Biophilia
There’s a reason we dread the basement office with no windows, or the cubicle farm surrounded by executive suites that get the views. A lack of connection to the outdoors can noticeably affect mood, and at a broader level it has been linked to health impacts and reduced productivity.
These resources investigate why it’s a good idea to design with biophilia—our innate love of nature—in mind. They also offer specific guidance for targeting those features proven to make the biggest difference.
Biophilia
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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How to Access the Full Power of Biophilia
Feature Article
People wither physically and mentally without nature. Biophilic design is a remedy and a foundation for regenerative design all at the same time.
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20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
Feature Article
In this age of political revolution and environmental urgency, it’s time to step back and take a look at priorities, challenges, and opportunities
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Green Design: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Feature Article
Beauty, place-making, and even love are motivating many green designers, who see these values complementing core sustainability tenets.
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Doing Daylighting Right
Feature Article
Harvesting daylight is a popular way to save energy and promote productivity. But getting it wrong is all too easy-and can have the opposite effects.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Acoustic Ecology: Designing for the Ear
Primer
By engaging our sense of hearing, and our sonological competence, design can improve our ability to listen to and know the places we inhabit.
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Biomimicry: Designing Conditions Conducive to Life
Primer
Biomimicry offers a vitalizing framework for reconnecting designers to nature and driving innovation.
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Biophilic Design: Indulging Our Love of Life
Primer
New biophilia metrics pin down what it means to engage the love of nature through design.
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Ecosystem Services
Primer
Functions performed by intact ecosystems provide essential support for human life, but how do we quantify their value?
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Do Living Walls Make for Cleaner Indoor Air?
Product Review
Nedlaw Living Wall Biofilters do more than most green walls to remove VOCs, but it’s unclear that they provide a true fresh air supply.
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Unmilled Timber Frames Go High Tech, Replacing Steel
Product Review
Keep the beauty of round logs, and get more strength from an engineered wood structure, promises Wisconsin-based company WholeTrees.
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Treated Wood for Ground Contact, Minus the Toxic Pesticides
Product Review
Accoya, now code-approved for fungus and termite resistance, relies on acetylation as a benign alternative to conventional pressure-treated wood.
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SIREWALL: The Next Generation of Earthen Walls
Product Review
Made from local earth, rebar, and polyiso, SIREWALL rammed earth walls are beautiful, durable, and are stronger than concrete with less portland cement.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Biophilia a Hallmark of COTE Top Ten for 2020
News Analysis
2020 AIA COTE Top Ten winners feature daylight, indoor/outdoor spaces, extensive plantings, and exposed wood.
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Farming in Cities Worth $33 Billion a Year
News Analysis
A recent study estimates the global value of the ecosystem services provided by urban agriculture.
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Denver Votes Green Thumbs Up for Green Roofs
News Analysis
A city suffering from ozone pollution and the heat-island effect approves a ballot measure requiring green roofs.
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Two for One: Growing Food and Solar Energy Together
News Analysis
As more projects are plugging into off-site solar, dual-use installations are gaining favor to minimize adverse impact.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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How Nature Creates Green Jobs—If We Listen
Blog Post
Biomimicry experts explore resilient design from environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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How to Access the Full Power of Biophilia
Feature Article
People wither physically and mentally without nature. Biophilic design is a remedy and a foundation for regenerative design all at the same time.
-
Green Design: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Feature Article
Beauty, place-making, and even love are motivating many green designers, who see these values complementing core sustainability tenets.
-
Doing Daylighting Right
Feature Article
Harvesting daylight is a popular way to save energy and promote productivity. But getting it wrong is all too easy-and can have the opposite effects.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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USGBC Embraces Legal Marijuana
April Fools
LEED v4.20 introduces a wide range of cannabis-oriented prerequisites.
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Award-Winning Homes Capture “Seamless Biophilia Experience”
April Fools
Seamless biophilia experience takes home Lille Arne prize.
