as a natural portal, use of natural materials (stone, copper, glass, concrete), maximizing natural light, incorporating energy conservation principles, and providing indoor/outdoor wildlife observation areas.74 It was noted for interrupting the park setting without intruding.74

3.3.7 Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion (Newfields Art & Nature Park, Indianapolis):

Located within the 100 Acres Art & Nature Park (a reclaimed landscape), this LEED-certified pavilion is intended as a place for reflection and interpretation of the art/nature relationship.75 Its design is directly inspired by nature, specifically the porosity of decaying leaves, translating into a steel exoskeleton clad in Ipe wood turned on edge, allowing light and water to filter through like a forest canopy.75 The structure floats above the floodplain, creating an “apparition in the woods” feel.75 Materials include durable Ipe wood, locally sourced charred cedar, steel, and glass.75 An innovative feature is the use of UV-rated acrylic bars between deck pieces, creating a walkable surface lit from below.75 It incorporates geothermal heating/cooling and water-saving fixtures.75 The design creates dynamic, dappled light and focuses attention inward due to the secluded woodland setting.75

3.3.8 Indianapolis Cultural Trail (Urban Trail/Linear Park, Indianapolis):

This 8-mile urban trail aimed to connect neighborhoods and cultural districts, enhance quality of life, reclaim public space from vehicles, and model sustainable redevelopment.76 Biophilic and green infrastructure strategies were central: replacing impervious surfaces with over five acres of new greenspace planted with native and drought-tolerant species, and implementing over 25,000 sq ft of stormwater planters (a first for Indianapolis) to capture, cleanse, and infiltrate rainwater, reducing burden on sewers and adding natural beauty.76 It has become an international model for urban trail design.76

3.4 Observations from Case Studies

Analysis of these case studies reveals interesting patterns and potential gaps. A notable divergence appears in the primary drivers and types of projects highlighted in each state. Illinois examples, particularly from Chicago, showcase high-profile corporate headquarters (Google, Willis Tower) and luxury residential developments (Cirrus/Cascade, Westerly).²¹ This suggests that in Illinois’ major economic hub, drivers like corporate wellness initiatives, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, tenant attraction/retention, and premium market positioning may be significant factors in adopting biophilic design. In contrast, the Indiana examples feature a greater proportion of public and institutional projects—university buildings (IU, Butler), non-profit headquarters (Nature Conservancy), nature centers, public venues (Farm Bureau Pavilion), and urban infrastructure (Cultural Trail).³⁵ This may reflect strong institutional commitments to sustainability, educational missions, community engagement, and potentially different funding mechanisms or policy priorities compared to the corporate focus seen in Chicago.

Despite these differences in project typology and potential drivers, there is common ground in the types of biophilic strategies employed. Across both states, projects frequently incorporate core elements like maximizing natural light and views, integrating vegetation (indoor plants, green walls/roofs, native landscaping), using natural materials (especially local ones like Indiana limestone), and managing water through green infrastructure.²¹ Furthermore, the prevalence of LEED certification in many examples from both states (Google, Nature Conservancy, Butler, IU, Ruth Lilly Pavilion, various IL offices/multifamily) indicates its role as a widely adopted framework for guiding and validating sustainable practices, many of which align with or directly support biophilic design goals (e.g., daylighting, indoor environmental quality, sustainable sites, water efficiency).³⁵ LEED appears to serve as a common language and implementation pathway across different contexts.

However, a significant observation across most case studies presented is the emphasis on describing the design features and intentions rather than reporting specific, quantified outcomes related to occupant health, productivity, or well-being resulting from those features within the specific project.⁵ Many sources are descriptive or promotional. Rigorous post-occupancy evaluation (POE) focusing on human factors requires dedicated resources and may not always be conducted or publicly disseminated.⁴⁰ While certifications like LEED verify design and construction elements, they don’t inherently mandate detailed POE on human outcomes (though health-focused certifications like WELL do). This points to a gap between the implementation of biophilic strategies and the localized, empirical validation of their assumed benefits within specific projects in Illinois and Indiana. While general benefits are often cited ¹⁶, robust local evidence is less apparent in the reviewed materials.

Table 2: Summary of Identified Biophilic Case Studies in Illinois and Indiana

 

