How Bamboo Helps Bring Biophilic Design to Life

Using bamboo in biophilic design.

You’ve probably heard the word bandied about a little, but what is biophilic design? In short, it is an approach to design that seeks to merge nature with architecture. We all have an inherent, enigmatic affinity for nature; it’s probably in our DNA somewhere. On top of that, we all want a place we can call home, somewhere we can relax and feel at ease. How do we combine these two? Well, we think this can be achieved with a little ‘love of life’—the literal meaning of the Greek word biophilia. Essentially, biophilic design connects humans with nature through our living spaces. Bamboo, as an organic material, has a unique advantage in such a design trend, which we’ll take a little look at. 

The Perfect Eco-Friendly Material for Biophilic Design

It’s not just us. Homes and businesses alike are increasingly choosing to adorn their spaces with bamboo, whether it’s by hanging bamboo pendant lights or incorporating it into other furniture and decor. However, what is it about bamboo that makes people so.. happy? Throughout Asia (where we’re based), people use bamboo for almost everything. It is a naturally occurring material that has been used for constructing houses and making art for generations, particularly because it is so strong and long-lasting.

It’s not just strong, though. Bamboo has a neutral yet rustic look that will go with any decor, and it’s a very environmentally friendly material. It also needs little to no maintenance; you won’t need to be polishing it like other woods, and it is equally at home both indoors and out. And, of course, it’s organic! We’re all suckers for organic design nowadays, and it’s one of the key elements of biophilia. 

Outdoor garden area incorporating natural design and plants.
An example of how nature and architecture can combine to create an inviting space.

Our Bamboo Pendants Shine a Light on the Biophilic Design Trend

Bamboo pendants are our babies! They’re the roots of our ever-growing tree here at Lanna Passa. Over the years, they’ve become incredibly popular for home lighting, and it’s easy to see why. When you’re renovating a house and the lighting part comes in, choosing biodegradable and natural materials for lighting is a prudent and aesthetically pleasing choice. When the organic texture of bamboo and warm light combine, it makes for a killer combination. The natural grains and subtle patterns of bamboo, with a touch of inviting light design, glow differently. These lights make the living room feel cozier and the bedroom more romantic, bringing life to any area and often becoming a focal point in your space. 

For example, consider a modern dining area where our classic repurposed fish trap bamboo pendant lights are hung. When you hang these pendants up and the light glows from within, the woven stripes create captivating shadows on the walls and ceiling. This setup speaks from a distance, like a welcoming gesture. You’ll create an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and connection with nature, which takes us back to the organic principles of biophilic design. 

Handwoven Bamboo Long Pendant Light - Plug-In / Swag
Our popular tall bamboo pendant light feeling right at home amongst nature.

Bamboo Provides an Aura of Warmth and Comfort

The natural curves and warm tones of bamboo level up your space, particularly when we’re talking about biophilic design elements. We all know that straight and sharp edges are signs of human construction and are barely, if ever, found in nature. If interior designers aim to evoke a feeling, then incorporating natural curves and tones is a must. Without, that feeling is going to be, well, not one of comfort, let’s just say that. Additionally, introducing nature into our home is scientifically proven to improve wellbeing, which kind of makes sense. Staring at plain walls and right angles all day will make anyone depressed. 

When you pair bamboo pendant lighting with warm bulbs (we love Edison bulbs), they give off a beautiful soft glow. This works well both at home and in larger places like coffee shops or rustic restaurants—places where you want to create that welcoming atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Bedrooms, living rooms, or dining rooms are perfect for bamboo wood lights and their blend of natural materials and organic forms. They offer a unique way to create a vibe in retail spaces too, whether they are placed indoors or outdoors.

Bamboo pendant lighting and natural plants in Wild Concepts coffee bar.
Above, a selection of our bamboo pendant lights suspended in the beautiful Wild Concepts coffee bar. A fantastic example of incorporating biophilic touches into a retail space. Photo credit: Wild Concepts.

Handcrafted Lighting and Biophilic Design Principles

Naturally, handcrafted and handmade pieces resonate with biophilic design principles. Each of our bamboo pendant light shades is woven by talented artisans in northern Thailand and proudly made with indigenous materials and designs. These are not just beautiful lights, but they convey the warmth and love of the artist into the room. Each creation is a unique and one-of-a-kind reflection of traditional Thai craftsmanship and artistry. This mix of quality work and long-lasting materials not only creates a more peaceful and environmentally friendly home, but it also creates that connection to nature that we all crave. 

An oversized bamboo floor lamp with biophilic inspiration.
Biophilic inspired lighting doesn’t need to be in pendant form. Here, our large bamboo floor lamp provides a natural and elegant touch.

We at Lanna Passa have always been ‘biophilics’—lovers of nature—long before we were even aware that this was a word. This is true for everything we make. Our love of all things natural and organic can be seen in our products, whether it’s biophilia-inspired lighting, woven wall art, or general home decor. Bamboo is our first love, and it offers a range of applications, but its use in lighting is particularly impactful and holds a special place in our hearts. Its natural textures and warm glow enhance any space and, like the biophilic trend in general, can positively impact our well-being. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of nature to your space and maybe even increase your productivity and happiness in general, stay away from those straight lines, avoid those gray walls, and add a little ‘love of life’ to your world with bamboo and biophilia.

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