The biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book, Biophilia (1984). He defines biophilia as "the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life.” 

1. The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for
our senses to grow sharper.
W.B. Yeats

2. Biophilic Design – Case Studies
- Biophilia Hypothesis – Love of Living Systems
- Vitoria-Gasteiz – Capital of Basque Country

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Biophilia Hypothesis
Love of Living Systems

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The biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between
human beings and other living systems.
Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book,
Biophilia (1984). He defines biophilia as "the connections that human beings
subconsciously seek with the rest of life.”
Biophilic Cities
contain abundant nature; that care about, seek to protect, restore & grow this
nature, & that strive to foster deep connections & daily contact with the natural
world.
Nature is not something optional, but absolutely essential to living a happy,
healthy and meaningful life.

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Important Ties to Place.
Considerable place-strengthening benefits from knowledge of local nature; from direct personal contact; enhanced
knowledge, & deeper connections resulting in greater stewardship, & willingness to take personal actions on behalf of place
and home.
Connections & Connectedness.
Caring for place & environment, essential for human wellbeing and in turn essential ingredient in caring for each other.
A Need for Wonder & Awe in Our Lives.
Nature has the potential to amaze us, stimulate us, propel us forward to want to learn more and understand more fully our
world; Nature adds a kind of wonder value to our lives unlike almost anything else.
Meaningful Lives Require Nature.
The qualities of wonder and fascination, the ability to nurture deep personal connection & involvement, visceral
engagement in something larger than & outside oneself, offer the potential for meaning in life few other things can provide.

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• Abundant nature in close proximity to large urban population centres; are bio-diverse & value, protect & actively restore
this biodiversity
• Residents feel a deep affinity with the unique flora, fauna & fungi. Residents can easily recognize common species of
trees, flowers, insects birds (& in turn care deeply about them)
• Provide abundant opportunities to be outside & to enjoy nature through strolling, hiking, bicycling, exploring
• Rich multisensory environments, where the sounds of nature (& other sensory experiences) are as appreciated as
much as the visual experience
• place importance on education about nature & biodiversity, & on providing many & varied opportunities to learn about
& directly experience nature
• invest in the social & physical infrastructure that helps to bring people in closer connection & understanding of nature

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Vitoria-Gasteiz
2012 EU Green Capital City

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Victoria-Gasteiz has worked hard to strengthen its
walkable urban core fostering a strolling culture
with tremendous access to nature & countryside.
Renowned for its Green Belt that encircles the
entire city it is now working on new ways to bring
nature into the heart of the city.
The interior green belt.
90% of residents live within 300m of green spaces
& public services
Green areas also have an educational purpose:
the community gardens, enable the population to
study horticulture at close range.

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Birmingham
2012

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Vision
A leading green city helping to create prosperity, fairness &
good health linking the issues of climate change, public
health & spatial planning.
UK’s first “Natural Capital City”
• An Adapted City
Future growth / green roofs & walls / trees for cooling
• Blue Network
Integrated SUDS / recreational network / blue corridor
• Healthy City
Integrate health & green spaces / public health partner
• Productive Landscapes
Allotments / community orchards / urban forestry
• Greenways
walkable & cyclable neighbourhoods / link healthcare
• Ecosystems
Adopt an ecosystem services approach
• Green Living Spaces
Work with commercial partners on green economy.