Project Name	Location	Type	Key Biophilic/Sustainable Features	Reported Outcomes/Intent	Certifications	Snippet IDs
Illinois
Google Chicago HQ	Chicago, IL	Commercial Office	Daylight, atrium, views, historical/cultural connection, sensory variability, plants, warm materials	Vibrant, light-filled space; foster community; neighborhood revitalization	Biophilic Design Certified	53
Willis Tower (EQ Office/Zauben)	Chicago, IL	Commercial Office	Living walls, green roof (w/ beehives), outdoor terrace, potential biosolar	Improve wellness/productivity, biodiversity, stormwater management, sustainability	–	21
Cirrus and Cascade	Chicago, IL	Multifamily Residential	Conservatory, plants, natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, park views	Connect residents to outdoors, sense of calm/relaxation	–	47
Westerly Apartments	Chicago, IL	Multifamily Residential	“Flora & Fauna” theme, foliage/planting box installations, patterns/materials	Quirky, fun, interesting environment	–	47
Libertyville Pediatric Dentistry	Wheeling, IL	Healthcare	Reindeer Moss Walls	Enhance aesthetics, potential acoustic benefits	–	5
Prudential Plaza	Chicago, IL	Commercial Office	Abundant natural light, complex recycling, support local farms	–	LEED Gold (Recertified), WELL Health-Safety Rated	77
Old Main Post Office	Chicago, IL	Commercial Office	Energy-efficient windows (high light transmission), 3.5-acre rooftop deck	–	LEED Gold	77
Wolf Point East	Chicago, IL	Multifamily Residential	Waterfront location, EV charging	–	LEED Silver	51
845 W Madison (Porte)	Chicago, IL	Multifamily Residential	Rooftop farm (produce, beehives), salvaged wood flooring (fitness center)	Access to fresh food	LEED Gold	51
Indiana
Nature Conservancy HQ	Indianapolis, IN	Office	Native plantings, rain garden, permeable pavement, gray water reuse, reclaimed materials, local wood, roof gardens, daylighting, geothermal	Sustainable design, low carbon footprint, reflect mission	LEED Platinum	50
Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion	Indianapolis, IN	Multi-use Venue	Adaptive reuse, reclaimed wood, restored facade, rainwater treatment, natural light, efficient HVAC/fans	Sustainable adaptive reuse, preserve history, clean waterways, versatile venue	–	65
Butler University LEED Gold Buildings (Multiple)	Indianapolis, IN	Higher Education	Natural light/views, low-flow fixtures, rain gardens, pervious asphalt, white roofs, efficient systems, regional/recycled materials, low-VOC, open space	Energy/water savings, healthy indoor environments	LEED Gold	35
Indiana University LEED Buildings (Multiple)	Multiple Campuses, IN	Higher Education	Natural light/views, native/adaptive plantings, rain gardens, water efficiency, energy efficiency (geothermal), recycled/regional materials, preserved green space	Resource efficiency, healthy environments, sustainability commitment	LEED Certified, Silver, Gold	15
Wellfield Botanical Gardens	Elkhart, IN	Public Garden	Blends architecture with garden backdrop	–	–	73
Holliday Park Nature Center	Indianapolis, IN	Nature Center	Nestled into ground, integrated court, natural materials/light, wildlife observation	Link people and nature, instill curiosity/respect	–	74
Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion (Newfields)	Indianapolis, IN	Art & Nature Park Pavilion	Nature-inspired form (porous leaf), floats above floodplain, Ipe/cedar/steel/glass, dappled light, geothermal, water-saving fixtures	Place for reflection, interpret art/nature	LEED Certified	75
Indianapolis Cultural Trail	Indianapolis, IN	Urban Trail/Linear Park	>5 acres new greenspace, native/drought-tolerant plants, >25,000 sq ft stormwater planters	Connect city, sustainable redevelopment model, manage stormwater, add beauty	–	76
Veterinary Orthopedic Center	Highland, IN	Healthcare	Net-zero facility, solar panels, all-electric	Sustainable design	–	80

Note: “-” indicates information not specified or found in the reviewed snippets.

Section 4: Regional Influences: Contextualizing Biophilic Design in Illinois and Indiana

Biophilic design is not a monolithic approach; its effective and sustainable application depends significantly on understanding and responding to the specific environmental context of a place. This section examines the distinct regional characteristics of Illinois and Indiana—including climate, native ecosystems, and urban/rural dynamics—and analyzes how these factors influence the expression and implementation of biophilic design in these states.

4.1 Illinois Regional Context

Illinois possesses a continental climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters.⁸⁵ However, this climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with trends towards more powerful storms, heat waves, droughts, and a general increase in average annual temperatures.⁸⁵ Projections suggest wetter winters and springs but potentially drier summers.⁸⁵

Historically, the state’s landscape was dominated by vast prairies (estimated 61%), interspersed with forests (30%), wetlands (8%), and water bodies (1%).⁸⁵ This diverse habitat mosaic, including tallgrass prairies, oak-hickory forests and savannas, floodplain forests, and various wetland types (some globally rare, like dolomite prairies along the Des Plaines and Sag Valleys), supported high biodiversity, with approximately 54,000 non-bacterial species identified.³⁷ Cook County, for instance, exemplifies this historical blend of ecosystems.⁸⁷

Urbanization and agriculture have significantly altered this landscape, with substantial loss of farmland and natural areas to development, particularly in northeastern Illinois.³⁷ Urban areas are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from buildings and transportation.⁸⁵ These urban ecosystems face unique pressures like pollution, the urban heat island effect, increased pest prevalence, and highly variable water cycles, all potentially exacerbated by climate change.⁸⁶ Climate change impacts across the state include increased stress on native plants and animals from extreme weather, heightened flood risks, and the northward expansion of invasive species (e.g., privet, Japanese stiltgrass), which may outcompete native specialist species.⁸⁵ Consequently, preserving remaining natural areas and utilizing native plants adapted to Illinois’ climate and wildlife becomes crucial for ecological health and resilience.³⁷

4.2 Indiana Regional Context

Indiana is also experiencing significant climate shifts. Annual statewide temperatures are projected to increase by 5-6°F by mid-century, leading to longer growing seasons, fewer extreme cold days, but significantly more extreme heat events.⁸⁶ Annual precipitation is projected to increase, particularly in winter and spring, resulting in more rain versus snow and more frequent and intense precipitation events, elevating flood risks.⁸⁶ Drought periods may also occur.⁸⁶

Indiana’s ecosystems are largely defined by the Central and Eastern Corn Belt Plains, with influences from the Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plain and lake plains near Lake Michigan.⁹¹ The state also features significant river lowlands (e.g., Wabash) and interior plateau uplands.⁹¹ Aquatic ecosystems, covering about 2.3% of the state, are particularly important, including numerous rivers, streams, natural glacial lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and wetlands, supporting diverse wildlife.⁹⁰ Indiana University’s Bloomington campus, for example, has a long history emphasizing its natural, wooded setting.⁷¹

Urban ecosystems in Indiana, like elsewhere, provide vital services such as energy reduction, air and water quality improvement, and temperature moderation, but are vulnerable to climate impacts.⁸⁸ Increased stormwater runoff and pollutants threaten urban vegetation.⁸⁸ Rising temperatures and CO2 levels might initially boost tree growth but could be offset by extreme heat stress, potentially impacting carbon storage and increasing heat island effects.⁶³ This stress on urban vegetation also affects the wildlife dependent on it for food and shelter.⁸⁸ Climate change impacts on aquatic systems are a major concern, including warming water temperatures, reduced ice cover, altered stratification, changes in wetland hydrology, increased nutrient runoff leading to algal blooms, and shifts in species composition, potentially favoring invasive species.⁹⁰

4.3 Influence on Biophilic Design Application

The distinct environmental contexts of Illinois and Indiana necessitate regionally adapted biophilic design strategies.

