Imagined What it could do
Imagine a cottage where leaves cover the walls and flowers frame every window. Inside, there is always a view of green, the sound of birds and the smell of plants.
Real world Why nature makes us feel better
The biologist E. O. Wilson used the word "biophilia" to describe the idea that humans have a deep connection to nature. In a famous 1984 study, researcher Roger Ulrich found that hospital patients recovering from surgery whose windows looked onto trees went home sooner and needed fewer strong painkillers than similar patients who looked at a brick wall.
Architects now use "biophilic design": daylight, plants, natural materials, views of nature and water, to make homes, schools and hospitals more pleasant.
Real world Living walls
A green or living wall is a wall covered with plants, either climbers rooted in the ground or plants growing in panels with built-in watering. They shade and cool walls in summer, support insects and birds, and soften hard city streets.
Art In this artwork
This illustration shows a small cottage with leafy vines, flower boxes and a teal roof.
Look closer
- Find the climbing plants on the walls.
- How many windows look out on greenery?
Think about it
- Where do you feel calmest, and is nature part of it?
- How could your classroom or bedroom bring in more nature?
- Why might a view of trees help someone heal?
Key words
- Biophilia
- A love of, or need for, the natural world.
- Living wall
- A wall covered with growing plants.
- Wellbeing
- Feeling healthy and happy.
Sources
The real-world facts on this page are based on these sources:
- Roger Ulrich, "View through a window may influence recovery from surgery", Science (1984)
- Edward O. Wilson, "Biophilia" (1984)
