Biophilia – What is it and why is it important? | Planteria (2024)

Biophilia – What is it and why is it important? | Planteria (1)

How high up on your agenda are the Plants for your Office? Learning more about this design ‘buzzword’ and the philosophy

behind it is bound to change your perspective.

The word biophilia originates from the Greek, ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of’. It literally means a love of life or living things. Humans have a deeply engrained love of nature which is an intuitive and natural drive imprinted into our DNA. Researchers believe this to be a reason that we have thrived as a species, helping us to locate the most fertile land, cultivate food and nurture new life. We have a physiological need to be in contact with nature and the natural world.

Psychological and Physiological Impact

Researchers have found that more than 90% of people would imagine themselves in a natural setting when asked to think of a place where they felt relaxed and calm. Being in or around nature makes us feel good, our physical and mental wellbeing depends on us spending time in a natural environment and this effects our productivity and general wellbeing too.

Psychologist, Erich Fromm, first used the word biophilia in 1964, when he described it as “the passionate love of life and all that is alive”. Biophilia as a concept became more well known in 1984 following the publishing of the book ‘Biophilia’ by Edward O Wilson, an American biologist, Wilson defined it as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”.

Since then, biophilia has become increasingly recognised by the scientific community and also by designers and architects. Studies have shown evidence of positive benefits of human interaction with nature, such as improved productivity, lower levels of stress, enhanced learning and even improved recovery rates following illness.

Development of the Concept

These studies have led to many architects and designers appreciating the connection between some of our modern-day ailments and the design of many modern buildings and office environments. And so biophilic design came about. Biophilic design incorporates, natural elements, maximising daylight, views of nature, natural materials and natural features such as indoor planting and water features, into architecture and interior designs.

If you’ve ever been stuck in an office with no windows, artificial light, and air-conditioning and wondered why you felt un-motivated and lethargic, you’ll understand just how important biophilia and biophilic design is.

Scientific Evidence and Studies

Dr Craig Knight from Exeter University, studied the effects of soulless drab working environments for more than 10 years. The results show that employees were 15% more productive when “lean” workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants.

Knight says he had wondered for years why the business world had persisted with the trend for sparse offices. “If you put an ant into a ‘lean’ jam jar, or a gorilla in a zoo into a ‘lean’ cage – they’re miserable beasties,” he said. People in “lean” offices are no different, he added. He found that when plants were brought into the offices he studied – just one plant per square metre – employee performance on memory retention and other basic tests improved substantially. Knight said:

“What was important was that everybody could see a plant from their desk. If you are working in an environment where there’s something to get you psychologically engaged you are happier and you work better”

Here at Planteria we are huge advocates of biophilia and, as you’d imagine, our offices are jam packed with beautiful plants and flowers. Plants can also be used to create natural work-space dividers, absorbing sound and creating more private spaces to work or have informal meetings. They help to keep the air clean. There are so many reasons to include plants, not forgetting that they also look great. If you want some more inspiration check out our case studies. Orcontact us for some advice on how to add plants to your work space today.

Biophilia – What is it and why is it important? | Planteria (2024)

FAQs

Biophilia – What is it and why is it important? | Planteria? ›

behind it is bound to change your perspective. The word biophilia originates from the Greek, 'philia' meaning 'love of'. It literally means a love of life or living things. Humans have a deeply engrained love of nature which is an intuitive and natural drive imprinted into our DNA.

What is biophilia and why is it important? ›

Biophilia focuses on human's attraction to nature and natural processes. It suggests that we all have a genetic connection to the natural world built up through hundreds of thousands of years of living in natural environments, and that it can help improve our mental and physical states.

What is the meaning of biophilia? ›

: a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature : a desire or tendency to commune with nature.

What is the purpose of biophilic design? ›

The purpose of biophilic design is to create spaces that deliver benefits for both human health and the environment by nurturing people's innate affinity for nature and creating harmony within the built environment.

What is the meaning of the word biophilia? ›

Biophilia describes the human drive to connect with nature and other living things. Nature's power for humanity can influence our mental health, our hobbies, our travels, and our homes and workplaces.

What are the values of biophilia? ›

Biophilia is innate, and it is a genetic predisposition that we all possess, but it must be stimulated and educated to be able to express itself at its best. Direct contact with Nature has multiple positive effects on our health and on our psychophysical well-being, as shown by numerous scientific studies.

What are some examples of biophilia in life? ›

Designing spaces with large windows or views of greenery, trees, open parkland and flowering plants is an example of biophilic design, as is installing a living moss wall or large planting installation in an office in the middle of a city.

What is the biophilia summary? ›

The biophilia hypothesis is the belief that humans are genetically predisposed to be attracted to nature. It states that all humans inherently love the natural world. This idea that we are drawn to and need nature was first put forth by a man named Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia, published in 1984.

What is the correct description of biophilia? ›

Biophilia is humans' inherited psychological tendency to be attracted to other forms of life and the natural environment.

What is the biophilic philosophy? ›

It's a design philosophy centered around the use of natural elements like plants, wood, water, and natural light. The International Living Future Institute further defines the style: "biophilic design is the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities."

What is the theme of biophilia? ›

The word “Biophilia” was first introduced by a psychoanalyst named Erich Fromm who stated that biophilia is the “passionate love of life and of all that is alive… whether in a person, a plant, an idea, or a social group” in his book The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness in 1973.

What is the psychology behind biophilic design? ›

The biophilia hypothesis posits an innate biological and genetic connection between human and nature, including an emotional dimension to this connection. Biophilic design builds on this hypothesis in an attempt to design human-nature connections into the built environment.

Why is biophilia important? ›

Studies have shown evidence of positive benefits of human interaction with nature, such as improved productivity, lower levels of stress, enhanced learning and even improved recovery rates following illness.

What are the three pillars of biophilia? ›

Biophilic design rests on three key pillars:
  • Nature in the space.
  • Nature of the space.
  • Natural analogues.

What is the principle of biophilia? ›

The principle of biophilia states that human beings are innately drawn to nature for their wellbeing, and researchers are discovering that myriad benefits follow when companies integrate natural elements in the workplace.

What is the impact and benefits of biophilia in the workplace? ›

Human beings have an innate affinity towards natural objects and designs, and so by implementing these throughout the workplace you can make employees feel more connected and thus have a more positive state of mind. When workers are happy, they will be more engaged and thus more productive.

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