What is Biophilia?
How a love of nature can be built into an early learning environment.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
‘Biophilia’ isn’t a term many of us are familiar with, but it is a feeling we all know well.
Basically, biophilia is the word we use to describe humans’ innate love for the natural world.
It’s that instinct we have to connect with nature and other living things, and in the early years, this instinct is really important to nurture.
Young children benefit from biophilia whether they’re frolicking through a forest or patting their dog, and Aurora Early Education QV (Childcare and Kindergarten) shows us how nature can be cherished at childcare – even smack-bang in the middle of the city!
Aurora QV is a brand-new service that’s been built with biophilic purpose in Melbourne’s CBD.
Aurora’s experienced educational team had shared input into the design and construction process to create spaces that support and build children’s love of nature.
They designed the service in this way, because they know the impact that environment has on children’s wellbeing.
Founder, Sheela Edwards says, “Through their environment, children absorb information and make connections with the world around them. So, the learning spaces at Aurora QV have been carefully designed to reflect beauty, peace and happiness for everyone immersed in them.”
“The entire centre incorporates biophilic design in both its structural and design elements to enrich our children’s love and appreciation for nature, and enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.”
As a result, Aurora QV is a learning oasis in the bustling city, with natural elements and nature experiences that ensure children have fun and feel good.
There’s loads of natural light, open air, real plants, timber finishes and a large lawn mainly blanketed with astroturf, built to withstand all the running, jumping and gallivanting that young children love (and need) to do.
Cheerful foliage greets families at Aurora QV’s entrance, and there’s even a fish tank which doubles as a window between rooms and a gateway for undersea wonderings!
All of these design features support children’s learning and development.
Sheela says, “Biophilia is an integral part of the Aurora curriculum, and nature is one of our Key Focus Areas.”
“For instance, our Piazza has been designed through the lens of a child and with biophilic design principles that focus on bringing the outdoors inside, and plants are used within the space to create a seamless transition from out to in.”
“Children are encouraged to observe nature through the glass doors, watching plants sway gently, the sky changing colour and clouds making different shapes.”
She says, “Educators regularly engage children in discussions about the nature-themed mural, talking about the emotions they feel while looking at it, and we’ve designed the centre with circle-shaped elements incorporated throughout, because circles represent the eternal whole and the circular designs we find in nature.”
Sheela explains that, “In every culture, circular designs commonly represent the sun, the earth, the moon, the universe and other celestial objects.”
“Circles in nature have free movement as they can roll, and they give a sense of fullness and love. Their movement suggests energy and power, and their completeness suggests infinity, unity and harmony.”
This thinking gives you a sense of how deep Aurora’s commitment to biophilic design goes, and already, children are reaping the rewards of this approach.
Since it opened in March this year, Aurora QV has quickly become a place where little learners can grow, thrive and tap into their innate love of nature, and the whole team is proud to have created a light-filled green space in the concrete jungle of Melbourne City.
Sheela says, “We’ve put careful thought into the design and arrangement of our spaces to ensure the children feel secure and free, energised and calm at the same time, and there’s so much to love about each early learning day.”
“Whether there is sunlight streaming in or rainclouds circling, the children are developing respect and wonder for the world around them, and all these positive experiences are so important for who they are, and where they’re going.”
View Aurora Early Education QV in Melbourne on KindiCare >>>
