What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilia was first described by Erich Fromm in his 1973 book The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness. He describes biophilia as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive”. And it has come to mean our innate connection with nature.
Biophilic design seeks to blend natural and organic design into our interiors to create spaces that are soothing and comfortable without losing their purpose. Biophilic interiors can increase workplace wellbeing as well as productivity.
Reconnecting with nature: Japanese forest bathing
Social prescribing is increasing as doctors identify more methods in preventative medicine. One of these methods is Forest Bathing. Originating in Japan, forest bathing is simply the activity of getting back to nature through urban green spaces, the countryside and local parks. The benefits are immense with a global study indicating reductions in stress levels, the risk of coronary disease, type 2 diabetes and a lowering of blood pressure. Read the full article on forest bathing here.
The Power of Green: How green space affects health in cities
Green space is defined as ‘area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment’. Living closer to nature can benefit our physical and mental health but can city dwellers experience the same health benefits as people living in rural areas?
One Reply to “Series on Nature and our Health”