• Native Plant Selection and Material Connection: The principle of Place-Based Relationships ³ becomes paramount. Effective biophilic design must utilize plant palettes native to the specific ecoregion within Illinois (prairie, woodland, wetland species) or Indiana (Corn Belt Plains, lake plains, upland species) for landscaping, green roofs, and living walls.³⁷ This supports local biodiversity, ensures plant survival against local climate and pests, minimizes maintenance, and avoids introducing potentially invasive species.⁹ Examples like the Nature Conservancy HQ using native Indiana plantings ⁵⁰ and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail using native/drought-tolerant species ⁷⁶ illustrate this principle. Similarly, using locally significant natural materials, such as Indiana limestone seen in university and public buildings ³⁵ or reclaimed local wood ⁵⁰, strengthens the connection to place and reduces transportation impacts.³ Generic, placeless applications of biophilia would be less effective and potentially unsustainable in these contexts.
• Climate Adaptation Strategies: Biophilic elements can serve as functional climate adaptation tools. Given the increasing heat stress projected for both states ⁸⁵, designs should prioritize strategies that provide cooling, such as maximizing tree canopy ⁹², incorporating green roofs and walls for their insulating and evaporative cooling effects ⁴⁴, utilizing natural ventilation where feasible, and integrating water features for localized cooling.¹⁶ The projected increase in heavy precipitation events ⁸⁵ highlights the critical role of biophilic stormwater management. Green infrastructure like green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements, as seen in the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Nature Conservancy HQ, and Butler University examples ¹⁶, become essential not just for aesthetics but for functional resilience against flooding and water pollution. Design choices must anticipate these future climate conditions for long-term success.
• Urban vs. Rural Context: While core principles apply broadly, the focus may shift. In dense urban areas like Chicago or Indianapolis, biophilic design often prioritizes mitigating urban stresses: reducing the heat island effect, managing stormwater on impervious surfaces, improving localized air quality, and providing crucial access to nature where it is otherwise limited.⁹ Projects like the Indianapolis Cultural Trail ⁷⁶ or the green roofs and terraces on Chicago high-rises ²¹ exemplify this urban focus. In more rural or suburban settings, the emphasis might be greater on integrating buildings seamlessly with existing natural landscapes, preserving existing ecosystems, and enhancing habitat connectivity.

The need for regional adaptation is clear. Biophilic design in Illinois and Indiana cannot effectively be a “one-size-fits-all” approach imported from other regions. Success hinges on designs deeply informed by local ecology (native species, soil types) and responsive to current and projected climate conditions (temperature extremes, precipitation patterns). Furthermore, the documented ability of biophilic elements to address key climate risks presents a significant opportunity. Framing biophilic design not only in terms of human well-being but also as a vital strategy for building climate resilience—mitigating heat, managing water, supporting biodiversity—could elevate its importance in planning and policy discussions and potentially unlock new avenues for funding and implementation in both states.

Section 5: Policy Landscape: Regulations, Certifications, and Incentives

The adoption and implementation of biophilic design principles are often influenced by the surrounding policy environment, including building codes, voluntary certification programs, and financial incentives. This section examines the relevant policy landscape in Illinois and Indiana, comparing their approaches to promoting or relating to biophilic and sustainable building practices.

5.1 Illinois Policies, Codes, and Certifications

Illinois, particularly the city of Chicago, has established several policies and programs relevant to green building and potentially biophilic design.

• State Energy Code: Illinois adopts versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as its minimum standard, updated periodically by the Capital Development Board (CDB).⁹⁴ However, the adoption process has involved debate over state amendments, with concerns raised that some amendments weakened the 2021 IECC relative to the base model, potentially conflicting with state goals like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and impacting eligibility for federal funds under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).⁹⁴ The 2021 IECC became effective January 1, 2024, and the CDB is currently considering updates for the 2024 code.⁹⁴
• Chicago Policies: The City of Chicago has implemented robust policies:
  • Sustainable Development Policy (SDP): First created in 2004 and updated in 2017 and 2024, the SDP uses a point system to mandate sustainable strategies for projects receiving city financial assistance or requiring specific zoning approvals.⁹⁶ The policy covers energy efficiency, GHG reduction, stormwater management, waste diversion, transportation, public health, and wildlife protection.⁹⁶ The 2024 version explicitly awards significant points (50) for achieving WELL Building Standard certification ⁹³, directly incentivizing health-focused design which often includes biophilic elements. Points are also available for green infrastructure components like extensive green roofs (>50% or 100% coverage), productive landscapes, native landscapes, naturalized river edges, and aquatic habitat creation.⁹³
  • Chicago Energy Transformation Code (2022): This code update strengthens energy requirements, mandates solar-ready zones on new low-rise commercial buildings, improves insulation requirements (e.g., for balconies), sets efficiency standards for lighting in plant-growing facilities, prohibits new gas-fired lighting, and requires provisions for future electrification of appliances in new residences.⁹⁷ These measures aim to reduce emissions and improve building performance.⁹⁸
  • Other Initiatives: Chicago also offers PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing for energy efficiency and renewables, a Solar Express program to streamline permitting, and participates in the Retrofit Chicago program for energy efficiency assistance.⁹⁹
• County/Municipal Policies: Some local governments have their own initiatives. DuPage County offers a Green Building Incentive Program providing expedited permit reviews and fee reductions (10%) for projects demonstrating they meet criteria equivalent to LEED Gold or Platinum, though actual certification is not required.¹⁰⁰ The City of Evanston received a federal grant to develop Building Performance Standards for existing large buildings.⁹⁵
• Certifications: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is widely recognized and utilized in Illinois, with the state consistently ranking high nationally for certified space.⁵¹ Numerous examples exist across office, multifamily, and public building sectors.⁵¹ The WELL Building Standard is also gaining traction, evidenced by its inclusion in the Chicago SDP and the WELL Health-Safety Rating achieved by Prudential Plaza.⁷⁷ Fitwel certification was also noted for one building.⁷⁷
• State Incentives/Funding: Illinois is actively leveraging federal funds, particularly from the IRA. The Illinois EPA is administering $263 million in Home Energy Rebate programs (initially targeting low-income households).¹⁰¹ The Illinois Finance Authority/Climate Bank plans to use federal funds to support building and fleet electrification, community solar, and other initiatives.⁹⁵ Illinois also secured a significant Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), funding initiatives like a gap-closing incentive fund for energy upgrades, community geothermal pilots, support for stretch code adoption, a clean building navigator program, contractor training, and outreach.⁹⁵ Standard programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization assistance also exist.¹⁰¹
• Utility Incentives: Major utilities like ComEd offer energy efficiency programs, sometimes with specific incentives for income-eligible multifamily projects.⁹⁹ General utility rebates are also available.¹⁰¹

5.2 Indiana Policies, Codes, and Certifications

Indiana’s policy landscape appears to rely more on incentives and voluntary programs rather than comprehensive statewide mandates for green or biophilic building.

