Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life

"When nature inspires our architecture-not just how it looks buthow buildings and communities actually function-we will have madegreat strides as a society. Biophilic Design provides us withtremendous insight into the 'why,' then builds us a road map forwhat is sure to be the next great design journey of ourtimes."
-Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman, U.S. GreenBuilding Council

"Having seen firsthand in my company the power of biomimicry tostimulate a wellspring of profitable innovation, I can sayunequivocably that biophilic design is the real deal. Kellert,Heerwagen, and Mador have compiled the wisdom of world-renownedexperts to produce this exquisite book; it is must reading forscientists, philosophers, engineers, architects and designers,and-most especially-businesspeople. Anyone looking for the key to anew type of prosperity that respects the earth should starthere."
-Ray C. Anderson, founder and Chair, Interface, Inc.

The groundbreaking guide to the emerging practice of biophilicdesign

This book offers a paradigm shift in how we design and build ourbuildings and our communities, one that recognizes that thepositive experience of natural systems and processes in ourbuildings and constructed landscapes is critical to human health,performance, and well-being. Biophilic design is about humanity'splace in nature and the natural world's place in human society,where mutuality, respect, and enriching relationships can andshould exist at all levels and should emerge as the norm ratherthan the exception.

Written for architects, landscape architects, planners,developers,environmental designers, as well as building owners, BiophilicDesign: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings toLife is a guide to the theory, science, and practice of biophilicdesign. Twenty-three original and timely essays by world-renownedscientists, designers, and practitioners, including Edward O.Wilson, Howard Frumkin, David Orr, Grant Hildebrand, StephenKieran, Tim Beatley, Jonathan Rose, Janine Benyus, Roger Ulrich,Bert Gregory, Robert Berkebile, William Browning, and VivianLoftness, among others, address:
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The basic concepts of biophilia, its expression in the builtenvironment, and how biophilic design connects to human biology,evolution, and development.
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The science and benefits of biophilic design on human health,childhood development, healthcare, and more.
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The practice of biophilic design-how to implement biophilic designstrategies to create buildings that connect people with nature andprovide comfortable and productive places for people, in which theycan live, work, and study.

Biophilic design at any scale-from buildings to cities-begins witha few simple questions: How does the built environment affect thenatural environment? How will nature affect human experience andaspiration? Most of all, how can we achieve sustained andreciprocal benefits between the two?

This prescient, groundbreaking book provides the answers.