The Natural Evolution: Home Improvement That SAVES The Environment

The natural evolution isn't an ideal notion on a global bucket list. It is here. The reality of sustainable living is more beneficial than we imagined as we return to nature. Biophilic design is leading the charge during this paradigm shift by increasing our health and wellness. A by-product of including biophilia in our built environment is a healthier economy than we thought possible when first considering sustainability and "going green". Kitchens And Baths By Lynn is introducing a 14 part series exploring the 14 patterns of biophilia. Lynn will illustrate how they are included in her kitchen and bath designs to boost your mental wellness and physical health. This also includes your immune system. The series will reveal the new American standard for housing by creating the Home-Health-Hub. In the middle of this natural evolution our homes are going to play a critical role in protecting our health and maintaining a robust economy. 

What is biophilia?

"Biophilia is the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms. Life around us exceeds in complexity and beauty anything else humanity is ever likely to encounter. – E.O. Wilson, 1984."

While the definition of biophilia varies slightly from source to source, they all agree that it is humankind's innate biological connection with nature. Regardless of the awareness, biophilia is humankind's love of nature and need to embrace the symbiotic relationship we share with it. It is from this definition that we begin to understand why we include our observations of nature into the built environment. It is this inclusion that allows us to pay attention to the healing effects nature has on humans even if it is just a stylized "interpretation". Better still, beyond healing, biophilia noticeably invigorates, inspires and expands spiritual awareness in ways that positively impact the fabric of society. By contrast, scientists, therapists and doctors have discovered through urbanization, beginning with the industrial revolution, isolating from nature brings on stress, illness, disease and disorders. 

This brings us to present day. How can we consciously and intentionally bring nature into the built environment and reconnect to our source of well-being? Terrapin Bright Green has spent decades researching that very topic in a way that quantifies the economic and social benefits of connecting with the natural environment. Their research explores the 14 patterns of biophilia commonly found in nature. These patterns translate well into the built environment increasing productivity, physical health, as well as mental and emotional health. In essence, re-establishing our connection with Mother Nature is the soul-food we have been deprived of by concrete jungles and urban sprawl. It is time to  establish a conduit of inspiration and energy in our day-to-day lives. All of this equals increased productivity at home and in the workplace (which could likely be your home). Good for you, good for the economy.

7/14 Patterns: Nature In Space

• Visual Connection with Nature. A view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes.
• Non-Visual Connection with Nature. Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems or natural processes.
• Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli. Stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.
• Thermal & Airflow Variability. Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.
• Presence of Water. A condition that enhances the experience of a place through seeing, hearing or touching water.
• Dynamic & Diffuse Light. Leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.
• Connection with Natural Systems. Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem.

3/14 Patterns:  Natural Analogues

• Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. Symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.
• Material Connection with Nature. Materials and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology and create a distinct sense of place.
• Complexity & Order. Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature.

4/14 Patterns: Nature Of The Space

• Prospect. An unimpeded view over a distance, for surveillance and planning.
• Refuge. A place for withdrawal from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.
• Mystery. The promise of more information, achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment.
• Risk/Peril. An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard.

What?! If you are confused about the patterns and how to apply them in your home, that is okay. Each one will be explained. You will have the opportunity to not only understand them but, also how you can include them in your next home improvement project. Still not sure? When working with Lynn, just let her know you want to include biophilic patterns in your new remodel project and she will take the wheel with her professional knowledge, skill and experience. She has the roadmap to wellness through interior design.

NOW...more than ever in recent history...it is important to transform our dwellings into Home-Health-Hubs. With numbers up-ticking everyday of people contracting COVID-19 to actual deaths, chronic fear and stress is increasing in the United States. Healthline  highlights the following:

• Americans are reporting significant and sustained increases in symptoms of depression and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to recent data from Healthline and YouGov's COVID-19 tracker.
• Women, minorities, people with preexisting health conditions, and adults under 34 all reported higher rates of fear and anxiety.
• The number of people reporting these symptoms are well above historical norms.
• Experts caution that spotting symptoms of mental health issues could be especially challenging given the current environment of stay-at-home orders and physical distancing.

Whether your mental wellness is associated with COVID-19 or something else, your home can help you recover and even thrive in these uncertain times. This 14 part series will touch on how using biophilia in your Wellness Kitchen will help decrease trips to the grocery store while providing stations to boost your immune system for added protection. Another key area will be your bathroom remodel. These spaces are ripe for rejuvenation and increasing your sense of bliss and inner connection. The "New Normal" doesn't have to be a place of apocalyptic depression. Think of it as an opportunity to evolve your life in ways you never imagined. Interior designers like Lynn Wallace will get you there. 

PREVIOUS           |                  NEXT