Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers

Monica and Jennifer share a biophilic summer reading list with books on climate change, self-discovery, and focus. They explore the impact of technology distractions on cognitive abilities and the benefits of connecting with nature. Embrace stillness, slow down in the summer, and enjoy reading outdoors while supporting local bookstores.

What does it mean to be an engaged citizen or an effective activist? How can we shift from anger to hope and then create meaningful change? We’re back this week with a special bonus episode, an off-the-cuff conversation with David Orr, renowned scholar of political and environmental science and co-editor of Democracy Unchained: How to Rebuild Government for the People. We chat about finding the right balance between anger and optimism, recognizing and overcoming the flaws baked into our system of government, and why we should be regulating tech. Show Notes Democracy Unchained: How To Rebuild Government For The People, edited by David W. Orr, Andrew Gumbel, Bakari Kitwana, and William S. BeckerDangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward by David OrrDon’t Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change by George MarshallAddiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas by Natasha Dow Schull Key Words: nature, biophilic design, biophilia, politics, political science, tech, technology, technology and politics, democracy, climate, climate action, climate solutions, social media Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

This week, we’re diving deep into the intersection of democracy and the environmental movement, why it’s imperative that all lawmakers agree to the rules of the game, and how biophilia might act as a bridge to the equitable, green future we want. We also weigh the merits of a circular economy and discuss what it means to be responsible citizens and stewards for future generations. Our guest is renowned scholar of environmental and political studies at Oberlin College David Orr, author of eight books, including Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward (2016) and co-editor of three others including Democracy Unchained: How To Rebuild Government For The People (2019). While at Oberlin, Dr. Orr led the effort to design and build the Adam Joseph Lewis Center, one of the first truly biophilic buildings in the United States. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Lyndhurst Prize, a National Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Federation, and a Visionary Leadership Award from Second Nature.Show NotesAbout David OrrThe Oberlin ProjectThe Adam Joseph Lewis CenterDemocracy Unchained: How To Rebuild Government For The People, edited by David W. Orr, Andrew Gumbel, Bakari Kitwana, and William S. BeckerDangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward by David OrrDemocracy in a Hotter Time, presentation at Elon University (YouTube)Design with Nature by Ian L. McHargThe Biophilia Hypothesis, edited by E.O. Wilson and Stephen R. KellertDr. David Orr and Dr. Miranda Yaver on the Stand Up! With Pete Dominick PodcastChildren & Nature NetworkLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard LouvDoughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist by Kate RaworthKeywords: Biophilia, Climate Change, Climate, Environment, Policy, Politics, Environmental Policy, Biophilic Design, Nature, Wellness, Democracy, Economics, Circular EconomyBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Architect Suchi Reddy discusses connecting human emotion to design, biophilic spaces, and technology's role in a serene world. Reddymade's innovative approach, blending art and architecture, is highlighted. The podcast explores the impact of architecture on well-being and the cultural significance of nature in design. Suchi's focus on emotional well-being, recovery, and creating serene spaces is a central theme, emphasizing hope, beauty, and serenity in design.

This week we’re exploring the neuroscience behind our relationship to beauty. Are we culturally conditioned to prefer certain landscapes, works of art, and types of buildings or are those preferences universal? Why do some people embrace nature while others are fearful? Is there a way to measure biophilic design’s effect on neurodivergent individuals? We investigate all of those questions and more with our guest Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, a renowned professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chatterjee is at the forefront of a relatively new field called neuroaesthetics which examines the neural basis of aesthetic experiences. In other words, why do we deem certain things beautiful or pleasurable over others? Particularly with nature and biophilia, the answer may not be as clear-cut as you think. Show NotesAnjan Chatterjee, M.D.NeuroaestheticsBiophilia as Evolutionary Adaptation: An Onto- and Phylogenetic Framework for Biophilic Design (Frontiers in Psychology)Biophilia by Edward O. WilsonBuildings, Beauty and the Brain: Q&A with Anjan Chatterjee (CNS: Cognitive Neuroscience Society)What We Like About Built and Natural Spaces (Psychology Today)How Our Brains Decide What Is Beautiful (TED)Key Words: Neuroscience, Neurology, Neuroaesthetics, Neuroarchitecture, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Brain Health, Beauty, Art History, Architecture, Aesthetics, Nature, Psychology, Science, Research, Research and DevelopmentBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

