GUERRILLA BIOPHILIA (what's the idea?)

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Edward O. Wilson introduced the biophilia hypothesis in his book "Biophilia." It suggests that there is a bond between the human race and the living systems around us.  Biophilia literally means a love or desire for living things. The term has transformed the design realm in the form of a newer typology called biophilic design.  “Biophilic design helps to mend the prevailing breach existing in our society between the modern built environment and the human need for contact with the natural world.” By using biophilic attributes in design it has been shown to help human health and function, prompts thinking, and also makes one feel better about their habitat. 

One would think a collegiate environment like Rhode Island School of Design would have biophilic design elements in their learning spaces; but they do not.  Most studios are boxes that do not get natural light or air and contain no living systems.  This type of setting does not promote a creative or mentally stimulating environment for the students.

Through the independent study “Guerrilla Biophilia,” the goal will be to begin changing the sterile-build mentality.  This will be accomplished by designing, fabricating, and installing small-scale biophilic design elements into various spaces within the interior of RISD buildings. 

The independent study will be broken up into three phases.  The first phase will focus on design development of biophilic concepts. During this phase, I will focus on alternative building methods that will allow me to carry out my design ideas. Moving forward, the second phase will consist of fabricating my design ideas using the alternative building methods learned primarily with reclaimed material. The last and final phase of “Guerrilla Biophilia” will be to develop structure methods to install my designs into the existing fabric of the RISD buildings.

 Feedback will also be an important component of the process, after the installation phase.  Thoughtful feedback will help me better understand the psychological impacts my installations have on the space and its inhabitants. I will encourage students who will be interacting with my installations to write comments or talk with me about the difference, if any, biophilic design has made.