2.1 TERMINOLOGY

Biophilic design is a design practice that evolved out of the initial topic of biophilia. Therefore, before understanding the meaning of biophilic design, it is important to investigate the meaning of biophilia. For this, we look at the definitions of those considered to be pioneers and experts in the topic: Erich Fromm, Edward O. Wilson, and Stephen R. Kellert.

Biophilia the passionate love of life and all that is alive; the wish to further growth, whether in a person, a plant, an idea, or a social group (Erich Fromm, TheAnatomyofHumanDestructiveness, 1973) 4

Biophilia the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes (Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984) 5

Biophilia a human dependence on nature that extends far beyond the simple issues of material and physical sustenance to encompass as well the human craving for aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual meaning and satisfaction

(Stephen R. Kellert, TheBiophiliaHypothesis, 1993) 6

Biophilia the idea that humans possess a biological inclination to affiliate with natural systems and processes instrumental in their health and productivity

(Kellert and Heerwagen, BiophilicDesign:TheTheory,Science,andPracticeofBringingBuildingstoLife , 2008) 7

Biophilia the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature that even in the modern world continues to be critical to people’s physical and mental health and well-being (Kellert and Calabrese, ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign , 2015) 8

Biophilia the inherent affinity people have for the natural world (Kellert, NatureByDesign:ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign, 2018) 9

After gaining a basic understanding of its roots, the core idea of biophilic design should be easier to grasp. This topic has been described many different ways, but all of the definitions refer back to one important aspect: the human-nature connection encouraged through the built environment. Some of the definitions that came up in the research for this document are as follows:

Biophilic Design an innovative approach that emphasizes the necessity of maintaining, enhancing, and restoring the beneficial experience of nature in the built environment; the expression of the inherent human need to affiliate with nature in the design of the built environment

(Kellert and Heerwagen, BiophilicDesign:TheTheory,Science,andPracticeofBringingBuildingstoLife, 2008) 10

Biophilic Design design that reconnects us to nature (Browning, Clancy, and Ryan, 14PatternsofBiophilicDesign, 2014) 11

Biophilic Design seeks to create good habitat for people as a biological organism in the modern built environment that advances peoples’ health, fitness, and well-being; seeks to sustain the productivity, functioning, and resilience of natural systems over time

(Kellert and Calabrese, ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign, 2015) 12

Biophilic Design biophilia in the human-built environment (Kellert, NatureByDesign:ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign , 2018) 13

Biophilic Design the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities

(International Living Future Institute, BiophilicDesignToolkit , 2022) 14

After analyzing the variety of different explanations and definitions of biophilic design, along with consideration of the research and history of the topic, the resulting definition of biophilic design was created:

Biophilic Design

any design approach or element that works to facilitate a connection between humans and aspects of the natural environment that were influential in evolutionary development

Another important aspect of understanding biophilic design is the concept of biophilic design categories. These categories help organize different practices or elements of biophilic design by filtering them into overall topics that are easier to understand. This thesis will lean on the categories defined by Stephen R. Kellert in NatureByDesign:ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign to help filter the chosen practices, due to their clarity as compared to the categorizations of other resources. These categories are:

1. The Direct Experience of Nature, referred to as Direct

2. The Indirect Experience of Nature, referred to as Indirect

3. The Experience of Space & Place, referred to as Space & Place 15

Additionally, throughout this thesis, the terms principles and practices will be used frequently in relation to the discussion on biophilic design. In context, these terms will be used in the following ways:

Principle

(noun) a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning 16 context: the principles of biophilic design

Practice

(noun) the carrying out or exercise of a profession 17 context: the practice of biophilic design

(noun) the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method 18 context: biophilic design practices

This terminology, specifically the difference between the two uses of “practice,” becomes important in understanding the following text on biophilic design. The three formerly listed design categories hold significance in both the text and design project, and act as a pivotal organization tool when discussing biophilic design practices in both of these documents.