The biophilia hypothesis states that humans have an intrinsic craving for a connection to the natural world. We have designed our urban spaces so that the average Canadian can spend 90% of their lives indoors, essentially disconnected from natural life. Studies have shown that an integration of green spaces into modernized human-occupied areas has essential benefits to the space and its people.

Often, we prioritize efficiency over environmental concerns; especially in offices and schools. Ironically, indoor plants and natural light have been shown to boost productivity, increase morale, and heighten focus. And yet, this kind of merging between industrial and environmental worlds is not often taken advantage of; but when it is, the results are impressive. An example of an office building that incorporates gorgeous biophilic architecture is the Amazon Spheres located in downtown Seattle. Those who worked on the building kept in mind that to boost employee morale and to help them stay creative and innovative, they would need a “jungle” of sorts to support cognitive function.

As well as productivity, green spaces can be credited with an overall improvement in human health. Studies have been done in which hospital patients recovering from procedures are placed in hospital rooms; some of which have views of forestry, wildlife, and other such life forms whereas others have only a view of a plain brick wall. Environmental psychologist Roger Ulrich concluded that those with a view of nature recovered a full day faster with fewer complications than those who only saw a brick wall. This fascinating conclusion is likely due to how biological elements often create a sense of calm and mental well-being stress thus improving physical health. Many hospitals are now incorporating a garden in their facilities in hopes of encouraging a better and faster return to health.

Crowded cities are notorious for poor air quality. Hong Kong, for example, hosts towering buildings that cast shade onto grounds for potential trees to grow. The lack of sun hinders the plants’ growth. Without plants and trees to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, Hong Kong has had one of the worst cases of air pollution in the world. Poor air quality promotes diseases and negatively impacts almost every part of the body.

Biophilia should be incorporated into human-populated cities and towns to support productivity, mental, and physical health. Suffocating and dull surroundings translate to an alike state of being that reflects in our everyday lives. As creatures of the Earth, we have an innate longing for the wild and we can bring that green into our cities.

Works Cited

“Healthy Hospitals Bring the Outdoors Inside.” HCO News, 6 Mar. 2014,

hconews.com/2014/03/06/healthy-hospitals-bring-the-outdoors-inside/#:~:text=Ulrich%2

0found%20that%20patients%20who,State%20University%20published%20similar%20fi

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“The Impact and Benefits of Biophilia in the Workplace.” Coalesse, 10 Jan. 2022,

www.coalesse.com/blog/the-impact-and-benefits-of-biophilia-in-the-workplace/#:~:text=

What%20are%20the%20benefits%20of,wellbeing%2C%20as%20well%20as%20product

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Canada, Environment and Climate Change. “Government of Canada.” Canada.ca, /

Gouvernement Du Canada, 20 May 2022,

www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/campaigns/canadian-environment-week/

clean-air-day/indoor-quality.html.

Image References

“The Office Turns Green: Amazon’s New ‘Spheres’ Headquarters in Seattle Shows How It’s Done.

Are Botanical Gardens the New Office Space?” Grasshopper Services, 22 July 2019,

www.grasshopperservices.ie/the-office-turns-green-amazons-new-spheres-headquarters-i

n-seattle-shows-how-its-done-are-botanical-gardens-the-new-office-space/.

Graham, Adam H. “Green Acres by Singapore’s Skyscrapers.” The New York Times, The New

York Times, 10 July 2013,

www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/travel/green-acres-by-singapores-skyscrapers.html.

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