Biophilia - How We Connect with Nature

What is Biophilia?

First described by psychologist and philosophiser Erich Fromm in the 1960’s, Biophilia, simply put, is the Love of Life, or Living Systems. American Biologist Edward O. Wilson went further to introduce and popularise the ‘Biophilia hypothesis’ in the mid 1980’s, that we don’t just love all things in the natural world, but we are genetically connected to them. As humans we have a deep desire to connect with nature whenever possible, which might explain why we keep plants and flowers at home and in our office.

Our subconscious desire to be close to nature in our everyday lives continues even in the workplace and unfortunately as we see companies either taking away or never implementing such connections as plants, flowers or even fresh air, we now see more people feeling disconnected at work, and thus less productive.

Use Varied Plants

If you look at a natural environment, you will see vegetation at all stages of growth, from saplings to tall trees.

Look Across your Space

Learn how to recreate the illusion of overlooking a landscape from a position of height using plants

Expand Your Horizons

It is only natural that we feel comfortable in an environment that allows us feel part of nature.

Use Water Sound Effects

We all know that water is essential to survival, but we also tend to take it for granted.

Light and Shadow

The uniform lighting found in so many buildings may be efficient, but it frequently lacks character and is often harsh.

Refuge in a Modern World

The deep, instinctive need for shelter and security remains with us still, even though we live in cities.

Follow your Nose

Our brains have evolved to react to stimuli from many sources. Our senses tell us everything we need to know about our environment.

Natural Materials

If you look around a typical modern office, you would be hard pressed to find much in the way of natural materials.

The Benefits of Plants in the workplace

So how does Biophilia change the mind set in the workplace and bring benefits to the employers and employees? How can we practically introduce nature into the work place, whether it’s planting, water, fresh air, or even the smell of fresh cut grass, without spending money unnecessarily?

Take our interactive tour to find out how something so simple can play a significant part in your work environment.

Further Information

Office Plants

Adding plants to your office creates an instant, welcoming impression on your guests and colleagues whilst also re-connecting employees with nature.