HISTORY

Without claiming to be exhaustive, the main stages in the history of biophilia and biophilic design and the main biophilic design models are reported below

History of Biophilia

Biophilia is a concept that refers to the innate human attraction towards Nature and life forms. It is an interdisciplinary theory that encompasses ecology, psychology, ecopsychology, architecture and design. Its historical evolution is fascinating and involves various contributions over time.

Erich Fromm (1900-1980)

 

Erich Fromm was a German-born American psychoanalyst, sociologist and philosopher, known for his contribution to humanism and social psychology. A profound expert of Freudian and Marxist thought, Fromm developed an original vision that integrates psychology, philosophy and ethics, focusing on the dynamics of freedom and alienation in modern society.

Among his most famous works, "Escape from Freedom" and "The Art of Loving", explore fundamental human needs and the tensions between autonomy and belonging. Fromm introduced the concept of "Biophilia," as opposed to "necrophilia,". His legacy lies in the optimistic vision of human nature and the possibility of a more just and harmonious society.

The concept of biophilia was mentioned for the first mentioned by Erich Fromm, well before Edward O. Wilson popularized it in 1984.
Fromm spoke about it in his book The Heart of Man: Its Genius for Good and Evil (1964), defining it as: "The love of life and all that is alive". For Fromm, biophilia represents an innate and positive tendency of the human being towards life, change and growth. Fromm underlined that biophilia can be cultivated through a social and cultural environment that fosters relationships healthy, cooperation and respect for life. According to him, a society dominated by materialism and alienation tends instead to suffocate this innate tendency.

Edward Osborne Wilson (1929-2021)

 

Edward Osborne Wilson, known as E.O. Wilson was a world-renowned American biologist, naturalist and author, considered one of the greatest scientific thinkers of the 20th century. Specializing in myrmecology (the study of ants), he has revolutionized biology with his work on sociobiology, ecology and biodiversity.

Wilson was a strong advocate of nature conservation and regained the term "Biophilia," defining it as the innate emotional connection of humans to nature and other life forms. He has received numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes for nonfiction. His integrative vision of science and philosophy has left an indelible imprint on the global debate on sustainability and protection of the planet.

Edward Osborne Wilson formalized the term "biophilia" in his book Biophilia. Wilson defines biophilia as "the innate tendency of human beings to focus on life and life processes." His theory suggests that affinity for nature has evolutionary roots, being a trait that promotes survival and well-being.

Wilson integrated several lines of research to support his theory:

Evolutionary psychology: The attraction to natural environments, such as savannas, could be explained by their importance for the survival of early humans.
Empirical studies: Subsequent research, influenced by Wilson, has shown that exposure to natural landscapes reduces stress, improves concentration and promotes healing.
Attention Theory: The works of Stephen and Rachel Kaplan, developed partly on the basis of biophilia, demonstrate that nature has a regenerative effect on cognitive abilities.

Environmental psychology (1960s-1970s): Biophilia gained attention due to the rise of environmental psychology, which studies how the physical environment affects human behavior. Roger Ulrich and other researchers have shown that exposure to green spaces improves well-being and reduces stress.

Evolutionary Theories: Wilson and others have integrated biophilia with evolutionary theories, emphasizing that connection to nature may be an adaptation for survival, as natural environments provide vital resources such as food, water, and shelter.

Stephen R. Kellert (1944-2016)

 

Stephen R. Kellert was an American ecologist and professor, a pioneer in the study of the relationships between human beings and nature. A professor at Yale University, Kellert has dedicated his career to exploring the biological, psychological, and cultural value of nature for human well-being.

Author of numerous books and articles, he was one of the main promoters of Biophilic Design, an approach to architecture and design that integrates natural elements to improve quality of life and sustainability. Among his most influential works is "Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life".

Kellert has received several awards for his visionary work, leaving a vital legacy in the field of sustainability and regenerative design. His research continues to inspire architects, urban planners and scientists around the world.

Stephen R. Kellert was a leading proponent of the concept of biophilic design, a design approach that integrates natural elements into built spaces to improve health, well-being, and emotional connection with nature. A professor of social ecology at Yale University, Kellert played a key role in translating the concept of biophilia, introduced by Edward O. Wilson, into principles applicable to architecture and design.

Kellert defined biophilic design as a way to:
“Deeply connecting people to the natural world through built environments.”
He argued that biophilic design is not just about inserting plants or natural materials into buildings, but about creating spaces that reflect the complexity, beauty and regenerative qualities of Nature.

