Review
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"Stephen Kellert, a social ecologist, has spent much
of his career thinking and writing about biophilia, the innate
human affinity for nature. Biophilic Design is an exploration of
how we cut ourselves off from nature in the way we design the
buildings and neighborhoods where we live and work. And it's an
argument for re-connecting these spaces to the natural world,
with plenty of windows, daylight, fresh air, plants and green
spaces, natural materials, and decorative motifs from the natural
world." (Yale Environment 360, December 2009)
"…Kellert asserts that people "learn better, work more
comfortably, and recuperate more successfully in buildings that
echo the environment in which the human species evolved." He says
there are a number of ways to improve worker productivity and
retention and reduce absenteeism. The most basic step is to
improve the availability of natural light. Kellert is analyzing
the effect of biophilic design on office work productivity,
absenteeism, number of sick days. Kellert believes there is a
definite connection between biophilic spaces and improved
productivity, and some studies point to a positive relationship."
(dirt.asla.org, September 2009)
"By applying biophilia to design, the editors and contributors
hope to go beyond the standard green architecture goal of simply
lowering the environmental impact of buildings. They hope to
enhance the human relationship with nature through buildings
believing, that one's affinity for light or water should be
incorporated into the placement of windows. The book is divided
into three parts. The first provides a theory of biophilic design
and offers general guidelines. The second offers a more focused
look at health issues and the role of nature. The third examines
applied instances of biophilic design. Summing Up: Recommended"
(Choice, September 2009)
"These authors urge architects to do what they can to
incorporate nature in the design of buildings." (GreenSource,
April 2009)
"Biophilic Design collects descriptions of current destructive
practices, analyzes their roots in human nature, and offers
low-cost, low-impact strategies for change." (Architecture
Boston; Nov/Dec 2008)
"Stephen Kellert's Biophilic Design…brings together biologists,
ecologists, psychologists, architects, designers and city
planners to probe the confluence of people, nature and design."
(Miller-McCune.com, 7/14/08)
"Make no mistake: Biophilic Design, all 400 pages of it, is one
of the best design books of this decade." (New Urban News,
April-May 2008)
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From the Inside Flap
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"When nature inspires our architecture―not just how it looks but
how buildings and communities actually function―we will have made
great strides as a society. Biophilic Design provides us with
tremendous insight into the 'why,' then builds us a road map for
what is sure to be the next great design journey of our times."
―Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman, U.S. Green
Building Council
"Having seen firsthand in my company the power of biomimicry to
stimulate a wellspring of profitable innovation, I can say
unequivocably that biophilic design is the real deal. Kellert,
Heerwagen, and Mador have compiled the wisdom of world-renowned
experts to produce this exquisite book; it is must reading for
scientists, philosophers, engineers, architects and designers,
and―most especially―businesspeople. Anyone looking for the key to
a new type of prosperity that respects the earth should start
here."
―Ray C. Anderson, founder and Chair, Interface, Inc.
The groundbreaking guide to the emerging practice of biophilic
design
This book offers a paradigm shift in how we design and build our
buildings and our communities, one that recognizes that the
positive experience of natural systems and processes in our
buildings and constructed landscapes is critical to human health,
performance, and well-being. Biophilic design is about humanity's
place in nature and the natural world's place in human society,
where mutuality, respect, and enriching relationships can and
should exist at all levels and should emerge as the norm rather
than the exception.
Written for architects, landscape architects,
planners,developers, environmental designers, as well as building
owners, Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of
Bringing Buildings to Life is a guide to the theory, science, and
practice of biophilic design. Twenty-three original and timely
essays by world-renowned scientists, designers, and
practitioners, including Edward O. Wilson, Howard Frumkin, David
Orr, Grant Hildebrand, Stephen Kieran, Tim Beatley, Jonathan
Rose, Janine Benyus, Roger Ulrich, Bert Gregory, Robert
Berkebile, William Browning, and Vivian Loftness, among others,
address:
* The basic concepts of biophilia, its expression in the built
environment, and how biophilic design connects to human biology,
evolution, and development.
* The science and benefits of biophilic design on human health,
childhood development, healthcare, and more.
* The practice of biophilic design―how to implement biophilic
design strategies to create buildings that connect people with
nature and provide comfortable and productive places for people,
in which they can live, work, and study.
Biophilic design at any scale―from buildings to cities―begins
with a few simple questions: How does the built environment
affect the natural environment? How will nature affect human
experience and aspiration? Most of all, how can we achieve
sustained and reciprocal benefits between the two?
This prescient, groundbreaking book provides the answers.
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