The Nature of Wood: An Exploration of the Science on Biophilic Responses to Wood

Biophilia and the nature of wood  

A new report by Terrapin Bright Green takes a deep dive into the biophilic nature of wood. Mass timber construction is gaining attention in the architectural world. Timber construction can have significant benefits in reducing the embodied carbon footprint of buildings. If sourced from sustainably managed forests and produced locally, these building components can store more carbon than is emitted in their production. In effect, the mass timber portions of a building could offset the carbon footprint of other materials—a significant achievement for green building. That said, another major reason for the attention to mass timber likely is that we find wood to be natural and beautiful.

By asking why we prefer wood, this paper explores the science of having a ‘biophilic’ response to wood.

What is biophilia?

Humans seem to have an innate affinity for nature—a phenomenon known as biophilia. This connection has become the subject of many research initiatives exploring how different experiences of nature affect humans both physiologically and psychologically, leading to the recognition that designing elements of nature into the built environment can have health benefits including stress reduction, improved cognitive performance, enhanced moods, and increased preference for spaces. These benefits are often referred to as ‘biophilic responses’.

The physiological and psychological benefits

There are a range of meaningful physiological and psychological benefits of being in a space with wood products and surfaces:

  • Lowered blood pressure and lowered heart rate
  • Increased activation of the parasympathetic nervous system/calming
  • Perception of warmth
  • Expressed visual preference for the space
  • Wood is perceived to be connected to living things
The Nature of Wood: An Exploration of the Science on Biophilic Responses to Wood

This report by Terrapin Bright Green explores why we love wood. The Nature of Wood explores the science of having a ‘biophilic’ response to wood and specific topics in need of more in-depth research.

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