BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Biophilic design—the practice of integrating nature into architecture—is no longer confined to houseplants and scenic views. Architects and designers worldwide are turning to trees as a central element of their projects, blending sustainability with stunning aesthetics. From towering palms in public spaces to centuries-old oaks framing private homes, trees are becoming architectural showstoppers.
“There’s nothing more calming than being surrounded by nature. A living tree is a statement piece, and an art installation in itself,” says Ryoko Okada, principal at ODA Architecture in New York.
Public spaces lead the way
Public spaces have long been pioneers of tree-focused design. The Ford Foundation in New York features a breathtaking 12-story atrium teeming with magnolias, eucalyptus, and jacaranda trees. At lower Manhattan’s Brookfield Place, 16 towering Washingtonia palm trees create a tropical escape within the Winter Garden atrium. Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport ups the ante with a 6-acre indoor forest housing 2,500 trees native to Madagascar, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
These spaces don’t just delight—they inspire. They’ve set the stage for architects to adopt similar designs in residential and commercial projects.
The rise of greenscrapers and tree-centric apartments
Stefano Boeri, the mastermind behind Milan’s Bosco Verticale, has redefined urban living with his “vertical forests.” The 44-story residential tower incorporates 800 trees alongside an array of shrubs, enveloping the building in greenery. In the Netherlands, Boeri’s Trudo Vertical Forest takes this concept further by providing low-income housing adorned with trees on all four facades.
Dominic Lutyens, a London-based architecture writer, observes: “Architects and designers are increasingly shrouding and softening the hard-edged stone and concrete planes of urban buildings with lush vegetation.”
When trees become part of the family home
In private residences, trees are no longer confined to the yard. ODA Architecture’s New Delhi penthouse features a courtyard with a ficus microcarpa at its heart. The tree resides in a reflective infinity pool, creating a serene indoor-outdoor ambiance. “Seeing it grow and evolve is regenerative,” Okada says, emphasizing the calming effect of living greenery.
In Southern California, KAA Design Group crafted a home that celebrates the property’s ancient cork oaks. Grant Kirkpatrick, a founding partner, recalls convincing a client to retain one particularly gnarled tree. “We had to sell the idea that this 300-year-old antique should be featured rather than removed,” he says. The tree is now the centerpiece, framing stunning views and adding a sense of history.
Creative alternatives to living trees
When live trees aren’t an option, designers are finding innovative ways to honor them. On a ranch in Paso Robles, California, KAA Design transformed a charred manzanita—a casualty of a 2016 fire—into a striking art installation. Painted flat black, the tree now serves as a reminder of resilience and renewal.
Making trees work in architecture
Incorporating trees into buildings requires careful planning. “We don’t recommend planting full-size trees in your home without consulting a landscape architect,” Okada advises. Factors like soil depth, natural light, and regional climate all play critical roles in a tree’s health.
For example, the Brookfield Place palms are replaced every decade due to their limited exposure to outdoor elements. “Trees need to ‘work out,’” explains Anna Zarra Aldrich from the University of Connecticut. “Gradually exposing a tree to more wind develops its resistance and makes it more resilient.” Recycled mulch from these palms is used to plant native trees, ensuring a continuous cycle of growth.
The future of biophilic design
As architects continue to embrace biophilic design, trees are poised to play an even greater role in reshaping urban and residential landscapes. Whether through vertical forests, integrated courtyards, or artistic tributes, these projects remind us of the profound connection between humans and nature. “A tree isn’t just a design element,” says Kirkpatrick. “It’s a living, breathing part of the home.”
