Being in contact with nature is good for us. This is not just an opinion, but something that is also confirmed by neuroscience. This article will explore the concept of biophilia and bio design, showing how the integration of nature and art in the design of products and environments can improve human well-being in everyday life.
The term "biophilia" was popularized by biologist Edward O. Wilson in his 1984 book "Biophilia". It means "love for life" and the book explores the visceral relationship and inseparable bond between humans and nature. It is the result of our evolution and millions of years of interaction with the environment and living organisms.
On the other hand, bio design is a discipline that applies the principles of biology, biotechnology and nature in design processes. It focuses on creating solutions and products inspired by nature and often uses living organisms such as bacteria, plants and microorganisms to create innovative and sustainable systems or products.
Dr. Rita Trombin, an environmental psychologist and expert in biophilic design, explains in an interview that for much of our evolutionary history, we have lived in close contact with wild nature in a symbiotic relationship. However, in the last 300 years, with the increase in technological progress, we have been catapulted into stressful and energy-consuming environments such as cities. These environmental stimuli, such as traffic, concrete, asphalt, and overcrowding, have a negative impact on our brains and require a lot of energy to process.
Being in nature is in perfect balance with our nervous system and our body. When we are immersed in nature, we are able to regenerate and recharge ourselves. Therefore, it is crucial to restore the presence of natural elements in our artificial environments and architectural structures through biodesign. This applied science uses research in neuroscience and environmental psychology to understand how natural elements can reduce stress, improve performance, and increase positive emotions. Biophilia is not just an instinct, but a human predisposition for connection with nature.
Nature itself is rich in patterns, forms and relationships between different elements on different scales. When a child is born, they perceive the environment through their senses and seek out the forms that characterized the gestational period: round shapes, nest-like shapes that evoke feelings of protection and softness. Therefore, being in environments that remind them of these organic forms can make the child feel more welcomed and at ease. Even our primitive ancestors created biomorphic patterns, which evoke feelings of pleasure, familiarity and security. This approach brings us back to our origins and makes us feel equal.
The human mind is not stimulated by completely minimalist environments, as we have always been accustomed to environments with patterns and biomorphic ornaments. These forms of bio design are important as they evoke particular psychological sensations and can reduce stress by up to 60%.
