Nature Inside, A Biophilic Design Guide - William D. Browning and Catherine O. Ryan

A good starting point to, at the very least, suggest the introduction to biophilia could be the environment children request, schools, nurseries, colleges etc. As the adage goes, a child of seven is the man for life. Introducing the biophilia strategy of design into buildings specifically for children cannot fail to tap into this instinctive draw towards nature, which the philosophy is founded on. It is now well documented how many emotional and psychological issues start at an early age and are clearly in coordination to the lifestyle of this demographic, who on the whole appear to lack any connection to nature and rhythms attributed within this sphere. The long term benefits of engaging young people with biophilia principles must pay dividends to their wellbeing and therefore the homeostasis of society as a whole. 

Furthermore, the overall welfare of society, must be a priority not only to designers but also the decision makers regarding the distribution of public funds. Happy and healthy residents pay great dividends to any society. This design guide helps us all, not only children, to reconnect with our deep primal emotions; it is clear that many 21st century living patterns have evolved and are no longer conducive with our natural meridian flows. It is no coincide that the huge spike in mental health conditions, particularly in younger people, coincides with the current trend of lives being governed by materialism and disenfranchisement with our fundamental needs and natural rhythms. 

It is clear we really do not have to go back too far to learn lessons from our ancestors. The principle taken from 'savannah hypothesis' has transcended deep within our psyche, and no doubt could be brought to the fore once more if this way of living through connecting our emotions to nature were to be more prevalent within our habitat. My own parents born in the 1960s had a very different childhood to mine. It could be argued my experience in terms of materialistic adornment was privileged, however, I truly believe that my parents have a better experience than myself. Fewer choices, much more outdoor play without the need of technology to entertain and stimulate. Home cooked food, an awareness and knowledge of seasonal changes and living by the cycles of nature came easily and without question to this generation.