The Basics of Biophilic Design

As we continue to fill our homes with screens and gadgets, and our cities with concrete and paved roads, we begin to lose sight – literally – of the natural world around us. In an effort to combat this transformation, architects are adopting a concept known as biophilia – “an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world.”

- By Madison Moulton

Biophilia describes our inherent connection with nature. It is not coincidence that being in nature and interacting with our local environments, as gardeners often do, provides a sense of calm and peacefulness. Throughout history, humanity has lived in permanent interaction with the natural world. As the construction of cities took priority around the world in the 20th century, this interaction has been slowly severed, impacting people’s health and wellbeing.

Biophilic design, a principle used by architects and builders across the world, attempts to bring the construction of urban areas in line with our innate desire and need to be in nature. The term was only recently introduced, but the concept itself has many principles we are familiar with. Stephen Kellert, leader in the concept and practice of biophilic design, outlines three ways designers can improve human connections to nature:

Physical experience