the human spirit yearns mother nature, untouched by the hands of man.
reflect "Biophilia" is a term used to describe our interaction to all things alive and vital to our survival (Fromm, 1964). The term has fascinated me since the moment I stepped into the architectural world, where subconsciously I was promoting Biophilia in my home, my designs and my opinions but without understanding why. Biophilia (1984) is one of the very first books I read in architecture school. Wilson (1984) explained my desire to be connected to nature – linking this with our evolutionary development within the natural world. Looking back to where it all started, humans lived off the land which provided shelter, protection, food and most importantly, water. Those who recognised these elements as an integral part of life were deemed more evolutionarily fit, in turn more likely to survive. Key Indicators of a supportive environment to thrive provided lush vegetation and prospect and refuge to find prey and avoid predators. Over the years, I have explored how Architects have used these concepts as a driver for their designs, however majority of our built world focuses on a mechanistic worldview. Even I can be guilty of 'green design' as the 'cherry on top' rather than treating our connection to nature as the design driver. Over the past three weeks, my introduction to sustainability has been a consistent battle - searching for answers on how to achieve an ecological outlook. Thinking back to that first class where I placed myself second
from Ash who was the marker for the mechanistic worldview, I can’t say I have changed as a person, but I am better educated in what sustainability is. However, for me, the pivotal moment was when Biophilia was introduced. That is when my mind clicked. I felt all the pieces coming together. Six weeks ago, sustainability for me meant making 'greener choices' and 'greener buildings'. It was about creating cities that can sustain their life and function as a node in a system rather than relying on a wider system. This all still applies; however, it means so much more now. I want to see how we (and I for that matter) can change our ways now to see these long-term goals met sooner rather than later. If you ask me now, I'll tell you that Sustainability is about considering the individual and our environment as one entity and how they can work in harmony to benefit each other. I am primarily concerned in how Biophilia can promote health, wellbeing and productivity in our world. The next question you'll ask me is how, as Architects, can we make this a reality? Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out.
"Man is confronted with the f prisoner of nature, yet being fr nature, and yet to be as it were here nor there. Human self-awa in the world, separate,
Erich F
frightening conflict of being a ree in his thoughts; being part of a freak of nature; being neither areness has made man a stranger , lonely, and frightened"
Fromm
learn Learning is the moment where an individual experiences permanent, lasting changes in knowledge, behaviors, or ways of processing the world. Well, that happened to me sometime in the past two weeks. That exact point where learning occurred I cannot pin point. Maybe it was the elegant and powerful Venus Flower Basket I experienced in my hands. Or maybe it was the intimate nature of seeing tutors out of teaching mode before the lecture at Ceres that allowed me to think about the knowledge I have gained less as 'course-work' but more as an experience. However, it could be the way Jane spoke so passionately and raw about nature and its existence. What I do know is that when my learning occurred, I connected the dots, assisting me in answering many questions I couldn't previously. I also know that the notion of Biophilic design was a key driver in my learning process and without it I don't know if this 'ah-ha' moment may have occurred. So, the next crucial question is what did I learn? Both Biomimicry and Biophilia focus on the human relationship we have with nature. If we better understand the evolutionary process, we will capture this knowledge to design our built environment with sustainability in the forefront of our minds. To think more ecologically, I will use the
fourteen biophilic principals (Browning, Ryan and Clancy, 2014) to foster more positive designs promoting wellbeing, health and productivity. The fourteen principals in action Nature in the Space Patterns 1. Visual Connection to Nature 2. Non-Visual Connection to Nature 3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli 4. Thermal and Air Flow 5. Presence of Water 6. Dynamic and Diffuse Light 7. Connection with Natural Systems
maggie center
fuji kindergarten
paul chevallier school
emenhiser infusion center
Natural Analogues Patterns 8. Biomorphic Forms and Patterns 9. Material Connection with Nature 10. Complexity and Order
maggie centre
crown sky gardens
benenden school
falling wtaer
Nature of the Space Patterns 11. Prospect 12. Refuge 13. Mystery 14. Risk and Peril
practice Learning is the moment where an individual experiences permanent, lasting changes in knowledge, behaviors, or ways of processing the world. Well, that happened to me sometime in the past two weeks. That exact point where learning occurred I cannot pin point. Maybe it was the elegant and powerful Venus Flower Basket I experienced in my hands. Or maybe it was the intimate nature of seeing tutors out of teaching mode before the lecture at Ceres that allowed me to think about the knowledge I have gained less as 'course-work' but more as an experience. However, it could be the way Jane spoke so passionately and raw about nature and its existence. What I do know is that when my learning occurred, I connected the dots, assisting me in answering many questions I couldn't previously. I also know that the notion of Biophilic design was a key driver in my learning process and without it I don't know if this 'ah-ha' moment may have occurred. So, the next crucial question is what did I learn? Both Biomimicry and Biophilia focus on the human relationship we have with nature. If we better understand the evolutionary process, we will capture this knowledge to design our built environment with sustainability in the forefront of our minds. To think more ecologically, I will use the
fourteen biophilic principals (Browning, Ryan and Clancy, 2014) to foster more positive designs promoting wellbeing, health and productivity. These fourteen biophilic elements were very easily realised in Robin Boyd’s Walsh Street House where environmental features, organic shapes and forms adorned the home. Where patters and processes can be seen throughout, with light, space and placed based relationships. The extraordinary use of limited space with generous height, breathtaking views and designing in the natural context. The concepts of prospect and refuge in various rooms of the house along with risk in the grand fence and creative entrance lend themselves to the creation of a form almost perfectly in harmony with nature. My answer for now is to design with the consideration for humans and nature as one entity. To begin promoting health, wellbeing, and productivity through biophilic architectural ideas and concepts. I hope to bring this insight to my group project and am interested in seeing how our varying idea can work in our favor on the site we have chosen. One thing I would love to better understand is how I can incorporate biomimicry into my future designs. I hope to more frequently use parametric programs (which I hope to enhance through the year as a personal project).
"the human spirit yearns mother nature, untouched by the hands of man" Stephanie Mary Antonopoulos