Many people find that the more time they spend in natural settings, the more grounded they feel as they live out their days in urbanized civilization. Spending time in peaceful natural landscapes offers us a kind of perspective that is hard to find in the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. Back in the 1990’s, Harvard University myrmecologist (a studier of ants) and conservationist E.O. Wilson popularized a term for this apparent innate connection between humans and their natural settings. The term was biophilia.
At the time, scientists had been uncovering all kinds of evidence to suggest that humans live better (and work better) when they’re able to maintain a connection with nature. Today, that evidence is continuing to mount, and scientists like Wilson are searching for creative ways to promote greater human connectivity with the natural world from which we came.
Biophilic design is, quite simply, a type of design that seeks to infuse urban environments with natural elements. Biophilic designers seek to eliminate the strict black and white dichotomy between nature and urbanized society by blurring the lines between cities and surrounding natural landscapes. They constantly look for opportunities to add green space to established cities, and promote increased biodiversity in places that might otherwise be labeled concrete jungles.
So why should we care about biophilic design?
Because it’s good for us, and for the planet we’re fortunate enough to call home. It’s a step in the right direction that aims to end our long, troubled history of trading natural beauty for urbanized civilization. The idea is that the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Moreover, we’d be happier, more productive members of society of we could find a way to rid ourselves of the distinction between humans and the rest of the world.
Here at Foliage Décor Services, we’ve committed ourselves to bringing the workspaces in our area back into harmony with nature by providing them with attractive, refreshing plant arrangements. Want to learn more about all the virtues of biophilic design? Take a look around our photo gallery to see some examples of our work, or give us a call today at (561) 784-5040 for more information.
