2.2.5BIOPHILICDESIGN:THE THEORY,SCIENCEANDPRACTICE OF BRINGING BUILDINGS TO LIFE

BiophilicDesign:TheTheory,ScienceandPracticeofBringingBuildingstoLife is one of the earlier works of Stephen R. Kellert in which the focus is specifically on biophilic design as opposed to biophilia. He collaborates with Judith Heerwagen and Martin Mador in editing this text, which is structured similarly to TheBiophiliaHypothesis in the fact that it is a compilation of chapters that were contributed by many different authors. The stated goal of the book is “to help mend the prevailing breach existing in our society between the modern built environment and the human need for contact with the natural world” and it attempts to do this through the collective of authors with various backgrounds offering diverse perspectives on how to achieve a society in harmony with nature. 47 This book takes an in-depth look at the subject of biophilic design, which it describes as “the deliberate attempt to translate an understanding of the inherent human affinity to affiliate with natural systems and processes into the design of the built environment”. 48 They stress that this concept is not new or innovative, as biophilic design has been seen in the built environment for much of human history, but emphasize that it is important to continue the practice of biophilic design due to the connection it facilitates between humanity’s place in nature and the natural world’s place in human society. Additionally, the book highlights the connection between biophilic design and sustainability, stating that true sustainability combines both biophilic design and low environmental impact to result in restorative environmental design. 49 In order to help readers better understand the topic, the resource is broken down into three parts: The Theory of Biophilic Design, The Science and Benefits of Biophilic Design, and The Practice of Biophilic Design. Part I, The Theory of Biophilic Design, is focused on the understanding of the concept of biophilic design and biophilia, and contains information on the nature of the concept, the neuroscience and psychology involved, and the dimensions, elements, and attributes of the practice. Part II, The Science and Benefits of Biophilic Design, provides evidence and research on the benefits of the practice, including a wide range of health, physical, emotional, and intellectual advantages in both adults and children resulting from the human-nature connection. Finally, Part III, The Practice of Biophilic Design, concentrates on the implementation of biophilic design and its place in current-day sustainable design, including aesthetics, the concept of architectural space, and greening. 50 Altogether, BiophilicDesign:TheTheory,ScienceandPracticeofBringingBuildingstoLife provides a comprehensive resource on the subject of biophilic design, much like the way The Biophilia Hypothesis is to biophilia, touching on as many aspects of the subject as possible.