As humans, we want to be connected with nature and other living things such as people, animals and plants. This longing for “connection” with other life forms is called “biophilia”. The term was first used by Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (1973) and later by Edward O. Wilson in his work Biophilia (1984). Lately, there seems to be more emphasis on this concept in the world of Interior Design.
As humans we have always been connected to nature, for survival, sustenance, spiritual renewal and inspiration. Mother nature is the best designer there is, with her endless abundance of beautiful color palettes, shapes, patterns and textures. Spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing. Plants give us food, color, texture and beauty inside and outside our homes, wonderful aromas and they help create the air we breathe. We admire and have revered animals throughout time and culture in our art, religions and in our homes as our best friends.
This really speaks to me, as I spent 33 years as a wildlife biologist, hiking the woods of Arizona and Alaska, looking for plants and animals, thinking about protecting their habitats and admiring Mother Nature’s design skills. Geeky as it may sound, I have looked at a lot of plant parts and other things under a microscope and thought, wow that would make a great pattern on a pillow or love that color scheme!
Feeling “connected” makes us feel good. And who doesn’t love that! So how do we get all those good feelings in relation to our home, even as the world around us seems to get higher tech and removed from nature every day?
How can we connect with those great feelings related to biophilia when it comes to our homes and Interior Design?
Such great suggestions, Mary Ann! I love that you thought to include pets as part of this list! Connecting to nature always makes me feel good even though I would never consider myself “outdoorsy”… but my favorite spot in my house is on my deck (in the summer!) surrounded by bird feeders, birdbath, and overflowing containers of plants – with all the squirrels and chipmunks and birds, I feel a bit like I’m in a Disney princess movie(?!) but it always makes me smile!
Thank you! My favorite spot is my balcony which I allow my indoor cat to join me for her outdoor adventure, where I can look at the ocean and glaciers and see my front yard landscaping filled with flowers. A few birds nest in the trees that I get watch being sneaky and carrying food to their babies. Once in a while a moose or a bear comes around:) Can’t put bird feeders out because the seed attract bears. I also created a “secret garden” in my back yard where I am trying to grow vegetables and fruit. That is also a new favorite hang out.
So many great insights on creating a connection to nature! Love the idea of our pets being a connection to nature! I hadn’t really thought of that and it’s so true!
Thanks Lisa! Yes, our little animal buddies help us connect on a whole different level. They are much more connected to nature than we are:)
I just loved reading this post, MaryAnn. With 33 years as a wildlife biologist, I can only imagine just how attuned you really are to the concept of biophilic design. I loved reading about the front door color to that lovely home was hoses due to the color of the roses blooming in the front yard.
And I’d love to know much more about full spectrum light bulbs for seasonal affective disorder.
Thanks Leslie! As a certified color strategist I have measured colors for several clients from their landscaping such as colorful bushes or flowers to get a paint color for their their front doors and always love the results. In Alaska, there are lots of people affected by SAD or seasonal affective disorder that purchase “happy lights” to deal with it. I don’t suffer from it but distinctly recall a day when we had the light bulbs in my previous office all replaced with full spectrum lights and by the end of the day, I noticed I felt “happier” and knew it worked!
So much “good suff” here Mary Ann!
But I love how you covered indoor plants, correct lighting, uplifting colors, and of course pets.
It is so eciting that FINALLY we are realizing the profound impact our spaces have on our quality of life.
I will be sharing your wondeful post.
Thank you Mitzi for reading and sharing! I am excited that getting connect to nature is finally a trend. Probably the best design trend ever!
This is also a great breakdown for Biophilic Design.
As many have said above, it was great that you included pets.
Thanks Sheri, I am biased as someone with a career as a wildlife biologist focused on animals, but making a connection to animals is the first thing I think of when I consider how you connect to nature and feel good!
I love that we thought about the same topic this week! I think this concept is one that so many of us could benefit from, if we gave it the time, and really tried to incorporate it into our lives. As a former scientist, I can see how you relate to this topic on a much deeper level; I feel the same way as an artist. Great post Mary Ann!
Thank you Amy! I understand that:) I am also an artist and most of my jewelry, alcohol ink art and stained glass work has been inspired by natural elements, colors and patterns. Mother Nature is my favorite designer:)