The story
Research that brings nature back into everyday space.
This research project asks how buildings and landscapes can repair the separation between daily life and the natural world. Developed by Umulinga Tona Bonita and Jeanne Nirere, the study translates biophilic design from an abstract preference into a practical set of tools. Planting, water, daylight and shadow, natural materials, biomorphic patterns, pathways, prospect, and places of refuge are examined through case studies, diagrams, and a landscape proposal. The work also distinguishes between adding greenery as decoration and designing systems that support human comfort, biodiversity, and ecological function together.
Aligned with the goals of more resilient and inclusive cities, the research offers practical guidance for future practitioners. Designers can use site conditions, local planting, materials, and spatial planning to support health while reducing pressure on surrounding ecosystems. Designers can apply this research through site planning, local planting, materials, and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.