biophilic art.

'Biophilia: the innate human need to be affiliated with nature-for physical, mental and spiritual health'.

Well-chosen art has the power to transform a space, allowing the owner to communicate their unique personality. Designers seek pieces that transform a space into something that is not only functional and practical but also personal, beautiful and restorative.​  Naturally-inspired pieces also help us to cope with pain. Humans are genetically programmed to find plants, water, trees and other natural elements absorbing.​  Indirect connection to nature through pictures, photographs and paintings can stimulate our senses and help to strengthen our connection with nature. And that has the beneficial effect of reducing heart rates and stress levels.​  Natural and figurative imagery reflects our place in nature, particularly that which depicts shapes and forms from the natural world. This is the crux of biophilia: a need, that is deeply encoded within our DNA, for a connection to the natural world, natural elements such as trees and sunlight, and natural materials such as wood, stone and leaves. Just as deeply encoded is our intrinsic response to representations of these elements.​

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Exposure to representations of nature can transfix and fascinate people in a healing way just as being in nature itself. The majority of our time is spent indoors, so artwork that mimics, inspires or reminds us of our connection to nature can be restorative. Art is therefore a necessary tool in biophilic design as it provides an antidote to our overwhelmingly indoor existences.​

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It makes absolute sense to incorporate art into building design and interior spaces, establishing explicit connections to the earth. And to make it a critical element in spaces built to nurture, heal, support and protect such as hospitals, schools, care homes, medical centres, hospices, and libraries.