From Stabilized Moss to Green Skyscrapers: How Biophilic Design Is Changing Homes and Cities

Summary:

1. Introduction: The Green Revolution in Architecture and Design

2. Preserved moss: the small but important ally of sustainable design

3. Real examples: where stabilized moss is already a protagonist

4. Smart homes and indoor greenery: immersive and multisensory experiences

5. Why architects and designers like preserved moss

6. Beyond the Home: The Future of Biophilic Public Spaces

1. Introduction: The Green Revolution in Architecture and Design

Biophilic design is no longer a fad, but a true design philosophy that is changing the way we experience and perceive spaces. The impetus comes from two sources: on the one hand, the need to reduce the environmental impact of construction and make buildings more sustainable; on the other, people's growing need to reconnect with nature, even in urban contexts. Architecture and interior design are responding to this challenge with solutions that integrate natural elements—such as plants, sunlight, and eco-friendly materials—in combination with smart technologies. It's a new dialogue, aiming to create healthier, more pleasant environments capable of fostering psychological well-being as well as living comfort.

2. Preserved moss: the small but important ally of sustainable design

Among the elements that have earned a prominent place in biophilic design is preserved moss. This natural material undergoes a preservation process that makes it long-lasting, requiring no water, light, or special care. The result is a soft, vibrant, and evergreen surface, capable of retaining its freshness and color for many years.
Preserved moss is more than just decorative: it improves room acoustics by reducing background noise, helps create more welcoming atmospheres, and conveys an immediate sense of connection with nature. For these reasons, it is now widely used not only in domestic settings, but also in open-plan offices, designer hotels, and shops seeking a natural touch without the constraints of routine maintenance.

3. Real examples: where stabilized moss is already a protagonist

Preserved moss has been used in several notable architectural and interior design projects. In Google's Dublin offices , for example, interior green walls were created to stimulate team creativity and improve the quality of the work environment. In several fashion showrooms in London and Paris , large panels of preserved lichen have become truly scenic elements, enhancing collections and atmospheres with a natural and contemporary touch.
At the urban level, Milan's famous Bosco Verticale , designed by Stefano Boeri, is a symbol of the new relationship between greenery and architecture. Despite using living, not stabilized, plants, it paved the way for an entire generation of architects who now seek to integrate nature creatively and functionally into their projects. Stabilized moss represents the indoor, low-maintenance version of this approach, perfect for those who want to bring biophilia indoors.

4. Smart homes and indoor greenery: immersive and multisensory experiences

When technology meets preserved greenery, unique living experiences emerge. Imagine a moss wall backlit with smart LEDs, which you can control from your smartphone to create customized lighting scenarios: a soft green to relax in the evening, a warm glow to welcome guests, or a dynamic effect to accompany a special evening.
Similarly, green panels can be combined with air quality sensors that automatically monitor and adjust ventilation, improving health and comfort. In offices, preserved moss can interact with smart acoustic systems, reducing noise and creating environments conducive to concentration. It's this combination of the natural and the digital that is making homes and workplaces increasingly multisensory and personalized.

5. Why architects and designers like preserved moss

Architecture firms and designers choose preserved moss for several reasons. First, its creative versatility : it can be used for entire walls, modular panels, company logos, or decorative details. Second, its durability and resistance : it remains intact for years without the need for maintenance. Equally important is its emotional impact : greenery has proven positive effects on the psyche, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Finally, preserved moss represents a perfect compromise between aesthetics and practicality , which fits perfectly into the trend of hi-tech biophilic design, where sustainable materials and smart technologies complement each other.

6. Beyond the Home: The Future of Biophilic Public Spaces

While preserved moss is now common in homes and offices, the next challenge is its expansion into public spaces. Some museums and airports have begun experimenting with biophilic solutions to make their environments more welcoming and less stressful. In Scandinavia, for example, some schools have introduced preserved lichen panels in classrooms to reduce noise and improve student concentration.
The future of design therefore points to an increasingly evident contamination between nature and technology, with the aim of creating urban spaces that are innovative yet human, high-tech yet green , modern yet rooted in the primordial need to feel part of nature.