Supporting the Parasympathetic Nervous System to Soothe Chronic Stress & Inflammation

Places and spaces are never physiologically neutral. They either support - or deplete - our physiological energy resources. Many of the psychological ailments of our time such as depression, SAD (seasonal affective disorder), anxiety, depression, confusion, isolation and loneliness, as well as many of the physiological problems of our time such as sleep disorders, fertility issues, allergies, asthma and even cancers may directly - or indirectly - be related to the way we have designed and structured our indoor and outdoor environments.

One common thread between all ailments, psychological and physiological seems to be that of an organism chronically stressed, depleted and unable to cope. Biophilic Design seeks to design places that support the parasympathetic nervous system, that raise vagal tone to reduce inflammation and strengthen the rest and relaxation response on a day-to-day basis. We know, this supports a healthy immune response, which in turn leads to more productive lives, improved learning, improved healing, and overall healthier and more cohesive communities.

Only design that supports resilience - in both environmental and physiological terms - , can be considered truly efficient design.