Biophilia: A handbook for bringing the natural world into your life

by Sally Coulthard

Overview

A natural design for living well.





American psychologist Edward O. Wilson popularised the term Biophilia - meaning a "love of nature" and a need to connect to the natural world - in the 1980s, after observing how increasing rates of urbanization were leading to people feeling a disconnect from the natural world. We all need biophilia in our lives, and here author Sally Coulthard demonstrates how best to incorporate the fundamentals into everyday life. Examining the branches of a "biophilic home", the ten inspiring chapters incorporate science, psychology and practical deecor advice for making positive and accessible changes in the home or at work. Chapters include: Air & Temperature - why heat and airflow matter in a healthy home; Forms & Patterns - how to take inspiration from nature to decorate your home; Light & Rhythms - creating spaces to enhance the natural rhythm of passing seasons, plentiful daylight and dark nights; Materials & Decor - importance of using minimally processed material to reflect local ecology; Color - how to use tones and shades that compliment or contrast.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857837158
Publisher:	Octopus Books
Publication date:	04/28/2020
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Sally Coulthard, best-selling author and designer, has spent the last twenty years designing, building, planting and writing about homes and outdoor spaces. She sees no boundary between the rules that govern good interior design and those which are needed to craft a spectacular studio or glorious garden. Keen to make good design accessible, she's written over a dozen books about restoring houses, designing interiors and creating outdoor spaces. From garden styles to designing with salvage, creating work spaces to building sheds, Sally's books inspire, encourage and equip readers to take on projects of their own. Author of The Little Book of Building Fires (Head of Zeus), Studio, The Hedgehog Handbook, Shed Chic, Gardenalia and Crafted.

Editorial Reviews

"[Sally] recounts how biophilia, the idea that humans are viscerally wired to feel a communion with the natural world, has shifted from a hypothesis espoused by the biologist Edward O. Wilson and others to the emergence of urban beekeeping, increasingly diverse city gardens and wild ideas for residences and workplaces."—New York Times

"Coulthard explores ways to harmonize home and the natural word. She covers proper lighting, temperature, and airflow; decorating with natural materials; beneficial colors and patterns, and more."—Publishers Weekly

"In this beautifully illustrated hardback, Coulthard explores the many benefits of biophilic design, drawing on environmental and neuroscientific research to uncover the links between home, health and happiness. A fascinating and uplifting read that looks at the science behind feel good furnishings."—The Independent

"Sally Coulthard's new book 'Biophilia', explains how important the colours of the natural world are for decorating"—Esquire Magazine

From the Publisher