Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature into Urban Design and Planning

by Timothy Beatley

Tim Beatley has long been a leader in advocating for the "greening" of cities. But too often, he notes, urban greening efforts focus on everything except nature, emphasizing such elements as public transit, renewable energy production, and energy efficient building systems. While these are important aspects of reimagining urban living, they are not enough, says Beatley. We must remember that human beings have an innate need to connect with the natural world (the biophilia hypothesis). And any vision of a sustainable urban future must place its focus squarely on nature, on the presence, conservation, and celebration of the actual green features and natural life forms.
 
A biophilic city is more than simply a biodiverse city, says Beatley. It is a place that learns from nature and emulates natural systems, incorporates natural forms and images into its buildings and cityscapes, and designs and plans in conjunction with nature. A biophilic city cherishes the natural features that already exist but also works to restore and repair what has been lost or degraded.
 
In Biophilic Cities Beatley not only outlines the essential elements of a biophilic city, but provides examples and stories about cities that have successfully integrated biophilic elements--from the building to the regional level--around the world.
 
From urban ecological networks and connected systems of urban greenspace, to green rooftops and green walls and sidewalk gardens, Beatley reviews the emerging practice of biophilic urban design and planning, and tells many compelling stories of individuals and groups working hard to transform cities from grey and lifeless to green and biodiverse.

Genres: Urban Planning, Architecture, Nonfiction, Urbanism, Urban, Urban Design, Design

191 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2010

Reviews

[Katy Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

he made us read this for his class

but then inspired me to be an urban planner, tim beatley; the GOAT

[Michael Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature into Urban Planning and Design," by Timothy Beatley, is a useful but now dated introduction to the subject. The idea of biophilia, "an attraction to living things and life processes" has been around a long time but most recently popularized by E.O. Wilson's "Biophilia: The Human Bond with Other Species (1984)." In "Biophilic Cities," Beatley identifies features, policies and human behaviors that the author believes are biophilic. They include many things you might expect, such as parks, nature trails, and street trees. Less obvious, though, are programs and policies that support people's contact with nature, such as junior park ranger programs, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and dark sky policies. Beatley provides examples from around the world for each of each item on what amounts to a long list.

The question that his book implicitly raises but doesn't address is whether there is some point at which enough biophilic elements come together to create a "biophilic city," something presumably greater than the sum of its parts. He also makes no effort to explore whether some elements have greater value than others. N or does he address what effects a biophilic city has on its residents. Are they happier? Healthier? More compassionate? We don't know.

Beatley's other contribution is a useful bibliography that can be mined for a better understanding of biophilia and how the theory has developed and what evidence there is to support it.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another bureaucrat who wants to play Sim City with your money and somebody else's land. Of course it sounds good, otherwise who'll give him the money and power he craves?

[Sara Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and has made me think about what I can do to make my home and lifestyle more biophilic.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too pie in the sky for me -- where are we getting the money to implement all these ideas? Aside from a few brief paragraphs regarding safety concerns, no mention of other issues that make projects like these struggle.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

some really great ideas in here - loved all the examples that are actually happening around the world!