Bowman Perspectives: Reimagining Infrastructure Engineering and Planning Through a Biophilic Lens – A Q&A with Jasmine Aryana

Bowman Perspectives: Reimagining Infrastructure Engineering and Planning Through a Biophilic Lens - A Q&A with Jasmine Aryana

Biophilic design is reshaping the way infrastructure and public spaces are planned-moving beyond aesthetics to prioritize human experience, environmental integration and long-term functionality. As cities grow and infrastructure demands evolve, bringing nature into the built environment has become a critical part of responsible design.

In this Q&A, Bowman landscape architect Jasmine Aryana explains how biophilic principles are reshaping infrastructure engineering and planning by placing nature at the forefront of the design process. She shares insights on common misconceptions, real-world applications and how Bowman is identifying opportunities to reconnect people with nature, regardless of project scale or budget.

Q: What is biophilic design, and how do you define its relevance in today's engineering and planning projects?

A: Biophilic design is about promoting and sustaining connections between people and nature. At its core is the idea of biophilia, which refers to our innate human tendency to connect with the natural world and other living things.

In practice, biophilic design involves the intentional incorporation of natural elements-like light, air, water, vegetation and materials that reflect the natural world. These features help shape environments that are more engaging, restorative and supportive of human interaction. Ultimately, the incorporation of biophilia is paramount in designing a space that will enhance user experience.

Q: Can you share an example of a project that demonstrates how biophilic design transformed a traditional infrastructure space?

A: The Fyllingsdalen Tunnel in Bergen, Norway, is a great example. Originally an emergency evacuation tunnel for a tram line, it was reimagined with early integration of biophilic principles to become a dynamic public corridor. Lighting, visual elements and spatial enhancements transformed a utilitarian structure into a community asset that encourages walking and cycling while supporting wellness and safety-without compromising its original function.

Q: What common misconceptions do stakeholders or clients have about biophilic design, and how do you address them?

The most common misconceptions about biophilic design are that it is too costly or incompatible with established design standards. Many stakeholders assume it requires extensive green infrastructure or large budgets, which is often not the case.

These concerns are best addressed through early and open dialogue. Involving clients in the design exploration process helps clarify that biophilic design can be achieved through the strategic use of spatial experience, existing site elements, natural light, airflow, texture and planting. With a creative and informed approach, biophilic elements can be both cost-effective and fully compliant with codes and regulations, resulting in thoughtful, high-impact spaces that elevate user experience.

Q: How can engineers and planners identify biophilic design opportunities even in high-density or low-income areas, where space or funding may be limited?

Biophilic design isn't underscored by budget-it's defined by human experience. Success lies in creating places that are welcoming, safe and actively used. When identifying opportunities, biophilic elements can be integrated by applying three core principles: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature and experience of space and place.

Direct experience means utilizing natural elements such as light, air, water, vegetation and weather through thoughtful site grading, tree placement or capturing wind patterns. Indirect experience focuses on introducing subtle sensory cues, like textures, natural materials, organic forms or subtle sounds that remind people of nature. Finally, experience of space and place is about designing for comfort and community interaction. Providing sightlines, rest areas and welcoming wayfinding enhances how people interact with space.

Even in constrained spaces, activating forgotten corners or modifying existing features can foster powerful nature-based experiences. For example, a steep concrete staircase linking two neighborhoods was transformed by volunteers who added planters, seating and small gathering areas along the route. What was once a purely functional-and somewhat unsafe-passage became a community-driven, biophilic space that invites people to pause, interact and enjoy the surroundings, all without requiring a major capital investment.

Q: Looking ahead, how does Bowman plan to expand or evolve its integration of biophilic principles across service areas and regions?

We're committed to expanding biophilic integration by educating our teams to assess each project at the onset with a collaborative and holistic approach. This approach ensures that opportunities to connect people with nature are explored early-regardless of project scale or type. By identifying common hurdles such as budget constraints, regulatory challenges or site limitations upfront, teams can propose innovative, pragmatic solutions that prioritize user well-being, environmental performance and design excellence.

About Jasmine Aryana, PLA, ASLA

A licensed landscape architect with more than 28 years of experience, Jasmine Aryana leads complex public space and infrastructure projects with a focus on biophilic design, ecological integration and long-term usability. She brings specialized expertise in parks and trail systems, urban landscapes and environmentally sensitive sites-translating stakeholder needs into resilient, community-driven solutions.

At Bowman, she guides multidisciplinary teams through planning, design and implementation, ensuring projects meet regulatory standards while enhancing user experience. Aryana also serves as chair of the Biophilic Design Committee for the American Public Works Association's Washington Chapter, advancing nature-based design strategies across the region.