• State Policies/Codes: There is no mention of a statewide green building code beyond standard energy code compliance. The state offers property tax deductions for certain installed renewable energy systems (solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric).¹⁰² The Indiana Finance Authority’s (IFA) Brownfields Program incentivizes sustainable practices in redevelopment projects, including building reuse, material recycling, green infrastructure, and native plantings.⁶⁴
• Indianapolis Policies: The City of Indianapolis has specific initiatives:
  • Green Building Incentive Policy (2010): Offers permit fee rebates (30-50%) for projects meeting criteria in at least three of five categories: Water Quality/Quantity (requiring green infrastructure), Transportation, Energy (ASHRAE compliance or renewables), Materials (waste diversion or regional sourcing), and Site (exceeding tree canopy or brownfield/reuse).⁹² An “Innovative Design” category allows for substitution, potentially accommodating advanced biophilic strategies.⁹² This policy directly incentivizes elements like green infrastructure and increased tree canopy.
  • Office of Sustainability: Administers the “Thrive Indianapolis” sustainability and resilience plan, tracks emissions, promotes initiatives like Knozone (air quality), Highly EVolved (EVs), and Thriving Buildings (energy benchmarking).¹⁰³ Recent federal Energy Future Grant funding supports energy efficiency in city buildings and planning for a statewide Building Innovation Hub.¹⁰⁴
• Certifications: LEED certification is utilized in Indiana, particularly by institutions like Butler University and Indiana University, as well as non-profits like the Nature Conservancy and projects within Newfields Art & Nature Park.³⁵ General awareness of the WELL Building Standard exists within the design and construction community ⁶, but specific certified projects were not highlighted in the reviewed snippets beyond general discussion.
• State Incentives/Funding: Indiana facilitates access to federal tax credits, such as the 179D deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings (benefiting owners and designers of tax-exempt buildings) and residential energy efficiency credits.¹⁰² State-level programs focus heavily on low-income assistance through the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) Weatherization Assistance Program and Energy Assistance Program (EAP).¹⁰²
• Utility Incentives: Indiana requires its investor-owned electric utilities (e.g., Duke Energy, Indiana Michigan Power, AES Indiana, NIPSCO, CenterPoint Energy) to file energy efficiency plans with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) every three years, resulting in various residential, commercial, and industrial demand-side management (DSM) programs and rebates.¹⁰²

5.3 Comparative Policy Observations

Comparing the policy landscapes reveals distinct approaches. Illinois, driven significantly by Chicago’s proactive stance (SDP since 2004, recent Energy Transformation Code) and state-level actions responding to climate goals and federal opportunities (CEJA, IRA, CPRG), presents a more structured and sometimes mandatory framework for sustainable development.⁹⁴ The Chicago SDP, in particular, provides direct point-based incentives for green infrastructure and health-focused certifications like WELL, creating clear pathways relevant to biophilic design.⁹³

Indiana, conversely, appears to rely more on a decentralized mix of voluntary programs, specific financial incentives (state tax deductions, federal pass-throughs like 179D, city-level rebates in Indianapolis), and utility-driven energy efficiency initiatives mandated by the IURC.⁶⁴ While the Indianapolis Green Building Incentive Policy directly rewards relevant features like tree canopy and green infrastructure ⁹², a comprehensive statewide green building mandate comparable to policies in other regions is not evident from the sources. This difference in policy structure and emphasis could influence the scale, type, and consistency of biophilic design adoption across the two states, potentially favoring more widespread or mandated integration in Illinois, especially Chicago, compared to more opportunistic or institutionally driven adoption in Indiana.

However, a common trend is the increasing visibility and integration of health-focused building standards alongside traditional environmental ones. The inclusion of WELL and Fitwel in Chicago’s policy ⁹³ and the certification of prominent buildings ⁷⁷ signal a significant shift. Traditionally, green building certifications like LEED focused primarily on environmental metrics like energy, water, and materials.⁶⁹ Biophilic design’s core value proposition lies in enhancing human health and well-being.⁸ Standards like WELL and Fitwel provide specific frameworks and metrics to measure and certify these human-centric outcomes.⁵⁹ Their growing adoption suggests the human dimension of sustainability is gaining parity with the environmental one. This trend inherently strengthens the rationale for biophilic design, as its principles and elements (nature connection, light, air quality, comfort) directly contribute to achieving credits within these health-focused certifications ⁶⁶, offering a clear mechanism for projects to incorporate and validate these strategies.

