Biophilic Design’s Post

Just had a great day with Giorgi Nishnianidze, partner at Ruderal – Tbilisi based landscape design studio. Ruderal was shortlisted for 2024 EUR Mies Award for their 700ha urban re-forestration project executed in Georgia’s capital. https://lnkd.in/dmjQwBPs Giorgi together with Sarah Cowles and their partners work with endemic and diverse, resistant plant species to foster better ecosystem services. Georgian natural landscapes, commonly considered as divine by local patriots, are often heavily affected by pollution and other anthropogenic activities. Ruderal are pioneers in establishing urban forests according to the Miyawaki method in Georgia. I truly admire their approach and commitment to “design and develop sustainable site projects where ecology, culture, and history harmonize with the surrounding context”. Georgia really deserves and should make use of such specialists! We discussed the development in urban landscape design of Warsaw in recent years and impact it has made on the quality of life and it's public perception. ‘Soft factors’ of urban daily life, such as air quality and landscaping are crucial for today’s mobile, skilled, international professionals while considering relocation abroad. Even though Georgian outback has a lot to offer of its natural, unquestioned beauty, its overdeveloped cities with little attention to the environment, seem hostile and unlivable to too many expats.     The question we seek an answer to remains: what could we as a community do to get our message to urban planners and city leaders? #thecitythatlovesyou #urbanlandscape #Sartiflora  

The urban landscape of future cities is like arteries, pumping life to the city. The link between urbanism and ecology is more than human needs. Landscape ecological urbanism promotes assets that provide resilience & habitats for wildlife. It also creates unique opportunities to rethink our water cycle inside our cities. In this visionary approach to urban planning, every park, green space, and tree-lined street isn't just a pretty backdrop – they're vital assets that bolster the city's resilience and provide crucial habitats for wildlife. Imagine urban parks designed not only for recreation but also as natural stormwater retention areas, mitigating flooding and enhancing water quality. Picture green corridors weaving through the city, connecting fragmented habitats and allowing wildlife to roam freely. In these landscapes, native plants and green infrastructure flourish, providing food and shelter for birds, insects, and other urban wildlife. But it's not just about protecting wildlife; it's about nurturing a dynamic coexistence between humans and nature. By promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience, Landscape Ecological Urbanism creates healthier, more sustainable cities for all inhabitants. So, let's reimagine our urban landscapes as vibrant, biodiverse havens where resilience and wildlife thrive alongside bustling city life. Through thoughtful design and stewardship, we can cultivate environments where nature's resilience becomes our greatest asset, ensuring a more harmonious and sustainable future for generations to come. #Urbanplanning #Sustainablecities #Liveablecities #Urbandesign #Landscapedesign

🌿✨ Discovering Hidden Gems: Warsaw University Library Garden 🌍📚 One of Warsaw's most fascinating spots is the rooftop garden of the University of Warsaw Library. This green jewel not only offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city but also represents a perfect balance between modern architecture and nature. Inaugurated in 2002, the garden spans over one hectare and features a variety of plants, walking paths, and small ponds. It is an ideal place for a refreshing break, a peaceful walk, or simply to draw inspiration from the beauty of the urban landscape. Here are some reasons why the rooftop garden has become one of my favorite places in Warsaw: 🌸 Biodiversity: It hosts a wide range of plants and flowers, creating a rich and varied ecosystem. 🌆 Panoramic Views: The view of the city is unparalleled, offering a unique perspective on major landmarks and the Vistula River. 🧘♂️ Relaxation and Inspiration: It is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city, perfect for reflecting, reading, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. Moreover, rooftop gardens like this one play a significant role in promoting sustainability in urban areas. Here are some key benefits: 🍃 Improved Air Quality: Plants help filter pollutants and carbon dioxide, producing cleaner air. 💧 Stormwater Management: Green roofs absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and decreasing the risk of flooding. 🌡️ Temperature Regulation: They provide natural insulation, helping to reduce the heat island effect and lowering energy costs for heating and cooling. 🌱 Habitat Creation: They offer habitats for various species of birds, insects, and other wildlife, promoting urban biodiversity. 💚 Enhanced Well-being: Access to green spaces has been shown to improve mental health and overall well-being. The rooftop garden of the University of Warsaw Library is a brilliant example of how urban spaces can be transformed to promote well-being and sustainability. If you are in Warsaw, I highly recommend visiting it! 🌿📖 #Warsaw #RooftopGarden #UniversityOfWarsawLibrary #Architecture #Nature #UrbanWellbeing #Sustainability

