The topic today is Biophilia in Design 2019 and how a vendor such as Country Floors can fit into this somewhat esoteric space. A little background is needed. In the 1960s a German psychologist named Erich Fromm put forth the idea of Biophilia as a somewhat elementary human drive, or need, to interact with, and be in some visceral way cohabitant with other life forms in nature. Then in the 1970s, an American biologist named Edward O. Wilson went a step further. Wilson said that human beings derive fairly significant and enriching pleasure from being surrounded by other types of living organisms.
Admittedly, this is a lot of words. Perhaps they can be boiled down to a simple essence. People like to be around and to be influenced by nature. Now how does that play out in design? Take a look at a vibrant Paris street scene below.
Stephen R. Kellert, a Professor Emeritus At Yale University has done pioneering work on Biophilic Design. He describes his photo above in this way: “Green Wall adjacent to Masonry Wall, Paris – These contrasting building facades employ direct (plants) and indirect (masonry and grill work that mimic organic forms) strategies to achieve successful biophilic effects.” This is a decidedly academic view.
That said, Elle Decor takes a more contemporary style approach with this quote and the image below: “For 2019, there is greater interest in biophilia–emphasizing the relationship between humankind and nature, and the connections between the two. Natural, organic materials–such as wood floors, stone, and daylight and plant life–remind us of the exterior and brings the outside and nature, in. We are a machine- and technology-driven society, but nostalgic about past processes and handiwork, so opportunities for custom millwork and crafted materials are very important.”—Angie Lee of FXCollaborative.
So where does this leave Country Floors? That is a simple question. Since our founding in 1964 we have been all about natural materials such as terracotta, ceramic tile, glass mosaics, and natural stone.
One of our many terracotta selections, Pedralbes, is shown above. We believe materials like this contribute mightily to a design plan that seeks to incorporate Biophilia in Design. Thanks for reading.