What if we told you that a global commercial flooring company has achieved carbon neutrality and is well on their way to net negative emissions? This week, we’re joined by Kari Pei, the Vice President of Product Design at Interface, to discuss the inspiration she finds in nature, the sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques that have made Interface a standard-bearer for environmentally friendly corporate practices, and the importance of awe. We also touch on some overlooked aspects of biophilic design, including texture and the impact that ambient noise has on our wellbeing. Interface is a commercial flooring company that specializes in carbon neutral tile and resilient flooring. Interface helps their customers create interior spaces that support wellbeing, productivity, creativity, and the health of the planet. As VP of Global Product Design, Kari Pei brings her fine art background to every aspect of the design process, drawing inspiration from nature and biophilic patterns. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2020 Manufacturer Leader HIP Award presented by Interior Design Magazine.Key Words: Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature, Sustainable, Corporate Responsibility, Net Zero Emissions, Carbon Negative, Awe, Product Design, Wellness Show NotesKari Pei of Interface Takes Home 2020 Manufacturer Leader HIP Award (Interior Design)Interface’s Sustainability JourneyInterface Achieves Carbon Negative Milestone with the Launch of Innovative Products to Decarbonize the Built Environment (PR Newswire)Ep. 156 Creating Happier Places with Biophilic Design (Clever Extra Podcast)Walk with Walsh at Serenbe with Kari Pei14 Patterns of Biophilic Design (Terrapin Bright Green)Awe (Terrapin Bright Green) - Coming Soon!Spotlight: I.M. Pei (ArchDaily)Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Delve into the psychology of biophilic design, the evolutionary basis of landscape preference, and fears of natural elements like snakes. Explore social experiences in nature, the impact of climate change, and Dr. Judith Heerwagen's expertise in behavioral impacts of buildings. Unpack the importance of integrating nature into building design for human health and well-being, and the challenges of education programs in biophilic design.

This week, we’re chatting with Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, a renowned acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese Integrative Medicine, who works with clients on everything from autoimmune support to holistic beauty. Elizabeth has received widespread acclaim for her work and has been featured in publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Allure. Elizabeth’s journey to holistic medicine began early in life, but her own experience battling chronic illness led to a very personal interest in green, nontoxic beauty, household, and building materials. In this episode, we chat with Elizabeth about Helia House, the new wellness center she just launched in Miami using the strictest standards for environmental impact. Show NotesDr. Elizabeth TrattnerThe Helia HouseSick Building Syndrome (WebMD)Living Building Challenge (Living Futures)Sacred Geometry Is Literally Everywhere - Here’s Where To Look & How To Use It (MindBodyGreen)15 Green building materials for an eco-conscious home (The Zebra)Elizabeth Trattner Debuts Helia House, a Non-Toxic Healing and Wellness Oasis for Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine (Well Defined)Elizabeth Trattner Uses Alternative Medicine and Gemstone Facials to Treat Patients (Allure)Could We Be Inhaling Plastic? (Coveteur)7 Ways Acupuncture Changes Your Brain, According to Science (Bustle)Key Terms: Wellness and Beauty, Green Beauty, Health and Wellness, Holistic Medicine, Alternative Medicine, Clean Beauty, Sustainable Living, Biophilia, Biophilic Design Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

This week, we’re speaking with Jared Hanely, the CEO and founder of NatureQuant, a company whose mission is to leverage technology to promote a greater connection to nature. The idea for NatureQuant came out of a multi-day ski trip with Jared’s co-founders Christopher Minson and Christopher Bailey, when they realized that the power of metrics and trackable data could encourage people to get outside and reap the benefits of time spent in nature. NatureQuant’s applications include NatureScore, which measures the quality of greenspace in a given area, and NatureDose which individuals can use to keep track of their time spent outdoors. In this episode, we talk to Jared about the exciting applications of his technology beyond individual health, the possibilities of measuring biophilic design benefits, and if he is at all worried about “app fatigue.”Show NotesNatureQuantNatureScoreNature DoseNatureQuant White Paper: Delivering Technology to Assess and Promote Nature ExposureNature is Medicine. But What’s the Right Dose? (Outside Magazine)The benefits of green exercise go far beyond physical fitness (The Globe and Mail)10 Minute Walk PledgeKey Ideas: Nature based solutions, technology and society, environmental issues, health and wellness, biophilic design Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Have you ever felt instantly calm upon arriving at the ocean or a rural lake? Or even felt the need to dip into a hot bath after a tough day? This week on Biophilic Solutions, we’re chatting with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, scientist, activist, and author of Blue Mind, about why we are so innately drawn to water and the neuroscience behind water’s healing properties. We’ll dive (pun intended) into the ways we might reconnect with our favorite bodies of water, the innate spiritual properties that water contains, and even why too much “blue mind” isn’t necessarily a good thing. Show NotesThe Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do by Dr. Wallace J. NicholsThe Blue Mind Book ClubBook review: ‘Blue Mind,’ on the benefits of being near water, by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols (Washington Post)Our Love of Living Near Water Persists Despite the Dangers (New York Times)Applying Blue Mind to Our Ocean Conservation Mindset (Plastic Oceans)Dr. Wallace J. Nichols: Getting in touch with Blue Mind (Creative Mornings HQ)Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers