about THE BIOPHILIC buildings Database

To facilitate future a global conversation about the implementation of biophilic design practices, Biophilic Cities has gathered a searchable catalog of projects that represent examples of biophilia at various scales, typologies, and locations. This resource is intended to serve as an inspirational tool for those involved in development and design, and to illustrate trends and projects underway in the world of biophilic real estate. In addition to the searchable database, Biophilic Cities is curating a selection of case study that reflect the breadth and variety of projects and their purpose. The aim is to facilitate the continuing identification of new database entries and to highlight representative projects through new case studies.

What is included in the Biophilic Projects Database?

The Biophilic Project Database aims to organize a growing number of built and in-progress developments that are attempting to incorporate biophilia in meaningful and diverse ways. The aim of including a wide variety of projects at varying scales, typologies, and locations is to support a robust didactic tool for designers, developers, and others involved with the building process. Understanding how and where biophilia has been successful can assist in the evolution of best practice. 

Creating an ethical framework for biophilia.

Inclusion of a project in the data is not an evaluation or endorsement of the project by Biophilic Cities. Much is not understood about the real world impact of these projects, which are included in the database based on the representations of the biophilic qualities of these projects by the project developers and designers. The aim is to mark a stating point for understanding the state of biophilic development around the globe. This is a new and burgeoning field with promising potential to integrate nature, and the many benefits that it provides, into the built environment. However, further study is needed to determine the real world social and environmental impacts of these projects. For example, critical points for further understanding of specific projects include:

1. What are the biodiversity impact of the project?
2. What is the expected or actual impact of the project on local housing affordability?
3. To what degree was community engagement an aspect of the project design and development?
4. Is the project symbiotic with the local ecosystem and culture?
5. What is the ecological footprint of the project’s construction and operation?
6. Is the project a retrofit of an existing developed landscape or does it extend development into new areas?

Answers to these questions can help chart a path to help achieve the promise of biophilic cities by integrating nature into the built environment to support abundant biodiversity, flourishing human health and well-being, equity, economic sustainability, and community resilience.

Invitation to Collaborate

We encourage you to pursue but also to contribute. Please use this template for nominating and uploading biophilic project precedents that you have discovered or know about in your city.