All of us at the Biophilic Cities Launch felt it. The rooms filled with ecologists, economists, designers, urban planners, and biodiversity coordinators from major world cities buzzed with energy carried by the knowledge, that biophilia is in the wind and gaining ground…
…And, perhaps more significantly, with the clear awareness, that creating beautiful, healthy habitats for humans is essential for our species' survival.
Keynote speaker Stephen Kellert underscored this point in his lecture about the importance of daily and abundant contact with the natural world.
In Kellert's most recent book Birthright: People And Nature In The Modern World (published 1/2013), he writes:
“Humanity is the product of its evolved relationship to nature, countless yesterdays of ongoing interaction and experience of the natural world. Our senses, our emotions, our intellect, and even our culture developed in close association with, and in adaptive response to, the nonhuman world.”
Because of this innate connection to nature, Kellert says that “our physical and mental health, productivity, and well-being continue to rely on our connections to nature, even as our world becomes increasingly fabricated and constructed.”
No More Concrete-Only Cities/Zoos
Look at the example of how zoos have evolved over the years. Initially they housed animals in concrete, metal and glass cubicle-like enclosures. Scientists noticed many of the animals exhibiting strange, neurotic, aggressive and anti-social behavior. The animals paced, hid, developed eating disorders, seemed severely stressed.
Today we understand that for animals to be healthy, happy and as well-adjusted as possible in zoos, we need to provide them with lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls and the plant life found in their native habitats.
What makes us think the same requirements are not essential for us?
Appreciating Nature in the City
All across the country cities are taking the same approach to getting close to nature as the zoos did years ago. Small urban spaces outfitted with sidewalk gardens are popping up, green roofs continue to catch on and natural storm water management systems offer the sanctuary of mini waterfalls throughout cities dedicated to letting nature in.
The Global Network of Biophilic Cities is a growing partnership project gaining recognition throughout urban communities. For more information email me or call me at: 610.935.3230.
Nature-Inspired News
For the first time in history, more people in the United States live in urban areas than in rural places: Lessons from the Natural World
From The Book:
Stephen Kellert asserts that man's ability to think, feel, communicate, create and find meaning is inextricably linked to his relationship with nature, and that modern challenges are directly related to today's disconnect from the natural world.
Learn more about Building Places that Re-Connect with the Natural World. For Land Planning, Architecture and Collaborative Design, please email me or call me at: 610.935.3230 for more information.
