Creating Positive Spaces, Using Biophilia Design - Interface

Biophilia, humankind’s innate biological connection with nature, compels us to seek particular types of habitats, refuges and vantage points. As much as we might build and arrange our homes around seemingly logical and practical considerations, our biological instincts often beg to differ. If I reflect on my life over the last twenty years it is apparent to me that despite the many care free years spent as a child where being outdoors and unaware dominated my days, a large portion of those years was spent inside at a desk, more often than not using a computer. I am greatly inspired by the principle of the Attention Restoration Theory, referred to in the article, which highlights how 'nature can replenish our mental and attentional capacity after we’ve tired our brains out from too much “directed attention”. That is, nature can reactivate the tired parts, and so we can enjoy “effortless attention” for a short while at least.' 

I recognise the huge significance of living my life in an environment that is rich with nature and the components to promote the healthy Circadian Rhythms. However, there is clearly is a lot of work to be done in educating and introducing Biophilia into our lives to make my intention a reality, for example, when I graduate and start my working career, the likelihood is it will be in a built up office space with little if any access to trees, greenery, water and all the attributes to our wellbeing mentioned within the article. As I have written before, as a starting point, could be schools and early learning facilities so as to introduce this way of living at an early age and therefore the expectation of this will be carried through and expected as a person progresses throughout their life. It would be a huge project to change everything on mass in one go however, I am sure introducing the smallest of steps in this direction will be beneficial, plants for example and water features, which we now do tend to see in grander establishments like hotels and wealthy corporate organisations, could easily be introduced into all working environments. 

Obviously modern technology is beneficial to us all and urbanisation is not going to  be reversed, however, it is imperative that we do put this on the agenda when planning homes and public spaces to ensure that we do not loose touch with nature, even if our setting is in reality removed from it. As the paper discusses the use of natural materials within our buildings, for example wood and access to open spaces above our heads, these are all the replications of being within nature and not just aesthetically pleasing but as we are all aware greatly beneficial to our health and welfare. 

It is no coincide that Denmark has rated the most happy country; it has a national program of design that must always feature considerations for biophilia.