Biophilia Hypothesis
In the field of evolutionary psychology, the biophilia hypothesis (BET) is an argument that discusses humans having an instinctive feelings and attachment to other living (biological) systems. In other words, it can be said that “love” for life and living systems.
The biophilia theory provides the simplest explanation for why we feel a strong connection to nature.
“The psychological obsession with being attracted to things that are alive and vital.” was defined by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in 1973 in his book The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness.
In the dictionary, the prefix “Bio” means living, life, and life, and it is related to life and living things. The suffix “Philia” means to love, to like, or to love for something. These two suffixes combined to form the word biophilia.
The concept of biophilia explains the positive emotions felt towards nature, such as growing plants, visiting zoos, keeping pets, and walking peacefully in green areas and natural areas. For example, biophilia is the basis for people’s admiration for wildlife and nature photography.
According to the Biophilia Hypothesis, the sustainability of physical and mental health and productivity, the health of the human body, mind, and spirit, which have evolved in the natural process, depend on the quality of human interaction with nature.
The Biophilia Hypothesis supports people to prefer nature over cities since ancient times. When we look at prehistoric cave paintings and tomb paintings in ancient Egypt, seeing plant, animal, and human figures together shows that people’s bond with other living organisms goes back to ancient times. For example; Looking at the ruins in Pompeii, it is seen that people grew plants in their homes and gardens 2,000 years ago. Another example is that in the Egyptians it is known that deceased people were buried with their cats.
Of course, this concept was expanded by designers into a way of life. It no longer exists only as a mentality.
The Biophilic Design takes its foundations from the biophilia hypothesis, which is defined as an innate hereditary tendency towards nature, which advocates the sustainability of this tendency.
Biophilic design is a design approach that argues that the success of survival throughout the evolutionary transformation of humans is related to the connection they establish with nature and that this connection is a common feeling for every human being.
Exposure to sunlight, animals, trees, flowers, water, birds, etc. Being in close contact with living environments that host natural processes and feeling better in natural living environments have shaped the biophilic design approach. This approach encourages beneficial interaction between man and nature in contemporary buildings and landscaping.
This form of design also provides a more sustainable, curative, and long-lasting approach.
In summary, Biophilic design aims to satisfy these intrinsic adaptations to nature in the modern built environment, while improving people’s physical and mental health and well-being.
It may be claimed that important ideas and information will always have an impact on us. The Biophilia Hypothesis, which you read about in my article today, is one example of this!