Table 3: Comparison of Key Policies and Incentives Promoting Biophilic/Green Building in Illinois and Indiana

 

Feature	Illinois	Indiana	Relevance to Biophilic Design
State Energy Code	Based on IECC, updated by CDB; recent versions/amendments debated regarding alignment with CEJA/IRA funding.94	Standard energy code compliance; IURC requires utilities to file efficiency plans.102	Energy efficiency can align with passive biophilic strategies (daylighting, ventilation).
Major City Policies	Chicago: Sustainable Development Policy (SDP) – mandatory points for funded/zoned projects, includes WELL cert., green infrastructure, native plants, river edge restoration.93 Energy Transformation Code (solar-ready, insulation, electrification readiness).98 PACE financing.99	Indianapolis: Green Building Incentive Policy – permit rebates for meeting criteria (green infrastructure, renewables, regional materials, tree canopy).92 Thrive Indianapolis plan (tracking, benchmarking, promotion).103	Directly incentivizes green roofs, vegetation, water management, potentially WELL (Chicago). Indianapolis policy rewards tree canopy, green infrastructure.
Other Local Policies	DuPage County Green Building Incentive (LEED Gold/Plat equiv.).100 Evanston BPS grant.95	IFA Brownfields Program encourages sustainable redevelopment (reuse, native plants, green infrastructure).64	Local incentives can drive adoption of specific green/biophilic elements.
Common Certifications	LEED prevalent (Offices, Multifamily, Public).51 WELL/Fitwel emerging (Prudential Plaza, One N Dearborn, Chicago SDP).77	LEED used (Universities, Non-profits, Specific Projects).35 WELL awareness exists.6	LEED covers related areas (IEQ, daylight, sites). WELL directly assesses health/well-being features often linked to biophilia.
State/Federal Incentives	IRA Home Energy Rebates ($263M via IL EPA).101 IL Finance Authority/Climate Bank (IRA funds).95 CPRG funding (gap fund, geothermal, stretch codes, navigators).95 LIHEAP/Weatherization.101	Federal Tax Credits (179D Commercial, Residential).102 State Property Tax Deduction (Renewables).102 IHCDA LIHEAP/Weatherization.102	Incentives can offset costs of energy efficiency, renewables, potentially green infrastructure or health-focused upgrades.
Utility Programs	ComEd Energy Efficiency Program (focus on multifamily/income-eligible).99 General utility rebates.101	Required utility DSM plans (Duke, IMP, AES, NIPSCO, CenterPoint, etc.) offering various programs/rebates.102	Can fund energy/lighting upgrades; potential for integration with broader green projects.

Section 6: Measured Impacts of Biophilic Design within Illinois and Indiana

While the theoretical benefits and principles of biophilic design are well-established through global research, understanding its specific, measurable impacts within the regional context of Illinois and Indiana is crucial for validating its effectiveness and justifying investment. This section reviews the available evidence regarding the measured outcomes of biophilic design implementations in these two states.

6.1 Overview of Documented Benefits (General Research)

An extensive body of research, conducted across various settings and populations globally, provides strong evidence for the positive impacts of biophilic design. As summarized in Section 2.4, these benefits include significant stress reduction (measured via cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate) ³⁰, improved mood and emotional well-being ³⁰, enhanced cognitive functions like attention, concentration, memory, and creativity ¹³, and increased productivity.⁴ Physiological benefits extend to faster recovery from illness, better sleep patterns through circadian rhythm regulation, and improved indoor air quality.¹⁰ Specific elements like views of nature ⁴, presence of plants ¹⁹, access to natural light ³², presence of water ³⁰, natural patterns ⁵², and natural materials ³⁰ have all been linked to positive outcomes. Furthermore, studies evaluating buildings certified under the WELL Building Standard, which heavily incorporates health and well-being principles often aligned with biophilia, show significant increases in occupant satisfaction, perceived well-being, mental health, and productivity compared to pre-certification conditions.⁵⁹

6.2 Specific Impact Data within Illinois and Indiana

Despite the robust general evidence base, the reviewed sources provide limited specific, quantitative data on the measured impacts of biophilic design implementations located within Illinois or Indiana. Available local data points are sparse:

• Acoustic Performance: One source notes that Sheet Moss, a material used in biophilic installations like moss walls, demonstrated a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.70 when tested at Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories™ in Geneva, Illinois.³⁸ While relevant to material properties used in biophilic design, this is not an in-situ study measuring the overall acoustic impact within a completed building project in the region.
• LEED/WELL Project Outcomes: Numerous projects in both states have achieved LEED certification.³⁵ Achieving LEED implies adherence to standards promoting better indoor environmental quality (IEQ), energy efficiency, and sustainable site practices, which are generally associated with improved occupant well-being.⁶⁹ However, the snippets detailing these local LEED projects primarily list the certification level and points achieved, without providing specific post-occupancy data on health, productivity, or satisfaction metrics linked to the biophilic elements within those buildings.³⁵ Similarly, while Prudential Plaza in Chicago achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating, this certification focuses specifically on operational policies and maintenance protocols to reduce virus transmission risk, rather than the broader impacts of biophilic design features.⁷⁷ General studies on WELL certification show positive impacts ⁵⁹, but localized data confirming these effects in Illinois or Indiana WELL projects were not found in the reviewed materials.
• Qualitative Descriptions: Some case study descriptions offer qualitative assessments. For instance, the Google Chicago office is described as a “vibrant, light-filled space” where occupants “appreciate inspiring views” and the central atrium “instinctively attracts everyone”.⁵³ The Holliday Park Nature Center aims to “instill in visitors a curiosity and respect for the natural world”.⁷⁴ While indicative of positive experiences, these descriptions lack quantitative measurement of impact. A study of the biophilic Bell Museum (located in Minnesota, not IL/IN) did use a post-occupancy evaluation survey and found high employee satisfaction with the physical environment and positive impacts on self-reported work performance and health ⁵⁴, suggesting such methodologies could be applied locally.

6.3 Discussion of the Data Gap

The analysis reveals a significant gap: while biophilic design is being implemented in Illinois and Indiana, particularly in certain sectors and locations, there is a scarcity of published, locally-specific research quantifying its impact on occupant health, well-being, productivity, or even energy performance within these states. The available information largely consists of design descriptions, general benefit statements, or material testing data, rather than rigorous post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) or longitudinal studies tracking outcomes within specific IL/IN buildings.³⁹ Conducting such research requires dedicated effort, funding, and expertise, involving systematic data collection through surveys, interviews, field measurements, and potentially physiological monitoring after building occupancy.⁸³ The lack of readily available local data may be due to such studies not being conducted, not being published, or not being captured within the scope of the reviewed sources. This absence of localized, quantitative impact data makes it more challenging to build a compelling, evidence-based case for investment in biophilic design specifically tailored to the regional context and to definitively assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies in Illinois and Indiana. This represents a critical area where future research efforts should be directed.

