Biophilia: Reconnecting Human with Nature
Built environment is a part of natural environment modified by human to accommodate a certain purpose or activities. Human can learn from nature to make their built environment performs at the best possible degree of efficiency. I covered how architecture can learn from nature in my previous post about Michael Pawlyn's talk. This approach is called Biomimicry. This time I would like to cover another concept that is also related with nature and the built environment: Biophilia.
PARKROYAL on Pickering designed by WOHA is a famous example of biophilic design (Patrick Bingham-Hall)
The term itself was first coined by Erich Fromm (A German-Born American psychoanalyst) in 1973. Edward O Wilson was the one who popularized this hypothesis in his 1987 book, Biophilia. Wilson (1987) defines biophilia as "innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes”. Stephen Kellert, another well-known researcher on Biophilia define the term as "innate affinity for the natural world". This concept remains a hypothesis. Scientifically, it is difficult to convincingly prove that the connection of human with nature and its elements is beneficial for human well-being. However, the concept has been widely implemented in the built environment area.
The biophilia hypothesis suggests that contact with nature is beneficial for people. According to biophilia, exposure to nature can promote psychological well being, reduce stresses and improve physical health (Ulrich 1993). Reconnecting people with nature can be achieved by bringing natural elements into buildings and cities. Therefore, parks and other natural elements are considered as one of the most important aspects of the build environment.
Singapore is known as a successful example of biophilic city (ytimg.com)
There are a lot of examples of biophilia that we can find in our daily life (Judith & Hase 2001). Views through the windows from office space to the outside natural landscape helps reduce stress of the employees. Outdoor green open space can promote social interactions and a sense of community. Tropical fish tank viewing can promote relaxation and reduce blood pressure. The list continues with more and more examples of benefits of connecting human with nature. In relation to cities, a project called "Biophilic Cities Project" led by Prof. Tim Beatley from University of Virginia focuses on theories, practices and assessments of biophilia implementation on cities of the world.
References:
Judith, H & Hase, B 2001, 'Building Biophilia: Connecting People to Nature in Building Design', <http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/External/Docs8543.pdf>
Ulrich, RS 1993, 'Biophilia, biophobia, and natural landscapes', in S R Kellert & E O Wilson (eds), The Biophilia hypothesis, Island Press u.a., Washington, D.C., pp. 73–137.
Wilson, EOO 1984, Biophilia, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA
