Biophilic lighting replicates the spectrum, dynamics, and intensity of daylight by integrating seamlessly into architectural spaces. It transforms sterile interiors into environments that nurture health, enhance productivity, and promote mental balance.
The House of Elements, set to become the crown jewel of Orientarium Zoo in Łódź, Poland, takes the classical elements (earth, ice, water, fire, and air) and transforms them into a 6,000-square-meter narrative experience. Rather than designing a building where you walk from exhibit to exhibit, VMA created a continuous downward-then-upward journey that mirrors the evolution of life itself. Designer: VMA Design Studio for Orientarium Zoo
Today's workplaces include biophilic facets to bring the outside in, but most are still relatively staid in design, with neutral palettes and traditional styling. Yet when Bean Buro was tapped to envision a new space for a global financial institution, the mangrove, a resilient coastal tree, was the surprising source of inspiration. "We consciously moved away from the typical corporate office template because our goal was to create an environment that truly nurtures well-being and spontaneous collaboration," says Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, co-founder of Bean Buro.
Architects today see the home as more than just a place to live. It is now understood as a space that affects how people think, feel, and live each day. By 2026, the field has clearly moved away from cold, uniform minimalism. Instead, design choices such as color, shape, and proportion are made with clear intent, helping to create spaces that support everyday life.
With the new smart mist planter, growing plants becomes something you can constantly see, touch, and truly enjoy day in a day out, while the plants grow right in front for your eyes. The system comprises a transparent chamber, a planting panel, and an adjustable light. It permits the plant to grow floating in mid-air, without soil or water; just with nutrient-rich mist, keeping the roots hydrated to grow life beautifully, right at your desk, without you having to even move a muscle.
In recent years, designers increasingly recognize that a home's luxury is not defined by its size but by how space is sequenced, detailed, and experienced. In small residences, limited square footage becomes an opportunity to refine material honesty, elevate craftsmanship, and curate a focused expression of high-end living. This shift frames luxury as a philosophy rooted in intention rather than excess.
The takes inspiration from the company's signature hue of green, translating it into a spatial composition that evokes the atmosphere of a forest canopy. Throughout the space, polygonal forms in varying shades of green unfold across ceilings and walls. On the ceiling, layered geometric panels create a gradation reminiscent of overlapping leaves, while on the walls, textured green surfaces suggest new growth and movement.
As remote work continues to be a preference for many, several trends are emerging that are set to dominate home office designs. Here are ten trends to watch for in the near future. 1. Ergonomic Furniture Ergonomic chairs and desks are becoming essential as more people prioritize comfort and health while working from home. Brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase are leading the way with innovative designs that support posture and reduce strain.
For the transformation of a former boathouse in Sweden's east archipelago into a serene retreat, it all started with-what else?-the sea. "I was really struck by the first time that I visited the site," says designer Kajsa Melchior. "You come from the forest and from the outside the house looks so simple and tiny, but when you enter, the only thing you see is the sea."
Designer Pei-Ju Wu's Oasis is a clever fusion of planter, lamp, and a primary working table that is integrated into one sophisticated piece of furniture for the modern home. It serves as a functional workstation while bringing greenery and soft lighting into your everyday environment. Water is poured through a central funnel on the tabletop, which channels it to the soil below. Through capillary action, plants naturally absorb moisture, while excess water flows to a hidden tray and evaporates back into the air.
On arrival, guests are greeted by artist Isvald Klingels' "Ghost Forest" installation, which incorporates fallen tree stumps, snags, logs, and branches, alongside old-growth Red Cedars and a unique 16-foot-tall spiraling Yew tree. This site-specific "living landscape" reflects both the area’s historical timber industry and a notion of cyclical renewal, emphasizing how nature is restored in urban spaces.
"Plants are one of those je ne sais quoi components; you might not always be able to put your finger on it, but when it's present, the space breathes differently."
