Be Green
We’ve all heard of eco-friendly design and different ways to shrink our carbon footprint. I’ve also shared tips for bringing the outdoors into your home, but there are some earth-friendly ideas circulating the design and architecture community that affect each and every one of us. This revolutionary movement was popularized by Harvard University myrmecologist and conservationist, E.O. Wilson.
Biophilia… is the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms. Innate means hereditary and hence part of ultimate human nature. (Wilson, 1993, p.31).
With projects, documentaries, books, and communities focused on this idea, it seems like we’re starting to realize and connect the environment with the larger architectural design. And that’s pretty exciting if you ask me. If the eco-friendly design is concerned with creating sustainable works that improve environmental conditions (or at least hurt them less) then biophilia is literally bridging the gap between concrete cities and Mother Nature’s finest.
Check out this rooftop garden that sits atop Chicago’s City Hall building in the heart of downtown.
So if we’re to support Wilson’s movement (and I don’t see a reason not to) we should start to see a lot more of this in major cities across the country. But besides welcoming Mother Nature back into our concrete jungles, biophilic design also improves our health and overall living conditions, if we’re committed to making a change. Studies show that reducing illness, increasing productivity and improving education are just a few of the benefits that this integration can bring to humanity. It’s time for a change in perspective. If we are hardwired to love nature, we can definitely come together and reach new heights!
And countries across the globe are all about it too. Take a look at some of the innovative cities that are embracing the biophilic culture.
Hotel Droog, Amsterdam
The Meera House By Guz Architects, Singapore
Birmingham, UK
Athenaeum Hotel, Mayfair London
Personally connected with nature at the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway.
Join the conversation: What do you think of biophilic design and cities? Would you live in a biophilic community? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Photo sources: Museum of the City, INDESIGNLIVE, Chicago Journal, Progressive Times
