Abstract:
Over time, civilization has altered nature to become filtered. As nature has become filtered, people have developed their own level of tolerance to true, unfiltered nature. Biophilic design, although considered an objective human need, should therefore not only be seen as a uniform and objective principle, but should respond to subjective needs.
Description:
Everyone has their own tolerance to nature. Therefore, as designers, we must consider not only the objective qualities and benefits of biophilic design, but also the subjective needs of the user.
The connection between humans and nature is an innate, psychological bond that is a part of our DNA. Through various studies, it has been proven time and time again that being exposed to nature can result in mental and physical health benefits. Be exposed to nature in a variety of forms can reduce stress, reduce anxiety, improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and even speed by post-operative recovery. These benefits can even be achieved through simply looking at a representational image or viewing a garden through a window.
Biophilic design is the incorporation of the natural environment into the built environment. The most common way biophilic design is employed is through the implementation of nature. Though this is most common, it is not the only means available. After conducting a survey comparing activities in an outdoor setting versus an indoor setting, results showed that 46% of people preferred to do these activities in an indoor setting.
Even though many people do love and embrace nature in its original form, there are many who do not. These people like nature on their own term—filtered nature. There are many instances of filtered nature in our society: swimming pools, artificial grass, hot tubs, ice rinks, rainfall shower heads, etc.
Over time, civilization has altered nature to become filtered. As nature has become filtered, people have developed their own level of tolerance to true, unfiltered nature. Biophilic design, although considered an objective human need, should therefore not only be seen as a uniform and objective principle, but should respond to subjective needs.