What makes a green space truly restorative? 🌸 Finnish forests and Japanese gardens may seem worlds apart, but both offer unique insights into how natural and designed environments support well-being. Aalto University researchers have taken a closer look, comparing the visible and invisible qualities that make these spaces restorative. 🌿 Visible qualities—like sensory engagement, opportunities for walking, and aesthetic appeal—are shared by both environments. 🌿 Invisible qualities, such as spirituality and symbolic meaning, are more culturally specific. For instance, Finnish forests draw on biodiversity and untamed nature, while Japanese gardens often emphasize harmony and symbolic design. Despite their differences, both environments share the ability to foster tranquility, silence, and a deep sense of connection—key elements for recovery from stress in our increasingly urbanized world. ‘Visible and invisible qualities are deeply interconnected. Only by considering both can we create spaces that not only enhance well-being but also strengthen the human-nature relationship,’ explains Miia Heikkilä a doctoral researcher at Aalto University’s Department of Landscape Architecture. This research not only broadens our understanding of restorative environments but also provides valuable insights for designing green spaces that respond to both universal and culturally specific needs. #RestorativeDesign #UrbanWellBeing #LandscapeArchitecture #FinnishForests #JapaneseGardens #AaltoUniversity

The view from above and the urban ecological design principle. 👇 This concept imagines a cityscape where aerial views reveal a harmonious blend of land and rooftops, with greenery multiplying across previously infertile surfaces. 🌿 By transforming conventional roofs into ecosystems, green roofs reclaim urban space while mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization. Implementing green roofs offers a multitude of benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. These vegetated surfaces serve as vital habitats for wildlife, contribute to enhanced air quality by capturing pollutants, and promote energy efficiency by providing insulation to buildings. 🏢 Moreover, green roofs play a crucial role in urban biodiversity conservation, fostering a sense of connectivity to nature within densely populated areas. Embracing this design principle aligns with sustainable urban development goals, promoting the coexistence of the built environment and the natural world. 🌍 The vision of a city adorned with green roofs highlights a commitment to sustainable urban planning where communities prioritize the well-being of both inhabitants and the environment, promoting healthier, more resilient cities for generations to come. 🌱 📍Moesgaard Museum - Højbjerg, Denmark __________________ #DIADEM #greenroofs #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #greenbuilding #linkedin

Who says we have to choose between modern life and nature? 🌿 We can have both. The Santalaia building in Bogotá is living proof of that. With over 115,000 plants designed by Paisajismo Urbano, this incredible vertical garden doesn’t just beautify the city—it actively cleans the air, reduces urban heat, and provides oxygen for thousands of people every day. But this project is more than just about greenery. It’s a bold statement of innovation and collaboration. When architects weren’t sure how to turn their vision into reality, they teamed up with Paisajismo Urbano and other experts, experimented, and developed cutting-edge solutions like advanced irrigation systems and sustainable water recycling using water from the building itself. The result? A building that not only houses people but supports life. Santalaia shows us we don’t have to settle for lifeless, concrete cities. We can design spaces where modern living and nature coexist—creating healthier, more sustainable urban environments. The real challenge isn’t just in the design—it’s having the courage to rethink what’s possible. What if more cities embraced this approach? Cleaner air, cooler streets, and a future where nature thrives in the heart of our urban landscapes. At BIOTONOMY, we are inspired by projects like The Santalaia building and excited to see more cities embrace Nature Based Solutions that bring real benefits to both people and the planet. Are you ready to see more buildings like this in your city? Let’s share this message and show the world that it’s not just a dream. It’s already happening. #biotonomy #GreenCities #SustainableLiving #VerticalGardens

