Book Review: Biophilic design: The theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life

Abstract

Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science Practice of Bringing Buildings to falls into sought-after category of instant classic, capturing both immediate accolades (2008 American Publishers Professional Scholarly Best Book of Year Award in Architecture Urban Planning) sustained devotion from academics practitioners alike. The book emerged from a groundbreaking conference ([Symposium on Building Design, 2006]) that crystalized nascent energies in landscape, architecture, environmental psychology into a coherent approach. Biophilic Design builds on biophilia, a term celebrated biologist E. O. Wilson described as the innate tendency to focus on lifelike processes ([1984], p. 1) later expanded to suggest the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms ([Kellert & Wilson, 1993], p. 31). 'Biophilic design' is both an ideology a method for conceptualizing individual site features as well as larger program site experience more generally. Although now dated, Biophilic Design integrates perspectives of distinguished practitioners researchers into an essential primer for those interested in dissolving structural philosophical facades that have long separated built environment from restorative qualities found in natural settings.[Image omitted: See PDF.]In book's preface, Kellert Heerwagen position lineage of biophilic as follows: (it) arises from increasing recognition that human mind body evolved in a sensorily rich world, one that continues to be critical to people's health, productivity, emotional, intellectual even spiritual well-being (p. vii). As interest in evidence for this approach has grown become widely accepted, most projects confront their relationship with nature--and its anticipated contribution to occupant health well-being--at some stage in commissioning process. This evolution stems from a range of popular scientific advances, including deeper awareness of personal health information through off-the-shelf biomonitoring devices (e.g., pedometers, Fitbits, numerous apps) as well as increasing public awareness of environmental factors that synergistically impact health. As we move away from individual determinants of bad health toward a more ecosystemic view of pathology, global environmental change, social networks, resilience, we become more aware of ways in which built environment adds to or detracts from our health well-being. The enduring value of Biophilic Design is that these contributors--all celebrated thought leaders at time, with yet more accolades in ensuing years--offer a glimpse of how professionals in a range of disciplines approach these challenges.The book is divided into three sections: Theory, Science Benefits, Practice.Part 1 focuses on conceptual theoretical underpinnings of biophilia biophilic design. Contributions from founders of field (Kellert Wilson) as well as major figures in its evolution (Beynus, Mador, Salingros Masden II) probe evolutionary, neurobiological, structural underpinnings of our affinity for nature as well as how we might harness that affinity to enrich places where we live work. Life creates conditions conducive to writes Beynus, and life, if we invite it into our buildings, can also create conditions conducive to our life (p. 37). Salingros Masden II close section with a deep examination of role of neurobiological preference, with 14 steps toward a more responsive design to direct a more structurally conscious application of biophilic design.Part 2 provides a more nuanced examination of specific built environment settings, populations, outcomes through which researchers study refine capacity for nature natural cues to improve stress-related restoration, cognitive function, personal health. …