Hope Rises on Its Current: Defining Biophilia with Liz Calabrese

As we kick off our season on Biophilia and how together we can build a Biophilic Movement, we first want to define its meaning. Joining us today is Elizabeth Freeman Calabrese, AIA, an architect and leading educator of biophilic design. She co-authored "The Practice of Biophilic Design" with Dr. Stephen Kellert, working closely with many of the key players who popularized the term and concept of "biophilia." She was one of the earliest teachers of biophilic design, teaching its role in Living Building and WELL Building Certifications.

In this episode, Liz leads us through the history of the term and shares how its definition and practice has involved both philosophical circles and the building industry. She also shares beautiful quotes by those considered to be the founders of the movement, and talks about what the future holds for biophilia.

Mentioned In The Episode

Quotes on Biophilia

“I have been able to distinguish between various kinds of aggression which directly or indirectly are in service of life, and that malignant form of destructiveness, necrophilia, which is a true love of death as opposed to biophilia, which is the love of life…love of life, independence, and the overcoming of narcissism form a ‘syndrome of growth’ against the ‘syndrome of decay’ formed by love of death, incestuous symbiosis, and malignant narcissism.” -Eric Fromm, The Heart of Man 1964

“Biophilia, (is) the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes…From infancy we concentrate happily on ourselves and other organisms. We learn to distinguish life from the inanimate and move toward it like moths to a porch light…to explore and affiliate with life is a deep and complicated process in mental development. To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hope rises on its currents.” -E.O. Wilson, Biophilia 1984

“Biophilic Design is not about greening our buildings or simply increasing their aesthetic appeal through inserting trees and shrubs. Much more, it is about humanity’s place in nature, and the natural world’s place in human society.” -Stephen Kellert, Biophilic Design 2008

Other People + Organizations Mentioned

Bill Browning founded Terrapin Bright Green in 2006 along with Rick Cook and Bob Fox. TBG leverages high-performance design, whole systems thinking, and research in biophilic design to reconnect people with the environment. They believe this will lead to a healthy, prosperous, and regenerative future for all. Look for the Serenbe Stories episode featuring Bill Browning and Catherine Ryan later in season 4.

John Todd worked with Steve Nygren to create Serenbe’s ecologically sustainable wastewater treatment facilities, which blend into the visual aesthetic of Serenbe’s natural surroundings. In fact, the boardwalk over the facility is one of the most photographed spots at Serenbe!

Steven Peck is the founder of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American industry association for the green roof and wall sectors. The GRHC develops and protects the market by increasing the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture through education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence. Look for the Serenbe Stories episode featuring Steven Peck later in season 4.

The Biophilic Institute envisions a world in which individuals take local and global actions that nurture the living, social, and economic systems that will sustain future generations. It was established in 2013 by a group of engaged professionals from a range of disciplines who share a common passion for educating and sharing best practices in fields that promote well-being, prosperity, and a sustainable future. Each year, The Institute - along with Biophilic Cities - hosts the Biophilic Leadership Summit at Serenbe, which provides a platform for biophilic leaders to gather with their peers to learn about and discuss the most impactful biophilic projects, principles, and research.

Jon Hudson is the co-founder and managing director of BrandCulture, which organized the Biophilia Poster Exhibition at Serenbe and other locations.

Dr. Phillip Tabb is a professor of architecture and a Liz and Nelson Mitchell Professor of Residential Design at Texas A&M University. Learn more about land planning and sacred geometry’s influence on Serenbe in episode 3 of Serenbe Stories season 2, which features Phill’s story.

Florence Williams is a journalist, author, and podcaster. Her most recent book, The Nature Fix, is an intrepid investigation into nature’s restorative benefits.

After 20 years in front of the camera as the Jennifer Walsh created the Walk with Walsh video series to tell stories in a new way and to drive home the importance of what makes healthy leaders. Watch her Serenbe Walk with Walsh series sponsored by Mother Dirt, and listen to her episode of Serenbe Stories.

Contributors for The Biophilia Hypothesis include  Roger Ulrich, Judith Heerwagen and others in a cross-discipline group all writing about biophilia and our connection to nature.

The Living Building Challenge encourages designers to create buildings that generate more energy than they use, capture and treat all water on-site, and are made using healthy materials. This framework helps to create spaces that reconnect occupants with nature.

14 Patterns of Biophilic Design

Biophilic Cities, founded by Tim Beatley, partners with cities, scholars, and advocates from across the globe to build an understanding of the value and contribution of nature in cities to the lives of urban residents. Look for the Serenbe Stories episode featuring Tim Beatley later in season 4.

WELL v2 is the most rigorously tested and vetted version of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) to date, making it the premier framework for advancing health and well-being around the world.

Amanda Sturgeon is the regenerative design lead for Mott MacDonald.

Dennis Creech is the co-founder of Southface, and currently services as the Fund Advisor for the Kendeda Fund. Learn more about Dennis and his influence in sustainability building in episode 8 of Serenbe Stories season 2.

Ekvn-Yefolecv is an intentional ecovillage community of Indigenous Maskoke persons who, after 180 years of having been forcibly removed from traditional Alabama homelands, have returned for the purpose of practicing linguistic, cultural, and ecological sustainability.