Nature by Design ― The Practice of Biophilic Design

Biophilia is the theory that people possess an inherent affinity for nature, which developed during the long course of human evolution. In recent years, studies have revealed that this inclination continues to be a vital component to human health and wellbeing. Given the pace and scale of construction today with its adversarial, dominative relationship with nature, the integration of nature with the built environment is one of the greatest challenges of our time.

In this sweeping examination, Stephen Kellert describes the basic principles, practices, and options for successfully implementing biophilic design. He shows us what is—and isn’t—good biophilic design using examples of workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, commercial centers, religious structures, and hospitality settings. This book will to appeal to architects, designers, engineers, scholars of human evolutionary biology, and—with more than one hundred striking images of designs—anyone interested in nature-inspired spaces.

Stephen R. Kellert (1943–2016) was the Tweedy Ordway Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology and senior research scholar at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He was the recipient of many awards and honors and author or editor of more than ten books.