Emergence of Biophilic Design

Dr. Jana Söderlund’s Ph.D. framed biophilic design as an emergent social movement. This was based on global research which involved spending 3 months in the U.S. and Canada researching biophilic design initiatives and policies in 10 frontrunner cities. Interviews were conducted with over 30 leaders in government, industry, NGOs, corporate, and civic arenas. The research was combined with local projects, such as trial living walls in Fremantle and correction centre biophilic initiatives.A childhood spent exploring the beauty of nature fostered a deep passion for nature. Dr. Söderlund was a pioneer environmental educator. An early career in environmental science, population, and world resources evolved to further studies in sustainability and climate change;  transformative and resilient thinking; and urban design. Since completing her Ph.D. in Biophilic Urban Design, Söderlund has been active as a biophilic designer, presenter, educator, and academic author. She is a member of the global Biophilic Cities steering committee, chair of Biophilic Cities Australia, Director of Biophilic Solutions and Design by Nature, and Director of Green Roofs Australasia.

• Chapter 1. The emergence of a new social movement: Biophilic design.- Chapter 2. The rationale for biophilic design.- Chapter 3. Biophilic design: The stories of the pioneers of the social movement.- Chapter 4. How the biophilic design social movement informs planning and policy.- Chapter 5. Living green wall trials in a hot dry city climate.- Chapter 6. The progression of biophilic design.- Bibliography.- Appendix.