Page 95 - 2022 SDCA Project

BIOPHILIC DESIGN:

How We Used the Wellbeing Science of Nature and Captured the Love of Life in Your Project

Our process utilized many research-driven approaches such as environmental Your organization is doing such inspiring work. Below are some of the many ways we
psychology and wayfinding to support your goals, the learning success of your incorporated the healing benefits of the essence of nature throughout your site, building
collaborators and the overall wellbeing of everyone in your space. and interior to support your goals and overall quality of life.

● Site plan that encourages a sense of play, creativity and wonder designed to
inspire people to linger and explore in nature individually as well as in groups.
One of the bodies of research used was the field of Biophilia-specifically Biophilic
Design. Literally translated, Biophlia means the Love of Life. ● Strong indoor-outdoor connection through elements such windows providing
optimal views from occupied spaces.
● Integration of natural materials throughout the site, building and interior.
Biophilic design can be described as the healing science of nature. Imagine how you
feel when you are in nature. Biophilic design seeks to pull that experience - that ● Sustainability strategies integrated throughout to reduce energy and water use
sense of intrigue, wonder and awe - into the spaces where we spend our lives. which educates us on the importance of caring for our environment.

Integrating biophilia as a design driver for a project’s site, building and interior design ● Hands-on learning opportunities such as edible portions of the site landscaping.
has been shown to reduce stress, increase learning and productivity rates, reduce This allows the opportunity to integrate the site into course curriculum. This can help
time it takes to heal from surgery, and support the growth of our overall wellbeing. highlight the growth cycle of life and care taking to connect students with nature-
driven concepts and an ecosystem larger than themselves.
When we are in spaces that inspire us - we know it. We feel it. Biophilic design is the
research-driven science of how to pull the healing aspects of nature into our everyday
spaces.
If you have any questions on the integration of biophilia, its benefits and project or
The field of biophilia goes far beyond plants, expanding into over 73 attributes. The course-curriculum integration approaches please contact Bonnie Casamassima at
goal is not to integrate all 73 of course. The goal instead, is to identify the essence of bonnie@InterweavePeoplePlace.com or 404.953.9037. I’m happy to speak to your class
this projects’ sense of place and align this with the project goals for organizational or share a lunch and learn conversation.
success. This is done best through a collaborative and integrative process involving
key project stakeholders throughout the design process-like the one used for this
project. .

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