2015 Conference

Workshop

Many of the major environmental challenges we face today are exacerbated by humans’ disconnect from nature — a condition that not only impacts our planet but also the health of its inhabitants. Yet, despite such estrangement, we are all born with an affinity for nature, known as biophilia, and scientific research repeatedly illuminates its myriad benefits to our well-being. Knowing that efforts to bridge the boundary between the built and natural environments can lead to positive changes for both people and the planet, as well as inspire acts of altruism and environmental stewardship, educational institutions have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference by bringing nature back into focus.  

Since most of our learning, not to mention our daily activities, takes place inside of buildings, isolated from natural environments and processes, we propose a new paradigm: Instead of leaving nature outside, we can bring it in through biophilic art and begin to re-open critical conversations about our place in the world. The goals of our workshop, then, are to help attendees realize the power of art in fostering human-nature connections and show them how to implement an effective interdisciplinary biophilic art program, especially in the places where we engage others environmental studies, improving both human and ecological wellness.

Part I – Welcome

This half-day, hands-on workshop will begin with a guided meditation designed to center participants, allowing them to fully connect to their senses and become more open to the experience.

Part II – Understanding Through Learning, Research and Example

Next, we will review biophilia concepts, discuss research on its impacts on human health and environmental awareness, and, focusing on the intersections of built and natural environments, walk through the process for identifying patterns that bring spaces to life. Integrating biophilia is not as simple as hanging nature photos on walls so finding art that speaks to specific people and places is important. A case study on Phipps’ award-winning Living Building project will also be shared.

Part III – Multi-Sensory Mindful Experience

Moving forward, attendees will be led through an interactive, multi-sensory experience that will allow participants to become more fully and personally aware of, the many physical and emotional benefits of biophilic design.

Part IV – Biophilic Art Experience

Participants will learn how to make their own paint from natural organic and inorganic sources, using ecologically sound methods that have existed since the Paleolithic era, yet remain important to contemporary environmental art practice. Unlike commercial paints, those made by suspending pigments in natural glue carry the attributes of their original environmental sources.

The main goal of this hands-on workshop is to reinforce the importance of biophilic art as a powerful tool for fostering human-nature interconnectivity.  This interdisciplinary study of biophilia will encompass art, design, environmental science, chemistry and psychology.

Part V – Closing

At the end of the session, participants will have the chance to synthesize all of the information they learned during the class through a final discussion and guided meditation.

The workshop will be led by Richard Piacentini, executive director of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Sonja Bochart, a senior designer with SmithGroupJJR. For 20 years Piacentini has led the green transformation of Phipps, developing some of the world’s greenest buildings, as well as groundbreaking education programs that connect people to nature. Sonja strives to expand the boundaries of design, using biophilia and creating places that are not only functional and attractive, but also respect surrounding environments and promote occupant well-being.

Leading the art portion of the workshop is Judith Kruger, a visual artist who is recognized internationally for her research in and advocacy for historic, ecological painting materials and processes. Her paintings, prints and digital media pieces all employ natural matter, focusing on human-environmental connectivity. 

Primary learning outcomes:

1. Develop a deep understanding of the physiological and emotional benefits of biophilic design pertaining to human and ecological health and wellness.

2. Develop the skills to integrate enhanced biophilic art into learning programs.

3. Engage fully with biophilic design through mindful meditation and multisensory experiences.

4. Gain an understanding of how biophilic art can help create transformative experiences.

5. Work with an expert artist to create eco-art using natural pigments and ancient processes.

Brief Description:

This half-day workshop will help attendees learn the value, and how to implement interdisciplinary biophilic art and education programs as a way to bridge the boundary between nature and the built environment to help connect people to nature, and improve the outcomes for both human and ecological wellness.