One River North: The Great New Project in Biophilic Design

Since fall of 2021, a hulking mass of concrete and rebar has slowly risen on the outskirts of the River North Arts District in Denver, Colorado. Though the building’s current skeletal structure is unassuming, its anticipated completion in late 2023 will make it a stellar example of biophilic architecture—an increasingly popular style that incorporates elements of the natural world in the built environment.

MAD Architects, the Beijing-based firm responsible for this building, is known for its unique and creative approach to design. In 2020, the firm completed “Gardenhouse,” an apartment complex in Beverly Hills, California. As its name would suggest, “Gardenhouse” merges the natural world with residential life. The design includes organic shapes, curved walls, windows, and a central courtyard. These natural elements reflect the core ideology behind MAD Architects: since human beings are biological organisms, contemporary architecture with dark and enclosed spaces contradicts human nature. People should not live in the artificial worlds of metal and concrete. They should live in liminal spaces that seamlessly entwine the beauty of nature with the comfort and safety of indoor living.

“One River North,” the MAD Architect project in Denver, will accomplish exactly that. Once completed, the complex will boast 187 residential units with access to 13,000 square feet of open-air environments. Most notably, a 10-story “crack” filled with native Colorado vegetation will snake up the western facade. An ascent up this crack will mimic a hike through the Rocky Mountain National Park. The greenery will include prairie grasses indigenous to the eastern part of the state and evergreen trees that dot the nearby mountains. Raw stone accents will create an earthy feel. Even the rooftop will reflect an alpine setting and boast dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains. The entire building resembles an organic figure of the natural world. It creates a unique aesthetic that rebels against traditional notions of man-made and natural environments. Buildings and nature should not exist in separate spheres. Rather, thoughtful manipulation of both worlds can encourage harmonious relationships between the two.

Kevin Ratner, a co-founder of Max Collaborative and lead developer on the project, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of “One River North” to “blend nature and architecture to inspire a well-balanced life.” Indeed, advocates for biophilic architecture believe that introducing green spaces to the built environment will improve human emotional well-being by reuniting people with the natural world to which they belong. The ambitious and thoughtful approach of “One River North” will ensure that residents receive constant access to the natural world. Through the design of “One River North,” MAD Architects hopes to inspire a new era in American architecture that rethinks the habitats that human beings should occupy. The man-made construction of city environments is no reason to relegate nature to the outskirts of society. Instead, incorporating greenery in buildings will create balanced environments conducive to human life.