Positive experience of nature

Biologist Edward O.Wilson talks about the importance of ‘biophilia’: our intrinsic delight and need to spend time in natural surroundings. Research has also shown that childrens’ experiences of nature shape their attitudes in later life. The urban environment should therefore be designed to provide people with a positive day to day experience of nature.

Ecologically functional communal greenspaces, streets and parks can create a continuous experience of living in an ‘urban forest’, providing people with an experience of nature on their doorstep. Experience from Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden shows that this can make higher residential densities more liveable.