Biophilic Cities for an Urban Century: Why nature is essential for the success of cities

Cities need nature more than ever at their moment of triumph and fastest growth, and this book presents best practices and case studies from biophilic design to show how cities around the world are incorporating nature into their urban fabric. It will be a valuable resource for scholars and professionals working in the area of sustainable cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Cities, paradoxically, require nature more than ever at their peak of triumph and rapid expansion. The upcoming urban century can only succeed if our urban environment is filled with biophilic cities. Cities, which are inherently human, provide the ideal setting for interaction, and we are entering a period that can rightly be called the urban century, the fastest period of urban growth in human history. However, a growing body of scientific literature indicates that the constant interaction and hyper-connectivity of cities result in an urban psychological penalty. The solution to this dilemma lies in incorporating nature into cities, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of our urban, connected world while also creating an urban home that fosters human flourishing.

This book offers valuable insights and case studies from the field of biophilic design, showcasing how cities worldwide are beginning to integrate nature into their urban landscape. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and professionals engaged in the field of sustainable cities.

The book argues that cities, which are typically associated with human activity and urbanization, can also benefit from the presence of nature. By incorporating natural elements into urban environments, cities can create healthier, more sustainable, and livable communities.

One of the key benefits of biophilic design is that it can improve mental and physical health outcomes for city residents. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also promoting physical activity and better sleep quality. Nature can also provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation, which can be particularly valuable in urban environments where noise and pollution can be prevalent.

In addition to its benefits for human health, biophilic design can also contribute to environmental sustainability. By incorporating natural features such as green spaces, trees, and water bodies into urban areas, cities can reduce their carbon footprint, improve air quality, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Green spaces, in particular, can act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can help to mitigate the impacts of global warming.

Furthermore, biophilic design can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities and promote community engagement. Green spaces and natural features can create attractive public spaces that encourage social interaction and community building. They can also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, which can promote a sense of belonging and community pride.

Overall, the book argues that biophilic design is an important approach for creating more sustainable and livable cities. By incorporating natural elements into urban environments, cities can improve the health and well-being of their residents, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of their communities.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of biophilic design and showcases examples of successful implementations in cities around the world. It includes case studies of projects that have integrated natural elements into urban environments, such as green roofs, urban gardens, and public parks. The book also discusses the challenges and barriers to implementing biophilic design, such as funding, political will, and resistance from developers and stakeholders.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of integrating nature into urban design at all scales, from the individual building to the larger urban landscape. The book emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that considers the social, economic, and environmental aspects of urban development. It suggests that biophilic design can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable urban development and creating more livable and resilient cities.

Another important theme of the book is the role of public engagement and participation in the design and implementation of biophilic design projects. The book argues that successful biophilic design projects require the involvement of local communities and stakeholders to ensure that they are tailored to their specific needs and preferences. It suggests that public engagement can help to build support for biophilic design and promote its adoption as a mainstream approach to urban development.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable resource for scholars, professionals, and policymakers interested in sustainable urban development. It offers a comprehensive overview of the benefits of biophilic design and showcases examples of successful implementations in cities around the world. The book emphasizes the importance of integrating nature into urban design at all scales, the need for a holistic approach to urban development, and the role of public engagement and participation in the design and implementation of biophilic design projects. By adopting biophilic design principles, cities can create healthier, more sustainable, and livable communities that are resilient to the challenges of the 21st century.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 211 x 147 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030516673
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021