Biophilia
What is Biophilia?
Biophilia is defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. The term is derived from the Greek words for “life” and “love or affection;” making its literal translation “love of life.” This concept is foundational to biophilic design.
The term Biophilia was first used by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (1973), which described Biophilia as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive.” Under Biophilic design, there are three categories:
Nature in the Space. The direct presence of nature in a space in the form of plants, animals, water, breeze, scents, light, shadows, and other natural elements.
Natural Analogues. The representational presence of natural materials, patterns, objects, colours, and shapes incorporated into building design, facade ornamentation, decor, and furniture.
Nature of the Space. The incorporation of spatial elements commonly found in nature such as expansive views, places of sensory refuge (such as a quiet and dimly lit room that simulates a cave), and a mild sense of risk (like stepping stones over a shallow pond).
A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that plants in your home or office can make you feel more comfortable, soothed, and natural.
NASA also conducted research as to the effectiveness of plants to clear air toxins and found that houseplants reduced airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly.
Researchers have since used horticultural therapy to increase feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions as well as showing that plants lower our cortisol stress levels.
Biophilia can be as simple as maximising natural light and adding houseplants to a home. Exposure to natural light has been found to boost productivity, increase Vitamin D absorption, and ward off seasonal depression.
Many houseplants also absorb toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, found in man-made materials that are known to "off-gas" pollutants into the air in your home, school, and office. Studies have also proven that indoor plants keep you healthier and happier, offering both psychological and physical health benefits that include:
Improving your mood
Lowering stress and anxietyReducing fatigue
Boosting healing and pain tolerance
Improving office performance and focus
Easing dry skin and respiratory ailments due to dry air
Minimising the occurrence of headaches by improving air quality
