As urban populations swell and the dynamics of cities evolve, the public spaces within them—particularly transit hubs like airports and metro stations—must adapt to reflect these changes. In this context, biophilic design in digital art has emerged as a compelling placemaking tool, one that not only enhances the aesthetics of these spaces but also improves the overall passenger experience by integrating elements of nature into the built environment.
James McGrath’s digital installation Wetlands Flowers has been embedded into the built environment at 555 Collins Street as a series of three projected digital artworks inspired by the wetlands of Victoria. Wetlands Flowers explores the natural environment of Victoria’s diverse flora and wetlands with dramatic visuals of the Yarra River and Wilson’s Prom. On top of this, McGrath embeds digitised motifs of native Australian flowers and these dance across the panoramic scenes of the river banks, estuaries, and wetlands. McGrath’s visuals are accompanied by a soundscape that incorporates recordings made while kayaking along the Yarra River by Barton Staggs and piano by Tamara-Anna Cislowska transporting viewers to the wetlands.
Biophilic Design in Digital Art: More Than Just Aesthetic
The core of biophilic design in digital art lies in its ability to connect individuals with nature, promoting wellness and reducing stress. Airports around the world are beginning to recognise this, integrating digital artworks that not only serve as visual delights but also foster a sense of calm and relaxation. For example, the SkyTeam Lounges across various global locations now feature digital video artworks that provide serene visual escapes, mirroring the soothing qualities of natural landscapes.
Digital art, with its versatility and dynamic nature, is particularly suited to embodying biophilic design within urban transit locations. It can adapt and change, reflecting not just static images of nature but also its rhythms and movements, which can be synchronised to the flow of travellers, thus enhancing their connection to the environment around them.
In practice, the implementation of biophilic design through digital art requires thoughtful integration. Artists and designers must consider how digital elements can emulate the forms, patterns, and functions of nature, contributing to the overall wellbeing of travellers. This approach is not only about creating a visually appealing space but also about embedding a deeper environmental connection within the transit experience, making these often transient spaces feel more alive and integrated with the natural world.
Nature and Technology: A Harmonious Blend in Modern Airports
Recent placemaking trends in airport design have shifted towards creating more relaxing and sensory environments. This shift is exemplified by the incorporation of digital or installation artwork that draws heavily from nature, transforming waiting areas into spaces of engagement and tranquillity. Singapore’s Changi Airport features ‘Kinetic Rain’—the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. This installation of 1,216 bronze raindrops not only captivates but also harmonises with the natural themes of the airport’s renowned indoor gardens, enhancing the travel experience with its fluid, nature-inspired movements.
Miami International Airport’s ‘Harmonic Convergence’ public artwork combines light and sound to create a sensory walkway that mimics the calming effects of a natural environment. These installations exemplify how digital art can effectively bring biophilic design principles into bustling public spaces, making them feel more connected to nature.
As we continue to navigate through densely built environments, the infusion of nature through biophilic design in digital art offers a refreshing counterpoint that enhances our daily transit experiences. Airports, acting as gateways to cities, have a unique opportunity to lead this charge, transforming from spaces of mere transit to places where art and nature converge to create calming, enriching experiences for all travellers.
This emerging synergy between digital art and biophilic design is not just a trend but a meaningful evolution in how we use placemaking techniques to give meaning to our urban environments, promising a future where technology and nature walk hand in hand.
