Yes, a growing range of urban outdoor furniture is specifically designed around biophilic design principles, which aim to satisfy humanity's innate need to connect with nature in built environments. This furniture moves beyond traditional benches and tables by incorporating natural patterns, materials, forms, and processes.
Key design features include the use of organic, non-rectilinear shapes that mimic forms found in nature, such as flowing curves reminiscent of leaves or water. Materials are chosen for their natural origin and texture, like sustainably sourced wood with visible grain, or concrete mixed with recycled aggregates and colored with natural pigments. Some designs integrate planters directly into seating structures, creating a seamless blend of seating and greenery.
The functionality also supports biophilic goals. Furniture arrangements can encourage social interaction in a natural setting or provide quiet, contemplative spaces. Surfaces might be designed to channel rainwater to adjacent planting beds, supporting local micro-ecosystems. The ultimate goal is to create public spaces that reduce stress, enhance creativity, and foster a deeper sense of community by making nature an integral, tactile part of the urban experience, from parks and plazas to streetscapes and corporate campuses.