Humans have an innate connection to nature. Biophilia is a space design concept that seeks to reconnect us to our natural surroundings in our built spaces to promote wellbeing and creativity.

1. Biophilic Design in Library Spaces
Moriana Garcia & Lindsey Rae
Carlson Science & Engineering Library
University of Rochester

2. What is Biophilia?
“…the urge to affiliate with other
forms of life is to some degree
innate, hence deserves to be
called biophilia.”
- E. O. Wilson
Biophilia, 1984, p. 85

3. What is Biophilia?
• From connection to our roots
comes connection to our ideas
• Tapping into instinct and the
collective unconscious to
unlock creativity

4. Why is this important for
libraries?
• Stress in education environments
• Attention restoration
• Creativity
• Well-being

5. “Splendor awaits in minute
proportions.”
E. O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p. 139

6. Concurrence fern by JB Banks (CC BY-NC)Untitled by Nerthus (CC 0)
Nature in the space
Detail by Kate Brady (CC BY)
Natural analogs Nature of the space
1. Visual Connection with Nature
2. Non-Visual Connection with Nature
3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
4. Thermal & Airflow Variability
5. Presence of Water
6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light
7. Connection with Natural Systems
8. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
9. Material Connection with Nature
10. Complexity & Order
11. Prospect
12. Refuge
13. Mystery
14. Risk/Peril
Thorncrown Chapel by Phil Charlton ©
Biophilic Design: User Experience (Browning, Ryan & Clancy, 2014)

8. University of Guelph-Humber,
Centennial College Library and
Academic Facility, Toronto,
Canada.
Savannah College of Art and
Design, Jen Library, Savannah, GA
Dandelions in a vase by Olga Kuba(CC BY)
Desk pet by Garrett Coakley (CC BY-NC)
What can you do?

9. Concurrence fern by JB Banks (CC BY-NC)
Thanks!
Questions?
Moriana Garcia | mgarcia@library.rochester.edu
Lindsey Rae | lrae@library.rochester.edu

10. Concurrence fern by JB Banks (CC BY-NC)
Additional Images
1. Pots by milivanily. CC0. Pixabay.
2. Student thinking by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon.
3. Lightbulb interface symbol by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon.
3. Picture by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon.
3. Sprout by Nikita Golubev. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon. Stacked.
3. Student in class sitting on a chair at his desk by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon.
4. Lotus position by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon.
4. Flower pot by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon. Stacked.
4. Flower by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon. Stacked.
4. Window by Madebyoliver. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon. Mashed-up.
4. Tree by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon. Mashed-up.
4. Group meeting by Freepik. CC BY 3.0. Flaticon. Edited/mashed-up.
5. Fibonacci spiral by NDV. CC0. Pixabay.
5. Chicago staircase architecture by raej84. CC0. Pixabay.