BIOPHILIA

Biophilia are the factors of nature that humans are attracted to, but these attributes vary with age. Biomedical sciences editor Kara Rogers debates that adults and children experience biophilia differently; whilst biophilia in adults are generally associated with improved mental and spiritual health, for children biophilia encourages physical activity and play whilst being surrounded by nature7. A strong example is the presence of green plants in offices to help working adults de-stress, whilst children utilise green parks for nature walks and ball games with friends. Therefore, humans subconsciously experience and are assisted by the benefits of biophilia every day.

It is evident that crucial biophilic action must take place since various research shows that humans spend on average 90% of the day indoors8 in buildings, potentially draining the body of useful natural elements such as sunlight, fresh air, ventilation, water, plants and natural materials. Thus, through closer contact to nature, one can be exposed to better physiological and psychological health. This is of ever-increasing importance to the health and wellbeing of each individual in today’s society as London is experiencing an increase in migration and urbanisation without enough green space. As a result, anxiety levels are reduced through the presence of nature whilst cognitive functions, enhancements in mood and creativity9 are also improved with health and productivity similarly further developed. Conclusively, the introduction of public gardens and green spaces allows biophilia to arise whilst providing those key spaces for social interactions to happen.

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