Who says we have to choose between modern life and nature? 🌿 We can have both. The Santalaia building in Bogotá is living proof of that. With over 115,000 plants designed by Paisajismo Urbano, this incredible vertical garden doesn’t just beautify the city—it actively cleans the air, reduces urban heat, and provides oxygen for thousands of people every day. But this project is more than just about greenery. It’s a bold statement of innovation and collaboration. When architects weren’t sure how to turn their vision into reality, they teamed up with Paisajismo Urbano and other experts, experimented, and developed cutting-edge solutions like advanced irrigation systems and sustainable water recycling using water from the building itself. The result? A building that not only houses people but supports life. Santalaia shows us we don’t have to settle for lifeless, concrete cities. We can design spaces where modern living and nature coexist—creating healthier, more sustainable urban environments. The real challenge isn’t just in the design—it’s having the courage to rethink what’s possible. What if more cities embraced this approach? Cleaner air, cooler streets, and a future where nature thrives in the heart of our urban landscapes. At BIOTONOMY, we are inspired by projects like The Santalaia building and excited to see more cities embrace Nature Based Solutions that bring real benefits to both people and the planet. Are you ready to see more buildings like this in your city? Let’s share this message and show the world that it’s not just a dream. It’s already happening. #biotonomy #GreenCities #SustainableLiving #VerticalGardens

How Aqualivin’s Natural Ponds Combine Aesthetics with Ecology... At Aqualivin, we believe that your backyard should be more than just a space—it should be an ecosystem. Our approach to creating natural ponds exemplifies this philosophy, blending stunning aesthetics with ecological responsibility to transform outdoor spaces into sustainable havens. 🎨 Design Philosophy: Our natural ponds are designed with the dual purpose of enhancing the visual appeal and supporting local ecosystems. By mimicking natural water bodies, we create habitats that attract and sustain a diverse range of wildlife, from birds to beneficial insects and aquatic life. 🌿 Ecological Benefits: Biodiversity Support: Each pond is a bio-active space that enhances local biodiversity, providing necessary habitats for various species. 💦 Water Purification: Using natural filtration systems, our ponds maintain clean water without the heavy use of chemicals, benefiting both the environment and the pond’s inhabitants. ♻ Sustainable Water Management: Our designs include features like rainwater harvesting to replenish the pond, reducing the need for supplied water and ensuring that our ponds contribute positively to the local water cycle. ✨ Aesthetic Integration: The beauty of a natural pond is undeniable. Each design is tailored to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, using natural stones, native plantings, and strategic landscaping to create a focal point that complements the overall garden design. By choosing Aqualivin for your next landscaping project, you’re not just enhancing your property aesthetically; you’re investing in a sustainable future for your outdoor space. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your vision for an eco-friendly backyard to life! #Aqualivin #NaturalPonds #EcoFriendlyDesign #SustainableLandscaping #BackyardEcosystem #LuxuryLandscaping #EnvironmentalConservation #LandscapeDesignDubai

Oyster Pavilion: A community-driven, sea-to-table dining experience in a remarkable coastal setting by CHAT Architects . 🍃 Once a thriving small-scale fishing town, the Angsila community has struggled in past decades due to unfiltered waste from nearby factories directly into Angsila Bay. This resulted in abandonment of traditional fisheries. 🌍 As a result, the Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion Project aims to revitalise Angsila’s struggling fishing industry through the creation of a new oyster eco-tourism infrastructure prototype.⚡️ The pavilion acts as a floating restaurant, allowing local fishermen to bring small groups of visitors from shore to the pavilion where they can select their oysters in the ocean and prepare fresh to eat. 💯 The structure itself hybridizes the traditional bamboo scaffolding used for oyster and mussel cultivation. Like these scaffoldings, the pavilion is built entirely by Angsila fishermen, utilizing native shallow-ocean bamboo construction techniques that require no power tools. 🚀 Now completed, the scheme was recently honored as the winner of the International Building Beauty, Special Prize category at the 2023 World Architecture Festival. 🏆 What are some other underrated community-driven projects that are helping in uplifting a community? Comment below! 💭 #architecture #arch #archlovers #architect #greendesign #green #sustainability #sustainable #community #communityfirst #vernacular #local #localmaterial #bamboo #engineering #construction #aec