The Rationale for Biophilic Design

Abstract

Biophilic design helps create regenerative, resilient and happy cities. Contemporary cities are under stress. They have been built as human habitats, but designed by economics, not by liveability, well-being, or as a healthy, sustainable habitat for humans. Current pressures of increasing urban density and climate change are amplifying crises of human health such as stress, obesity and mental health issues, along with the heat island effect and water and air pollution. Biophilic design, based on humans’ innate connection to nature, is a rapidly expanding urban design approach initially driven as a response to these urban crises, but now being taken up by progressive and innovative cities who acknowledge the multiple social, environmental and economic benefits which result. Consistently emerging research of the responses to the rich and diverse biophilic elements (natural forms, patterns, places, materials, greenery) shows the endless remedial possibilities of inserting cost-effective biophilic elements and uniting nature and the urban fabric. This brings both physical integration and human connection and values, solving the problem of habitat fragmentation and human disconnect resulting from underutilised spaces and incompatible built elements.