Architecture for social purpose & positive emotional engagement
https://newatlas.com/biophilic-design-architecture-wellness/53427/
This informative article presents Biophilic design in an unusually broader context. Apart from being a very good introduction to anyone new to this design style, Janet Dunn's article puts a much needed perspective on the subject, especially when "Architecture for Social Purpose" is now part of the RIBA Core Curriculum, and as natural human interfaced design gathers momentum, design and architectural practices are buzzing like old valve amplifiers here in the UK and elsewhere. I completely agree with Janet that Biophilic design is aeons old and has recently been re-found. Professor of Urban Design at the School of Architecture in Copenhagen Jan Gehl has been championing aspects of this design style since the 60s via articles, films and lectures on "human factors in contemporary architecture" (or more precisely, the lack of human factors) and along with Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasse, they both challenge rationalism, the straight line and functional architecture. As Janet implies, internal and external Biophilic environments do indeed contribute to happier, healthier, less stressed, more creative and more productive lives for humanity, as the accumulated reams of scientific studies are increasing testifying. I believe this is due in part to the positive emotional engagement we innately have with plants, the natural world and the four elements of nature - earth, air, fire & water. These are deeply rooted in our environment, our ancestry and our DNA. When considering that 50% of the world’s population is currently estimated to be living in rural areas, and 80% of this population is expected to be living in cities by 2050, I can't help wondering what our cities are going to look and feel like to emerging generations as we approach 2020? Do we have the collective emotional intelligence to stop pushing the natural world back and cease excluding nature from our built environments, given that our cities harbour the global creative thought centres that define our future and the future of our planet?
Thank you Janet Dunn