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PRACTICE OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN
NatureByDesign:ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign, by Steven R. Kellert, attempts to address the challenge of biophilic design, which he describes as the need to foster beneficial contact with nature in our built environments, where the majority of our time is spent. He defines biophilia as “the inherent affinity people have for the natural world,” and states that biophilic design is biophilia in the human-built environment. 40 The goal of this book is to connect the theory of biophilia to the practice of biophilic design through explanations and examples of research and precedents in this subject. 41 Kellert begins by providing a case for biophilic design, stressing its importance to human health and well-being, and explains that this design practice offers a deliberate, systematic, and informed approach to bringing beneficial contact with nature into the modern built environment. 42 He uses this book to provide a rationale, framework, and methodology for accomplishing biophilic design, through the presentation of basic principles, practices, and strategies. He then outlines nine principles of biophilic design, which he describes as basic conditions for successful application and as providing a foundation for effective practice and application of this design approach, before diving deeper into the actual practice of biophilic design. This is where he explains the specific design strategies for biophilic design and characterizes these within the categories of direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and the experience of space and place, similarly to how he and Elizabeth Calabrese did in ThePracticeofBiophilicDesign. 43 Following this, he gives a wide variety of examples of how biophilic design can be implemented and applied across various situations. Kellert specifically calls out biophilic application in the residential setting, noting that residences often contain prominent biophilic design features and, in the cases where motivation and resources are available, natural elements are extensively employed through material, lighting, exterior views, images of nature, fireplaces, areas of prospect and refuge, naturalistic planting, and other biophilic features. 44 He states that effective biophilic design elicits the experience of beauty and harmony in a structure or landscape and helps people feel especially alive and connected with their world. 45 Kellert concludes by emphasizing the responsibility of humans in the application of biophilic design in the built environment and by again stressing the importance of biophilic design and the correct application of biophilic design to human well-being, due to its ability to transform our ethical relationship and respect for nature. 46
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