Biophilic Design (ePub)

"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.