6.4 Extrapolating Potential Impacts

Despite the local data gap, the consistency and strength of findings from the broader body of international research provide a strong basis for inferring potential impacts in Illinois and Indiana. Decades of studies across diverse contexts consistently demonstrate positive correlations between biophilic elements and human physiological and psychological responses.⁴ The underlying mechanisms, such as stress reduction through parasympathetic nervous system activation or cognitive restoration via Attention Restoration Theory (ART), are considered fundamental aspects of the human-nature relationship.² While regional context influences the expression of biophilic design (as discussed in Section 4), these core human responses are expected to be broadly applicable. Furthermore, research indicates that the positive effects of biophilic exposure do not necessarily diminish with repeated experience and may even improve over time.⁵² Therefore, it is reasonable to extrapolate that well-designed and appropriately implemented biophilic projects within Illinois and Indiana are highly likely to yield benefits similar to those documented elsewhere, including reduced stress, improved focus and creativity, enhanced productivity, and greater overall well-being for occupants. Policymakers, designers, and developers in the region can leverage the extensive existing research base to justify incorporating biophilic principles, while simultaneously advocating for and supporting local studies to provide specific validation and refine understanding within the Illinois and Indiana context.

Section 7: Comparative Analysis: Biophilic Design Trends in Illinois vs. Indiana

Comparing the adoption patterns, common strategies, and influencing factors of biophilic design in Illinois and Indiana reveals both similarities and notable distinctions between the two neighboring states.

7.1 Prevalence and Project Types

A clear difference emerges in the geographic concentration and sectoral focus of documented biophilic projects.

• Illinois: Examples are heavily concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area.²¹ The most prominent projects highlighted are in the high-profile corporate office sector (Google, Willis Tower, Prudential Plaza, CME Center, Old Main Post Office) and the upscale multifamily residential market (Wolf Point East, Cirrus/Cascade, Westerly, Porte/845 W Madison).²¹ While examples exist outside this core (e.g., Libertyville Pediatric Dentistry ⁵, various public buildings in Kane County achieving LEED certification ⁷⁸), the narrative is dominated by large-scale commercial and residential projects in the state’s primary urban center.
• Indiana: Documented examples appear more geographically dispersed across the state (Indianapolis, Bloomington, South Bend, Gary, Kokomo, Elkhart, Highland, Fort Wayne) and show a stronger prevalence in institutional sectors.³⁵ Universities (Indiana University, Butler University, potentially Notre Dame’s green roofs) represent a significant cluster of activity, driven by sustainability commitments and campus development.³⁵ Non-profit organizations (Nature Conservancy HQ) ⁵⁰, nature centers and parks (Holliday Park, Wellfield Gardens, Newfields/Ruth Lilly Pavilion) ⁷³, and unique public/private venues (Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, Indianapolis Cultural Trail) ⁶⁵ are also notable. While commercial examples exist (e.g., Veterinary Orthopedic Center ⁸⁰), the overall picture suggests a stronger institutional and community-based focus compared to Illinois.

This divergence likely reflects the differing economic landscapes and potentially policy priorities. Chicago’s status as a global city and major corporate center naturally drives investment in high-performance, amenity-rich workplaces and residences aimed at attracting talent and commanding premium value.²¹ Indiana’s examples seem more tied to the missions and long-term planning horizons of its universities, conservation groups, and public entities.³⁵ This suggests that strategies for promoting biophilic design might need tailoring: emphasizing corporate wellness, productivity, and ESG benefits in Illinois/Chicago, while highlighting educational value, community health, and long-term sustainability in Indiana’s institutional contexts.

7.2 Common Strategies Employed

Despite the differences in project types and drivers, the fundamental biophilic strategies being implemented show considerable overlap between the two states. Core elements are consistently utilized:

• Natural Light and Views: Maximizing daylight and providing views of nature or the cityscape are common goals in projects ranging from Google Chicago and Butler/IU buildings to Cirrus/Cascade, the Nature Conservancy HQ, and the Ruth Lilly Pavilion.³⁵
• Vegetation: Various forms of vegetation are incorporated, including living walls (Willis Tower, Westerly, potentially Libertyville Dentistry) ⁵, green roofs (Willis Tower, Nature Conservancy HQ, Notre Dame) ²¹, indoor plants (Google, Cirrus/Cascade, general recommendations) ³⁶, and native landscaping (Nature Conservancy HQ, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, IUSB Community Building).⁵⁰
• Natural Materials: Use of wood, stone (especially Indiana limestone), and reclaimed materials is evident in projects like Google Chicago, Nature Conservancy HQ, Farm Bureau Pavilion, Ruth Lilly Pavilion, and Butler/IU facilities.³⁵
• Water Management/Features: Green infrastructure for stormwater management (rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, stormwater planters) is a key feature in projects like the Nature Conservancy HQ, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and Butler University buildings.³⁵ Direct water features are also mentioned generally.³⁶

Furthermore, the widespread use of LEED certification as a benchmark for sustainable design is apparent in both states across diverse project types.³⁵ This reliance on LEED provides a common framework that encourages many biophilic-related strategies (daylighting, views, IEQ, sustainable sites, water efficiency, materials) even when project drivers differ.⁶⁶ LEED, and increasingly health-focused certifications like WELL, appear to act as unifying pathways for implementing sustainable and health-promoting design elements, including those central to biophilia.

7.3 Policy and Incentive Influence

As discussed in Section 5, the policy environments differ. Illinois, especially via Chicago’s comprehensive SDP, offers a more structured, point-based incentive system that directly rewards elements like green infrastructure and WELL certification.⁹³ State-level pursuit of federal funding (IRA, CPRG) also creates potential support mechanisms.⁹⁵ Indiana relies more on specific state tax incentives, utility programs, and targeted local policies like the Indianapolis Green Building Incentive Policy, which also rewards specific features like tree canopy and green infrastructure.⁶⁴ This suggests policy may be a stronger and more direct driver for certain biophilic elements in Chicago compared to Indiana, where adoption might be more influenced by institutional goals or specific incentive availability.

