Biophilia

means the love of nature and suggest that we have a connection to the natural world that we cannot escape.  Edward O. Wilson author of Biophilia (1984) defines biophilia as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”.

Biophilia is the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms. Life around us exceeds in complexity and beauty anything else humanity is ever likely to encounter. – E.O. Wilson, 1984

Biophilic design

Biophilic design is an effective way of improving well-being in the workplace and is now becoming very popular. This type of design is especially popular in urban settings in both our business lives and our home settings because we have become disconnected from the natural world.  This disconnection is having an effect on our health and wellbeing.  However with Biophilic design we can recreate the natural world around us which not only brings health benefits but also increase productivity, creativity and causes greater engagement.

Workplaces that incorporate natural elements are 6% more productive and 15% more creative

Nature exposure

Exposure to nature has been linked to a plethora of health benefits. There is a significant and growing body of evidence that time spent in nature.  Or even just looking at or into natural scenes can reduce mental and physical health risks. There have been many studies linking natural environments and mental health like this one recorded by Natural England

Connecting with nature has never been more important than it is today. With longer hours in the office and longer commute times, we’re spending more time than ever before indoors and away from the natural world.

With this disconnection with nature, there is concern about more and more stress related illnesses

Biophilic cities

There are not only Biophilic work places but also biophilic cities!  Oslo, in Norwary, referred to as a compact city, is the leader of biophilic design.  With it Eight rivers, large number of parks and green spaces around the city and its hills and forests which surround it.  Cities with this connection to nature in their biophilic design have a happier more productive population.

Reconnect with nature

With talk of Millennial’s leaving towns and cities to settle down in the suburbs for a quieter , cheaper lifestyle, maybe they too are trying to reconnect with nature..

We do seem to want more of balance between urban living and natural surroundings. The biophilic cities are showing the way and proving to all of us what it takes to promote urban sustainability