“...the cognitive richness of the natural world reflects its likely being the most intellectually challenging environment people will ever encounter even in our modern information age.” - Stephen Kellert
THE BASICS
A connection to natural systems works to foster a positive experience and relationship with nature as well as a relationship with place.
This strategy works to address the goal of environmental stewardship in biophilic design. Strong connections can be made working with other strategies, especially naturally occurring ones that consider the interaction of the senses. Examples are shown below for nature connections to these systems, but also refer to Visual Connection with Nature and Non-Visual Sensory Experience of Nature.
NATURE CONNECTIONS
NATURE RESPRESENTATIONS
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Ability to see:
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​Building Shell:
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​Inclusion of porches, decks, or balconies
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Opportunities to engage the local community in spaces with an interaction with the environment:
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Educational curriculum
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Community gardens
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Simulated Circadian Lighting
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Exposure to Water Infrastructure
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Use of natural and local materials
WEATHER CHANGES
All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen
SEASONAL CHANGES
All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen
Taliesin East
Sagrada Familia (Photo Credit: Annie Sweers Photography)
(Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
(Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
Colectivo Coffee (Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
The Louvre (Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
La Pedrera (Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
Casa Guell (Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
(Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
(Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
(Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
Seattle, Washington (Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
Chihuly Garden and Glass (Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen)
CHANGES IN LIGHT
Photo Credits: See Individiual Images
Point Beach
Badlands National Park
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Garden of the Gods
Mekong River
Acadia National Park
Sandhill Crane Migration
LOCAL LANDSCAPE
All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen
CONNECTION THROUGH ACCESS
Lyfe Kitchen
Lyfe Kitchen Outdoor Seating
Rockford Japanese Garden
Rockford Japanese Garden
Rockford Japanese Garden
Epic
Rai University
Emory Conference Center
Colectivo
UW-Madison School of Nursing
Sailing Club
Maharaj Pier
UW-Madison, Nancy Nicholas Hall
UW-Madison, Nancy Nicholas Hall
UW-Madison, Nancy Nicholas Hall
UW-Madison, Nancy Nicholas Hall
All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park
All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen