Biophilic Architecture: a way to connect public and private sector

Nowadays green space is used as a buffer between two spaces. Sometimes the only purpose of green corridors is to beautify the city. Biophilic urbanism is a term used to derive the green space, as not just an element between infrastructure and building, but instead a way to connect people from the space.

The term biophilia was first used in 1973 in Germany, by psychoanalyst E. Fromm. He defines biophilia as the “love of life”. His further studies talk about human nature and their inclination towards nature. As per him, in the modern world nature is important for the physical and mental health of a human.

Biophilic architecture is a practice to involve nature with human routine within the existing built infrastructure. It is presented as an approach of strategic planning and concept, which allows nature to participate within the urban fabric. this will give the whole infrastructure a new perspective and be favorable to life.

After emerging global warming and climate change, designers and planners took many initiatives to approach urban design that involve nature in an innovative way. Changi Airport of Singapore is a prime example of biophilic architecture. This airport is designed by one of the most renowned architects M. Safdie. Biophilic design is the heart of this airport, which is covered by a vast glass dome, which leads to the maximum daylight inside. Many such buildings are designed and run effortlessly, for example, Pasona Group Offices in Tokyo, Japan, Central Park, Sydney, and Verticle in Milan.

Along with the benefit for the planet and environment, it has a benefit for the citizens as well as it helps to overcome the psychological conditions of humans like anxiety and depression. The pollution and small dust particle absorbed by the plants can help with the physical improvements. The overall sustainability of the city is also enhanced by this green space. It provides numerous benefits like fresh air, clean water, shading, and green corridor protection from natural hazards like a flood.

With emerging pollution and climate change, the pressure for a sustainable solution and policy is a must. Environmentally friendly or biophilic design can help to overcome this global issue with a nature-based solution. But this requires a great understanding of how green ecosystem work and how to maintain this for the long term.

Reference:

1. Panagopoulos, T., Sbarcea, M. and Herman, K. (2021). A biophilic mindset for a restorative built environment. Landscape architecture and art, 17, pp.68–77.

2. Cabanek, A., Zingoni de Baro, M.E. and Newman, P. (2020). Biophilic streets: a design framework for creating multiple urban benefits. Sustainable Earth, 3(1).

3. Nestle, J. (2015). Who Were We to Do Such a Thing? Grassroots Necessities, Grassroots Dreaming. Radical History Review, 2015(122), pp.233–242.

4. Andreucci, M.B., Loder, A., Brown, M. and Brajković, J. (2021). Exploring Challenges and Opportunities of Biophilic Urban Design: Evidence from Research and Experimentation. Sustainability, 13(8), p.4323.

image reference:

1. https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.nature.org%2F2020%2F10%2F27%2Fbiophilic-cities-for-an-urban-century%2F&psig=AOvVaw2EfNXRuYBItGVSdg9iC8LS&ust=1683845906352000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCIi1ne7s6_4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAd

2. https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenroofs.com%2F2022%2F06%2F22%2Fbiophilia-design-and-biophilic-cities%2F&psig=AOvVaw2EfNXRuYBItGVSdg9iC8LS&ust=1683845906352000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCIi1ne7s6_4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU