Note: the content of this article is, essentially, about wellbeing and wellness in the built environment. However, it should be noted that this page discusses naturism and has a illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.
Real biophilic design – for humans, not spreadsheets
My aim is to bring biophilic design, horticulture, and the philosophy of naturism together to create environments that recognise and honour the human body as a natural component of its habitat – not merely an observer – to foster happiness, health, and authenticity.
This doesn’t necessarily mean creating spaces for naturists (although it could), it means creating spaces where, were you to be naked, you would feel comfortable. If a space is designed where you would feel safe, comfortable (physically as well as psychologically) and at one with the environment in your most vulnerable, unconcealed state, then it should be good for everyone.
My unique perspective allows me to optimize your spaces in the built environment that move beyond superficial greenery to deliver truly holistic wellbeing that maximize health benefits in a way conventional design overlooks. These principles inform the evidence-based recommendations I make when working with you on a project. These include elements that allow for maximizing safe enclosure, sensory stimulation, radical comfort, light absorption, etc. These are discussed in greater detail in the blog.
That is the philosophy behind Aletheic Environments.
Complete immersion in the environment: why naturism is the ultimate biophilic experience
The profound benefits of biophilia are amplified when I experience nature in my most authentic, unencumbered state. When the joy of being unclothed is combined with a deep unfiltered connection to our natural surroundings, it creates a unique and powerful state of wellbeing that is both liberating and restorative. It is something that has become precious.
Allowing the whole person to be immersed in that environment is even more potent. For example, being naked, alone, in a forest is a truly enriching experience and something I do often.
For example, activities like forest bathing are a powerful way to connect with nature. Being in a forest, surrounded by huge trees and benefitting from the quiet and air enriched with natural chemicals (phytoncides – volatile organic compounds emitted by trees) and pleasant smells can be profoundly calming. For me, the benefits of forest bathing are mainly about its ability to reduce stress and improve my mental clarity and mood. The forest environment has also been linked to boosting the immune system and reducing anxiety by creating a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
As well as the physical benefits of nudity in nature (vitamin D synthesis, improved thermal regulation and increased physical activity), academic research into the effects of naturism suggests that there are many psychological benefits. The most sophisticated psychological benefit arises through something called a serial mediational pathway.
Nature Exposure -> Mindful Awareness -> Connectedness to Nature -> Body Appreciation.
Nudity acts as a catalyst, powerfully amplifying the mindful awareness step.
The removal of clothing necessitates a full, immediate presence and sensory feedback. You immediately experience a heightened state of noticing the body’s state relative to the environment. By strengthening mindful awareness, the practice accelerates the subsequent connection to nature and, ultimately, body appreciation.
The challenge
I appreciate that the thought of naturism, even if carried out as a solo pursuit in a private space, can be challenging. It is not for everybody. However, recent surveys carried out suggest that as many as one in seven British adults has taken part in some form of nude leisure activity, even if they wouldn’t necessarily define themselves as naturists.
I’m not saying that the only way you can experience the benefits of a biophilic space or presence in nature is when you are in a naked state. But once you try it, you may feel, as I do, that those benefits are amplified. Immersing the whole, unencumbered, unconcealed body in nature and naturalistic spaces can become addictive.
You can learn a little more about me here and also here.
Ready to integrate these principles into your space?
You can read my longer article on the subject (with references) in the Interior Design issue of The Journal of Biophilic Design (and you can enjoy 10% off too, using this code 10JBD). This is the link to the Journal: – it starts on page 108 (there is a small fee to view the on-line edition).
