#1 Biophilic Design
Nature and the built environment
Our cities are sprawling, natural areas fragmenting, our battle with extreme weather events continues and we maintain to design buildings with air-tight walls, straight corridors and sterile palettes.
Studies have shown, the less we nurture our relationship with nature, the more we disregard and destroy it. Although not commonly discussed, up until recently, we have evolved with a deep connection with nature. That is why biophilic design 'patterns', pioneered by Stephen R Kellert, help us to reintroduce nature holistically into our built environments. As it turns out, being close to nature helps us thrive mentally and physically because natural settings are most familiar to us.
Interestingly, the biophilic movement started in the 90's, not for human environments, but for animal enclosures in zoos. Judith Heerwagen noticed the impact these man-made environments had on the wellbeing of primates and began redesigning zoo enclosures to mimic their natural habitats. As predicted, the animals thrived in their more natural surroundings. Soon, architects and designers applied this approach to human environments.
Biophilia is not just about putting a plant or water feature in the corner, it's how all the different elements of nature work in harmony to create this familiar environment, a bit like Feng Shui. If used correctly it can create a genuine improvement to our health and wellbeing. It has proved to shorten hospital stays and improve productivity in the workplace.
Biophilic design works best when it is experienced as an ecosystem, check out this brilliant example. As one might expect, light, ventilation, materials and plants all play a role in creating a more familiar environment, some other fascinating design patterns include:
Connection with Natural Systems — Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem. Such as the changes in leaf colours.
Complexity & Order — Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature. Such as different chairs in a room.
Prospect — An unimpeded view over a distance for surveillance and planning. Such as a window with a view of the ocean.
As I see it, there are many opportunities for biophilic design going forward. If not driven by the health of our planet, motivated by the wellbeing of humans. The prospect lies in the symbiosis between humans and the planet. If we do not strengthen our relationship with nature, how can we foster the responsibility to take care of it? and if we are not close to nature, how can we form this bond?
