What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is a concept that incorporates nature into the built environment to enhance the connection between people and the natural world, thereby improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This is achieved by integrating elements like natural light, vegetation, water features, and natural materials, as well as using designs that mimic natural forms, patterns, and spaces.
Many thanks to Dr. Niki Elliott who gave a very insightful presentation at the Polyvagal Institute gathering. I was especially interested in the concept of Biophilic Design as it relates to dogs and their nervous system regulation.
Dr. Elliot pointed out two very important aspects of this design theory that can have a meaningful impact on human nervous systems: Prospect and Refuge. Let's go over these terms and see how they can help humans and their dogs to feel safe and regulated.
Have you ever wondered why humans love overlooks and wide-panning views? The ability to "Prospect" is based on an unimpeded view over a distance for surveillance and planning. Prospecting is about assessing nearby resources like water and food sources. But perhaps even more fundamental, being able to scan the horizon to check for threats is critical to nervous system health! For our dogs, I believe they love prospecting as a threat detection activity.
"Distant prospect (>100 feet, >30 meters) is preferred over shorter focal lengths (<20 feet, 6 meter) because it provides a greater sense of awareness and comfort (Herzog & Bryce, 2007), reducing one’s stress responses, particularly when alone or in unfamiliar environments (Petherick, 2000). Good Prospect is extensive and information rich, with a savanna-like view."
Reference: https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/#prospect
Refuge on the other hand, is a place for withdrawal from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity. In order to provide a true sense of safety and security, the individual is protected from behind and overhead.
We all love cozy spaces that allow us to rest and relax in safety... Well, so do dogs! Refuge should always be a top priority when designing spaces for dogs. This could be a crate, a kennel, a closet, dog house, or some type of den. You don't need to close them into it, they should be able to access it whenever they like. A play pen or "puppy apartment" could also be a refuge for a dog. It should be a place where they won't be bothered or touched, and they are allowed to retreat from the "hub bub" of the household. Dogs should also have places of refuge when left outdoors, not just for the obvious reason of protection from the elements, but for psychological safety and the ability to rest.
"The primary objective of the Refuge pattern is to provide users with an easily accessible and protective environment – a smaller portion of a larger space – that supports restoration. The secondary objective is to limit visual access into the refuge space. The principal spatial condition is protection overhead and to one’s back, preferably on three sides; strategic placement or orientation of the space can also influence quality of experience. "
Reference: https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/#refuge