Analysis Of Biophilic Design Offers A Positive Vision

Introduction. â€Å"Biophilic design offers a positive vision of how we can achieve lives of meaning and satisfaction through our experience of the natural world.† Biophilia addresses the human need for nature, many findings are in line with green design and sustainability. It is the study of a ‘humans inherent tendency to affiliate with the natural environment.’ Involves including nature in design such as daylighting, natural ventilation etc. The term biophilia was coined in the 1980s by biologist Edward Wilson. His argument was that human being have an innate and evolutionary based affinity for nature, that we subconsciously try to connect with it throughout our lives. Humans have a biological need to be part of nature as it affects our physical and psychological health, productivity and well being. Biophilia is often confused for biomimicry which is often more to do with the design of things that mimic elements from nature. Biophilia concerns our innate need for or interest in nature, One attribute of biophilic design is the idea of ‘Prospect and Refuge’ which is about luring a person comfortably from one space to another, which can be achieved though subtle changes in lighting and curvilinear walls that guide you from place to place. Prospect and refuge is the ability to see without being seen - this is a fundamental response to the environment associated with protection and hazard surveillance. ‘We need Nature in a deep and fundamental fashion, but we have often