7.4 Summary of Comparison

In essence, while biophilic design is present in both Illinois and Indiana, its manifestation differs. Illinois shows a concentration in high-value commercial and residential projects within the Chicago area, likely driven by market forces, corporate wellness trends, and strong municipal policies like the SDP. Indiana displays a more geographically dispersed pattern with a stronger emphasis on institutional projects (universities, non-profits, public spaces), potentially driven by mission alignment, long-term sustainability goals, and specific local or state incentives. Despite these differences, the core biophilic strategies implemented (light, views, plants, materials, water) and the use of LEED certification as a guiding framework are common to both states.

Table 4: Comparative Summary of Biophilic Design Approaches in Illinois vs. Indiana

Aspect	Illinois	Indiana
Prevalence & Geographic Focus	Concentrated in Chicago metro; notable examples primarily urban.	More geographically dispersed (Indianapolis, Bloomington, South Bend, etc.); examples in urban and institutional settings.
Dominant Project Types	High-profile corporate offices, upscale multifamily residential.	Institutional (universities, non-profits), public spaces/venues, nature centers, some commercial/healthcare.
Potential Drivers	Corporate wellness/ESG, tenant attraction, market value, Chicago SDP mandates.	Institutional missions/sustainability goals, community benefit, specific state/local incentives (e.g., Indy policy, Brownfields).
Common Strategies Used	Daylight/views, living walls/green roofs, indoor plants, natural/reclaimed materials, high-performance envelopes.	Daylight/views, native landscaping, green infrastructure (stormwater), natural/local materials (limestone, wood), energy efficiency (geothermal), adaptive reuse.
Policy Framework	Stronger municipal policy (Chicago SDP, Energy Code); active state pursuit of federal climate funds (IRA, CPRG); state energy code debates.	More reliance on voluntary programs, state tax incentives, utility DSM programs, specific local policies (Indianapolis), Brownfield incentives.
Certification Use	LEED common (office, multifamily, public); WELL/Fitwel emerging, integrated into Chicago policy.	LEED common (esp. universities, non-profits); WELL awareness present but fewer documented certifications in snippets.

Section 8: Synthesis: Current State, Challenges, and Future Potential

Synthesizing the findings from the preceding sections provides a comprehensive picture of the current status, inherent challenges, and future trajectory of biophilic design within Illinois and Indiana.

8.1 Current State Assessment

Biophilic design represents an emerging but demonstrably growing field within both Illinois and Indiana. Its presence is confirmed through various case studies, ranging from large-scale corporate and institutional buildings to specific interventions like living walls and landscape projects. However, adoption is uneven. Illinois shows a strong concentration in the Chicago metropolitan area, particularly in the commercial and high-end residential sectors. Indiana exhibits a more dispersed pattern, with significant activity within universities, non-profit organizations, and public space initiatives across different cities. Awareness of biophilic principles and their benefits appears established within the design, construction, and sustainability communities in both states.¹⁵ The use of green building certifications like LEED is common, often serving as a vehicle for incorporating biophilic-related strategies, while health-focused certifications like WELL are gaining recognition, especially in Illinois policy frameworks. The overall state suggests a foundation has been laid, but widespread, deeply integrated application across all building types and regions is still developing.

8.2 Key Challenges

Several obstacles hinder the broader adoption and effective implementation of biophilic design in Illinois and Indiana:

• Cost and Perceived Value: The upfront cost associated with certain biophilic features—such as extensive green roofs, sophisticated living wall systems, high-performance glazing for daylighting, or incorporating significant water features—can be a significant barrier, especially for projects with tight budgets.⁹ While proponents argue for long-term return on investment (ROI) through productivity gains, energy savings, and increased property value ⁴, quantifying and communicating this value proposition effectively to overcome initial cost concerns remains a challenge. The prevalence of examples in high-profile or well-funded projects suggests cost is a limiting factor for broader adoption.
• Maintenance: Living systems, which are central to many biophilic strategies (plants, water features), require specialized and ongoing maintenance to ensure their health, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.⁹ This necessitates dedicated budgets, expertise (horticultural, mechanical), and long-term commitment, which can deter some owners or facility managers.⁴³ Low-maintenance options like preserved moss exist but offer fewer ecological benefits.⁴²
• Awareness and Education: While awareness is growing among professionals, a broader understanding of biophilic design’s full scope and evidence-based benefits (beyond simple aesthetics) among clients, developers, policymakers, and the general public is needed.⁴ Overcoming the perception of biophilia as merely a “trend” or luxury requires continued education and dissemination of research findings.
• Policy Gaps and Consistency: Outside of strong municipal policies like Chicago’s SDP, the lack of comprehensive statewide mandates or robust, easily accessible incentives specifically targeting biophilic features can slow adoption, particularly in Indiana. Policy instability, such as the debates surrounding Illinois’ energy code updates ⁹⁴, can also create uncertainty for designers and developers.
• Integration Complexity: Achieving truly effective biophilic design requires integrating principles from the earliest stages of planning and design, involving collaboration across disciplines (architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, engineering).⁹ Treating biophilic elements as add-ons late in the process diminishes their potential impact and can increase costs.⁹
• Regional Environmental Constraints: The specific climates and ecological conditions of Illinois and Indiana, including projected climate change impacts like increased heat, altered precipitation patterns, and the threat of invasive species, pose challenges for selecting appropriate plant species and ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of biophilic installations.⁶³
• Localized Data Scarcity: As highlighted in Section 6, the lack of readily available, quantitative data on the specific impacts (health, productivity, energy savings) of biophilic projects within Illinois and Indiana makes it harder to build a strong, locally relevant business case and demonstrate proven success in the regional context.

