“…the enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it, tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body, gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system”
~American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, 1865
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Olmsted describes the benefits of nature perfectly. At once, being in nature relaxes the mind and enlivens it. It's pretty amazing.
I know it's not possible to always be outside surrounded by nature, especially when living in a city.
But the benefits of being in nature are so powerful that the lack of living close to nature cannot be an excuse for avoiding it. Humans need that natural connection. It's how we thrive.
Biophilic design is design that reconnects us with nature. Biologist Edward Wilson popularized the term Biophilia in the 1980s, saying that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature.
Biophilic design is at the core of a wellness house.
Today's podcast episode dives into how to design your home and spaces within your home to bring nature to you and to reap the benefits that nature provides.
Listen and Subscribe here:
What You'll Discover:
- What biophilic design is
- The health and wellness benefits of nature
- Simple ideas to incorporate biophilic design into your home now
- Holistic design strategies to get the most out of biophilic design for your new home / reno project
- Design tips for making your home office a productive, happy and creative space
Biophilic Design Examples:
A home and artist studio that merges house and nature.
If the idea of bringing so much nature into your house doesn't suit you, create opportunities to look out at nature instead.
This cedar feature wall hits so many biophilic design marks. Visually it's connecting you to nature since it's made of wood. It has texture which makes you want to touch it, and it creates more visual interest. And the smell of the cedar will trigger thoughts and memories of being within nature.
This home office will make you feel like you are one with nature. You are getting views directly in front of you, allowing you to take a break from staring at your computer screen. You have nature views in your periphery, allowing your mind and eyes to temporarily break away from your work. Windows can open to bring in sounds, smells, and breezed from outdoors. Materials are nature inspired.
This apartment building brings nature into the city with individual forest landscapes at each unit.
A conceptual idea of bringing urban farming and biophilic design to cities.
Helpful Links:
Learn more about the psychology of color with expert Mehnaz Khan.
Check out even more ideas on my Biophilic Design Pinterest board.
Looking for even more tips on wellness living? Realtor and wellness expert Sheila Alston has a brand new magazine out that focuses on bringing health and home together. Check it out HERE.
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