Co-author of "Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life" (2008). In this book, Kellert summarized the concept of biophilic design, highlighting both the theoretical principles and practical applications.
Influential Projects: Collaborated on various educational projects and programs to promote biophilic design in architecture, urbanism, and interior design.
Global recognition: His ideas have been adopted in pioneering projects around the world, influencing the design of buildings, offices, schools and urban spaces.

Terrapin Bright Green

 

Terrapin Bright Green is a consultancy and research organization founded in 2006 with the aim of promoting environmental sustainability and improving human well-being through innovative strategies that integrate nature into built spaces. The company is particularly known for its pioneering work in biophilic design, but is also involved in sustainability, energy efficiency and regenerative urban planning. Terrapin Bright Green was co-founded by:
Bill Browning, a leading expert on biophilic design and sustainability. Browning was also a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Board of Directors and contributed to the development of the LEED certification system.
Rick Cook, architect known for his commitment to sustainable design.
Bob Fox, green architecture expert.

The vision of Terrapin Bright Green was born from the need to create a bridge between science, design and sustainability, drawing inspiration from nature to design spaces that are better for both people and the environment.

Terrapin Bright Green focuses on three main pillars:
Human-Nature Connection: Improving people's health and well-being through biophilic design.
Systemic sustainability: integrating sustainability into every aspect of urban design and planning. Nature-based innovation: apply principles of biomimicry and biophilia to find solutions that respect and enhance natural ecosystems. Terrapin Bright Green is renowned for its publications, guidelines and innovative projects. Among the most important contributions are:

"14 Patterns of Biophilic Design" (2014)
A report that identifies 14 practical models for integrating biophilic design into buildings and urban spaces. These models are divided into three categories:
Nature in the place: Direct insertion of natural elements (plants, light, water).
Natural analogues: Use of materials and patterns inspired by nature.
Nature of Space: Creating spatial experiences that evoke natural sensations (refuge, perspective, mystery).
This report has been widely adopted by architects, urban planners and designers around the world.

"The Economics of Biophilia"
A study demonstrating the economic benefits of biophilic design. Terrapin Bright Green highlighted how integrating biophilic elements into workspaces increases productivity, reduces stress and improves employee satisfaction.

Large-scale projects
The organization has partnered with companies such as Google, Amazon and other multinationals to implement biophilic design strategies on their campuses and offices.
He has contributed to innovative urban projects, with a focus on green and regenerative cities.

Giuseppe Barbiero

 

Giuseppe Barbiero is an Italian biologist and researcher, specialized in ecology and biophilia. Professor at the University of Valle d'Aosta, he directs the Affective Ecology Laboratory, a center dedicated to the study of the relationships between human beings and nature. His research focuses on the regenerative impact of natural environments on psychophysical well-being and environmental education.

Barbiero is the author of numerous scientific articles and essays, including seminal contributions that integrate biophilia with educational and therapeutic approaches. His work is recognized internationally for having contributed to strengthening the link between ecological science and sustainable design, promoting an innovative and humanistic vision of sustainability.

Rita Berto

 

Rita Berto is an Italian environmental psychologist, expert in the field of perception and well-being in relation to natural environments. Professor and researcher at the University of Valle d'Aosta, her work focuses on the regenerative effect of nature on the human mind, with particular reference to the theory of "Attention Restoration Theory" (ART).

Author of numerous scientific articles, Berto has contributed to demonstrating how environments designed with biophilic principles can promote cognitive recovery and improve the quality of life. His internationally recognized research integrates psychology, ecology and design, proposing innovative solutions for the design of spaces oriented towards wellbeing.

Today, biophilia is a central concept in sustainable design, urban regeneration and well-being research. It also has an important role in raising environmental awareness, highlighting how detachment from nature contributes to the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity.
Biophilia has moved from being a biological theory to taking on a practical and cultural role in shaping the way we live, plan, and interact with the natural world. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of nature for human well-being and the sustainability of the planet.

 

The Affective Ecology Laboratory of the University of Valle d'Aosta has played a significant role in the empirical verification and in-depth analysis of the biophilia hypothesis proposed by Edward O. Wilson. This laboratory focused on the analysis of individuals' affective and psychological responses to natural environments, with the aim of understanding how the innate bond between humans and nature manifests itself and can be strengthened.