Biophilia is the innate human tendency to seek and maintain a connection with nature and living systems. The term biophilia comes from the Greek and is composed of “bios” (life) and “philia” (friendship or love).
Biophilia – Man and Nature
This preference for living things is expressed, for example, in the enjoyment of plants, animals and natural landscapes and leads to positive effects on people's mental and physical health. The understanding of biophilia has significant implications for the design of living spaces, work environments, educational institutions and urban spaces, where biophilic design attempts to integrate natural elements and thus improve people's well-being.
Promoting the connection to nature in everyday life
Biophilia hypothesizes that humans have a deep-rooted inclination to connect and interact with nature and other forms of life. To rebalance humans' natural desire for nature and other living things, it is important to actively encourage connection with nature in our everyday lives. This can be achieved through a variety of measures, from urban green planning to integrating plants into offices and homes. Education and regular field trips into nature also play a crucial role in increasing awareness and appreciation for the natural environment.
One way to live biophilia in everyday life is Creating a garden or caring for houseplantsto surround yourself with vibrant greenery on a daily basis. You can also choose your walking or jogging routes to go through parks or natural landscapes to have regular contact with nature.
Setting up your Workplace with a view of windows or hanging pictures with nature motifs can help you feel a connection to nature even while you work. Try to incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone or wool into your living spaces as they create sensory experiences and a natural ambience.
The Opening windows to circulate fresh air and to let in natural sounds like birdsong, also promotes a biophilic environment.
Finally, the conscious decision for sustainable, natural products and food in everyday life help to develop a deeper appreciation and better understanding of nature and its processes.
Biophilia also with regard to microorganisms
Awareness of the importance of microorganisms such as beetles, flies and other insects can be raised through education and awareness-raising. School programs, public workshops and media campaigns can help spread knowledge about the ecological role of these organisms. These creatures perform essential functions in our ecosystems, such as pollinating plants, decomposing organic matter and regulating other pest populations.
Insect coloring pages with caterpillars, beetles, butterflies, bees and more
When it comes to removing pests from homes while protecting their lives, there are several non-toxic approaches. Some examples include the use of physical barriers such as netting and screens, the use of natural repellents such as certain essential oils, or even releasing the insects in a suitable habitat outside the home. Live traps can also be an effective solution for catching insects and then releasing them.
Microorganisms live in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, bodies of water and even urban areas. Many insects find suitable habitats in plant structures, under rocks and in the soil. It is important to recognize that they are not just a nuisance or a nuisance. Insects are crucial components of food chains and contribute to soil fertility. Pollination is central to food production and many species help with natural pest control.
Biophilic design in architecture and urban planning
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and urban planning that recognizes the human need for a connection to nature and aims to strengthen that connection through conscious design and planning. Here are some key strategies on how biophilic design can be incorporated:
- Natural light: Using daylight in buildings can improve the well-being and health of occupants. Large windows, light wells, and thoughtful placement of buildings on the site to maximize sun are examples of integrating natural light.
- Natural Materials: The use of wood, stone and other natural materials inside and outside buildings creates a natural atmosphere and promotes a connection to nature.
- Plants and green spaces: The integration of plants in interior spaces, green roofs and walls, as well as the design of parks and gardens increases the presence of nature in urban spaces.
- Water Features: Fountains, ponds, or water features can be integrated into urban environments to create a sensory connection to nature, enhanced by the sight and hearing of water.
- Natural colors and patterns: Color schemes and decorative elements that resemble natural patterns such as leaves, branches or landscape forms stimulate a subtle connection to nature.
- View of nature: Planning buildings and neighborhoods with views of parks, gardens or natural landscapes offers residents and users the opportunity to establish a visual connection with nature.
- Biodiversity: Promoting biodiversity through diverse plantings and creating habitats for animals such as birds, bees and small animals can be an integral part of biophilic design.
- Replicating natural systems: By replicating natural ecological processes, such as the water cycle or natural cycles, green spaces can be designed to be self-regulating and sustainable.
- Spatial experience: The design of spaces that create fluid transitions between inside and outside, for example through courtyards and atrium-like structures, expands the perception of natural space.
- Route and experience: Paths and trails can be designed to replicate natural landforms and make walks a sensory experience rather than simply leading from one point to another.
By applying these principles, architects and urban planners create environments that are not only aesthetically, ecologically and economically sustainable, but that also promote human well-being through a deeper connection with the natural world. Biophilic design is a multidisciplinary approach that combines insights from psychology, biology, architecture and ecology to reimagine the relationship between human users and their built environment.
Cultivating biophilia and promoting balance with nature requires a concerted effort at individual, community and global levels. Educational initiatives, sustainable practices and protecting natural habitats are essential strategies to strengthen the connection with nature and maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.