8.3 Future Potential and Opportunities

Despite the challenges, the future potential for biophilic design in Illinois and Indiana is significant, driven by several converging trends and opportunities:

• Health and Well-being Imperative: The increasing societal and corporate focus on human health, mental well-being, and creating supportive environments—amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of standards like WELL ⁵⁹—positions biophilic design as a key strategy for achieving these goals in workplaces, residences, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
• Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: Biophilic design, particularly through green infrastructure (green roofs, walls, rain gardens, permeable surfaces, urban forestry), offers tangible solutions to pressing regional climate challenges like managing increased stormwater runoff and mitigating urban heat island effects. Framing biophilia as a resilience strategy can align it with municipal and state adaptation planning and funding priorities.⁶³
• Policy Advancement and Funding: Opportunities exist to strengthen policy drivers. This includes advocating for robust state energy codes that support holistic building performance, expanding or replicating successful municipal policies like the Chicago SDP or Indianapolis Green Building Incentive Policy, and explicitly incorporating biophilic criteria into funding programs.⁹² Leveraging federal funding streams like those from the IRA and CPRG for projects incorporating biophilic elements (especially those related to energy efficiency, renewables, and green infrastructure) is a key opportunity, particularly in Illinois.⁹⁵ Promoting the adoption of voluntary stretch codes can also raise the bar for building performance.⁹⁴
• Integration with Broader Sustainability Goals: Biophilic design inherently supports multiple dimensions of sustainability, including environmental protection (biodiversity, resource efficiency), social equity (access to healthy environments), and economic vitality (productivity, property value).⁹ Clearly articulating these connections can embed biophilic thinking within larger sustainability initiatives and frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.²⁰
• Economic Development and Green Jobs: Promoting biophilic design can stimulate local economies through demand for specialized design services, installation expertise (e.g., living wall/green roof installers), maintenance providers, and suppliers of native plants and sustainable materials.⁶
• Research, Demonstration, and Education: Addressing the data gap through targeted local research (POEs, impact studies) is crucial for building the regional evidence base. Supporting demonstration projects can showcase best practices and innovative applications. Continued education and outreach through workshops, design guides, and programs like Illinois’ proposed clean building navigators and training ⁹⁵ can increase awareness and capacity among stakeholders.

Successfully realizing this potential requires a strategic shift. Moving beyond viewing biophilic design solely through an aesthetic lens, practitioners and advocates in Illinois and Indiana should frame it as a multifunctional strategy. By emphasizing its contributions to critical regional priorities—climate resilience, public health, economic performance, and ecological restoration—biophilic design can be positioned not as an optional enhancement, but as an integral component of creating truly sustainable and thriving built environments in the Midwest. This strategic framing is essential for overcoming challenges like cost and driving broader adoption through policy, investment, and market demand.

Section 9: Conclusion

9.1 Summary of Key Findings

This investigation reveals that biophilic design, grounded in the innate human need to connect with nature, is a relevant and increasingly applied concept within Illinois and Indiana. Its core principles involve integrating direct experiences of nature (light, water, plants), indirect natural analogues (materials, patterns), and nature-inspired spatial configurations (prospect, refuge) into the built environment. While a strong general evidence base supports its benefits for psychological well-being, cognitive function, physical health, and environmental sustainability, its implementation within the two states shows distinct patterns.

Illinois, particularly Chicago, demonstrates significant adoption in high-profile corporate and luxury residential sectors, influenced by market demands and robust municipal policies like the Sustainable Development Policy, which explicitly incentivizes health certifications (WELL) and green infrastructure. Indiana shows more dispersed application, with a notable presence in institutional settings like universities and non-profits, often driven by mission alignment and specific local incentives, such as Indianapolis’s Green Building Incentive Policy rewarding features like increased tree canopy. Both states utilize common biophilic elements (light, plants, natural materials, water management) and rely on LEED certification as a framework, but a critical gap exists in locally published, quantitative data measuring the specific impacts of these implementations on occupant outcomes and building performance within the regional context. Key challenges include upfront costs, ongoing maintenance requirements, the need for broader awareness, policy inconsistencies or gaps, design integration complexity, and adapting to regional climate change impacts.

9.2 Significance for Illinois and Indiana

Biophilic design holds considerable significance for both Illinois and Indiana. In increasingly urbanized landscapes facing pressures from climate change (extreme heat, flooding) and demands for healthier living and working environments, biophilic strategies offer multifaceted solutions. It can contribute to creating more restorative and productive workplaces, enhancing learning environments in educational institutions, promoting healing in healthcare settings, and improving the quality of life in residential communities. Furthermore, its alignment with climate adaptation through green infrastructure and potential contributions to biodiversity make it a valuable tool for building more resilient and sustainable cities and regions in the Midwest. The existing examples, though unevenly distributed, demonstrate feasibility and provide a foundation for future growth.

9.3 Areas for Future Research

To further advance the understanding and application of biophilic design in Illinois and Indiana, targeted future research is essential. Key areas include:

1. Localized Impact Studies: Conduct rigorous post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) and longitudinal studies on existing biophilic projects within Illinois and Indiana. This research should employ quantitative measures (e.g., surveys, physiological markers, productivity metrics, energy consumption data) to assess the specific impacts on occupant health, well-being, cognitive function, and building performance in the regional context.
2. Climate Resilience Assessment: Investigate the long-term performance, resilience, and maintenance needs of biophilic installations (especially green roofs, living walls, and native plantings) under projected regional climate change scenarios (e.g., increased heat stress, drought, intense precipitation, invasive species pressure).
3. Regional Cost-Benefit Analysis: Develop detailed cost-benefit analyses specific to Illinois and Indiana, considering local construction costs, material availability, maintenance expenses, utility rates, and potential economic benefits (productivity, health savings, property value increases, ecosystem services) over the building lifecycle.
4. Policy Effectiveness Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of existing state and local policies (e.g., Chicago SDP, Indianapolis Green Building Incentive, utility programs) in driving the adoption of meaningful biophilic design strategies across different project scales and types. Identify policy gaps and opportunities for enhancement.
5. Equity and Accessibility: Explore the application and potential benefits of biophilic design in underserved communities and building typologies currently underrepresented in case studies, such as affordable housing, public schools, and community centers, ensuring equitable access to nature-connected environments.

Addressing these research areas will provide crucial local evidence to support informed decision-making, refine design strategies, justify investment, and ultimately unlock the full potential of biophilic design to enhance the built environments of Illinois and Indiana.

 

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