Biophilic Design
Recognising our deep connection with nature is a core part of the philosophy of The School of Lost Arts and a lot of the work we do and events we put on. It is based on the concept of Biophilia, the idea that we have an innate connection to nature and it is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing.
The original concept was first suggested by renowned biologist Edward O. Wilson in his book Biophila in 1984. Since then, an enormous amount of research has recognised this as fundamentally important
We live at a time of ecological crisis. Climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity and increasing urbanisation are pushing our planet’s systems to their limit. Something has to change and that change has to come from us.
Currently over half the world’s population lives in cities and this figure is set to increase dramatically over the next decades. How are we going to support ourselves not just in terms of the resources we use but also create an environment that allows us not just to survive but to flourish along with as many other species as possible?
Biodiversity is not a luxury; it is a vital necessity for our future. Biophilic design recognises that humans do best when we are connected to nature in our surroundings. All the evidence points to our vital need for a deep connection to the natural world and designing our urban environment using biophilic principles allows the continued presence of nature which is essential for our future.
Cities around the world are beginning to embrace biophilic design as the way of creating the new human habitat. Geelong is at a stage in its development that allows it to use biophilic design to create a world class urban environment, which is not only sustainable but which celebrates the quality of life that comes with a close connection to the natural world.
