Biophilic Connections and Environmental Encounters in the Urban Age: Frameworks and Interdisciplinary Practice in the Built Environment
About this ebook
Set within current debates concerning urban futures, societal issues, sustainable cities, health and well-being, the book explores our innate need for contact with the natural world through biophilic design thinking to expand our knowledge base and promote a wider understanding of the importance of these interactions on our collective well-being. It responds to questions such as, what are the urban qualities that support our well-being? As an urbanised society what are the environmental determinants that promote healthy and satisfying lifestyles? Beginning with an overview of concepts relating to biophilia and environmental engagement, it moves through current theory and practice, different pathways and their characteristics, before presenting real world examples and applications through illustrated case studies in different world situations.
With a particular focus on the experience of individuals, the book is essential reading for students, researchers, and practitioners of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, design and health sciences, interested in the future of our cities and the importance of green spaces.
About the author
Richard Coles is Emeritus Professor of Landscape in the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, Birmingham City University, UK. His research involves understanding the nature of environmental interaction and the development of environments that are supportive of the needs of users as well as broader issues relating to urban greening. His initial training in biological sciences, and his work within a design school of architecture, allows him to adopt a unique stance to investigation. During his academic career, he has received a number of grant awards from the UK Research Councils and EU funding as well as supervising numerous research studies.
Sandra Costa is a Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, Birmingham City University, UK. Her research examines the nature of person-place interactions, exploring the choreographies of the experience and how individuals negotiate well-being in the landscape. Sandra’s research informs and is informed by teaching design studio, live projects and transdisciplinary collaborations, where she further investigates how we can design environments for human well-being whilst responding to and interacting with a changing climate.
