Benefits of Nature to Humans

“Our capacities to think, feel, communicate, create and find meaning in life all depend upon our relationship to nature”.  Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology Stephen R. Kellert 

Our inherent inclination of affiliate with nature is crucial to our physical and mental health and well-being. This dependence has shaped and continues to shape our capacities to feel, reason, think, master complexity, discover, create, heal, and be healthy. Due to the increase in population, the majority of urban-dwelling individuals may have all but forgotten their connections with the natural world, being parks and public nature reserves often their only means of accessing nature.

To reconnect people with the natural environment through Nature-based solutions - actions which are inspired by, supported by or copied from nature, that includes Biophilic Design among other disciplines - is a key concept to more sustainable societies. This can enhance the inclusivity, equitability and livability of the cities, can reduce urban and domestic violence,  promote social cohesion, and improve our mental and physical health, wellbeing, creativity and even clarity of thought.  In order to achieve these benefits in new and existing communities, new architectural design knowledge and useful creative strategies are needed.