What are the best ways to design buildings that promote biodiversity?

Designing buildings with biodiversity in mind is becoming increasingly important, and there are several clever ways to achieve this! Here are some of the best strategies: Green infrastructure: Green roofs and walls: These vegetated surfaces offer habitat for a variety of plants and animals, from insects and birds to bats and small mammals. They also provide other benefits like improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, and insulation. Living walls: Similar to green walls, these vertical gardens can be incorporated into interior or exterior spaces, bringing nature closer to inhabitants while promoting biodiversity.

Rain gardens and bioswales: These landscaped features capture and filter rainwater, mimicking natural drainage patterns and creating opportunities for native plants and pollinators. Connectivity and corridors: Minimize fragmentation: Buildings and infrastructure can act as barriers, disconnecting natural habitats. Minimizing fragmentation by preserving green spaces and incorporating wildlife corridors allows animals to move freely and access resources. Permeable materials: Using permeable pavements, walkways, and building materials allows water to flow through, reducing runoff and creating pathways for small animals.

Green bridges and tunnels: These structures above or below roads and railways, designed with vegetation and natural features, help animals safely cross busy areas. Native plants and wildlife features: Use native plants: Opting for locally adapted vegetation provides food and shelter for native wildlife, supporting local ecosystems instead of introducing invasive species. Wildlife shelters and nesting boxes: Integrate features like bat boxes, birdhouses, and insect hotels into the building design to offer homes for various species. Ponds and water features: Water bodies attract diverse animal life and can be designed with native plants and minimal maintenance needs.

One time at work, I had the opportunity to propose the addition of a butterfly conservatory to a multi use project. Since it is not reccommended by specialists to release butterflies raised in enclosures, a conservatory may serve for research and educational purposes. Most of all it is relevant for raising awareness about the sensitive role that butterflies play in the endurance of our ecossystem.

Biophilic design principles: Maximize natural light and ventilation: Allowing natural light and air to flow creates healthier spaces for humans while mimicking natural environments for wildlife. Natural materials and textures: Integrating wood, stone, and other natural materials can create a more welcoming environment for both humans and animals. Views of nature: Designing buildings with access to greenery and views of natural landscapes provides stress relief for humans and promotes a connection with nature.

In my experience, biophilic design is a gateway to fostering biodiversity. It promotes designing within sustainable frameworks, natural elements, biomimicry and representation of sensorial natural elements. Other than that, such planning mindset will consider the territory and land around the building itself. That implies promoting a restaurative plan for vegetation and wildlife which can be achieved through allowing local species to bloom from dorment stages and reintroducing native trees, bushes and flowers. By restoring natural food source, wildlife will come back in time, recreating a healthy and diverse biome.

One important aspect to be considered in designing and planning is outdoor lighting from the wildlife perspective. It has been widely highlighted that lamp posts should be finely chosen along the sea shore in regards to intensity and direction not to confuse newborn turtles while finding their way to the ocean when they hatch. In the same sense, when designing landscape, a garden or backyard, the lights should be placed accordingly not to stress or scare small animals. Spots are preferred to long posts and should always be dim in order to create a welcoming environment. Bright and broad light creates a stressful environment for both humans and wildlife.