Real biophilic design – for humans, not spreadsheets.
An aletheic environment is a space intentionally designed for unconcealment – stripping away the artificial to create an authentic, unfiltered connection between people and the natural world.
My aim is 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.
The blog: Thoughts about biophilic design, wellbeing, and our place in nature
You may have noticed that I am currently writing this website anonymously. This might seem odd, as one of the points of the site is to discover possible business opportunities and collaborations. So, who am I? Should I reveal myself? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.
You may have noticed that I am currently writing this website anonymously. This might seem odd, as one of the points of the site is to discover possible business opportunities and collaborations. So, who am I?
There is a good reason for my reticence
None of the people that I work with on a day-to-day basis are aware of my interest and participation in naturism. That may not be a problem for many people and (if recent surveys are anything to go by) there is a good chance that many colleagues and customers have taken part in and may enjoy naturist activities. Those that I have confided in have been very supportive and understand where I’m coming from.
However, a peculiarity of the interior landscaping and office fit-out industries in the UK is that a very significant proportion of the companies in those sectors (who make up much of my existing, and potential, client base in my day-to-day work) are companies owned by members of a very conservative religious group. I think that they would have great difficulty in understanding, let alone tolerating, the ideas that I’m trying to develop here.
Let me be clear. These companies are, generally, good employers and their business ethics are, mostly, pretty sound. They have modernised and know that they have to be more accepting of people from backgrounds different from theirs if they want to succeed in business. But, I am pretty sure that some of the concepts behind creating aletheic spaces would be uncomfortable and probably too alien for them to consider working with me again.
Authenticity
You may think that I should be braver and also be authentic. After all, I believe that authenticity is a core tenet of naturism and aletheia is all about revealing the truth. Maybe I should.
Should I risk potential income from one segment of my potential market place to open up new opportunities? Do the benefits of being identifiable outweigh the risks?
Please leave a comment. Your thoughts would be very welcome.
Reflections on the ups and downs I experienced post-pandemic, and how meditation has helped my mental health. Through personal insights, I discuss finding peaceful spots for meditation, both outdoors and indoors, and suggest creating calming environments with natural elements. The potential benefits of nude meditation and the role of wellness spaces are also highlighted.
Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.
A period of change
The last few years have had their ups and downs for me, and for many others as we emerged into our post-pandemic world of seemingly ever more uncertainty. New ways of working and the stresses of a high cost of living have taken their toll on mental health.
Now, I am not a therapist, and I don’t pretend to be able to offer advice, but I can say that taking fifteen to thirty minutes out of my day for meditation has done me the power of good.
I started with guided meditations (and there are some good sources available online), but now I tend to guide myself. The key is to really notice how you feel, and that includes how your body feels in relation to the space you are in.
It is possible to meditate almost anywhere, although quiet places are best. When distractions are minimized, and the place where you are meditating is calm, I think the process becomes more effective.
Connecting with nature
Connecting with nature makes a positive difference, as that reduces stress before you even start. Just being in a natural environment has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellbeing – even if only for as little as ten minutes a day. Find a quiet spot, notice how you feel and take time.
Having a literal connection with the Earth and the air can make the experience more profound. If you have access to a place where you can undress and experience nature in your most natural state, then you may uncover more than just your skin. For me, and I can speak only for myself, a state of nudity in nature when meditating reveals not only a connection with nature, but a realisation of our own place in nature.
Of course, finding such a place to go may be difficult. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of being naked in a potentially public place (and in some countries, that may also be illegal, although thankfully not in the UK). So, what are the alternatives?
If you are lucky, you may have a quiet, secluded garden. Being able to step through your back door into your own private space is a luxury, but one that need not be expensive. Some simple screening with plants and the placement of items such as water features or a sculpture can help create a naturalistic feel and still allow a deep connection with nature. A patio or terrace can be put to good use too.
Indoor spaces
Meditation should be comfortable and sometimes that means having to avoid bad weather. This is where the principles of biophilic design can be used to create indoor spaces that evoke a sense of being in nature, even when actually being in nature is not practical.
This means using a combination of elements including using natural materials, plants, natural colour schemes and textures. The most important thing is to be free from distractions and to feel comfortable.
Meditation is all about noticing how you feel. When it works well, you get into a state of calm, relaxation and mental clarity. Having that interrupted by noise or sudden changes in light or temperature can spoil things.
In the home, a living room or bedroom can be ideal. So, how could you set about creating an aletheic space for meditation?
Here are some general principles.
Mindful decluttering
Regardless of the room’s primary function, the most crucial step is to keep the space free from unnecessary distractions and clutter, so if possible, keep non-essential items stored away and out of sight when not in use.
Natural materials and colours
A palette of subtle, natural colours like warm whites, greens and earthy tones can be relaxing. Use materials such as reclaimed wood for furniture, linen for soft furnishings, and wool or jute for rugs. This creates a calming, organic feel that connects you with nature.
Layered lighting
Instead of a single harsh overhead light, use multiple sources. Consider a floor lamp with a linen shade for soft, diffused light, and maybe a small, warm-toned lamp on a side table. This allows you to create a gentle ambiance for meditation that differs from the room’s everyday use.
A designated zone
Use a large rug to define the meditation zone. Use furniture, such a s a coffee table, which can be easily moved to the side when you want to meditate.
Plants
Incorporate a few large, statement houseplants in nice pots. Their large leaves will not only add a touch of nature but can also serve to create a sense of seclusion and privacy when you sit near them. Moss panels on the walls can also add some biophilic elements – they are tactile, green and also have good acoustic properties.
The bedroom as a meditative space
A bedroom is naturally a more private space, making it an intuitive choice for a meditation sanctuary. If floor space is limited, the bed itself can be used. the most important thing is to be able to focus on your feelings without distraction. Natural linen bedding in neutral colours would be ideal.
Adapting the Space for nude meditation
Your space should support your meditation practice without feeling forced or exposed, so try to position your meditation spot in a way that provides privacy. Remember, though, that the aletheic concept is also about uncovering something about your own nature in your environment. That slight sense of exposure or vulnerability can be quite revealing, so while protecting your own privacy, don’t lock yourself in.
The careful placement of plants can provide a sense of seclusion and privacy while allowing light to permeate the space through the foliage.
Using foliage near windows and light sources can also create wonderful shadows, which can be used to create areas of partial concealment and intimacy, allowing you to feel both exposed to the environment and protected within it.
Spas and wellness spaces
Many health clubs, spas and other wellness spaces provide space for meditation. These days, even some workplaces provide wellness rooms (although they are often not used as in some organizations, their use can be viewed as a sign of weakness, which many people do not want to risk).
I think that there is an opportunity for health spas, hotels and other wellness spaces – beyond existing naturist clubs – to offer space for nude meditation. Not everyone that would use such spaces would consider themselves naturists or be members of a naturist club or society, but may very well wish to take advantage of a space where they could disrobe and make a complete, unconcealed connection with nature.
This is also an opportunity for naturist venues to widen their offer and open some of their spaces up for focused activities such as solo nude mediation. This could make it easier for some people to consider aspects of naked wellness without having to jump into the full gamut of more traditional naturist activities.
Interested in an aletheic space for your home or naturist club?
Get in touch to book a consultation and let’s design a calming, authentic environment together.
Humans traditionally recognize five senses, but we actually possess many more. These senses work together to interpret the environment, essential for survival. Modern urban settings can overwhelm our senses, leading to stress. Biophilic design aims to restore sensory balance by incorporating nature, enhancing comfort and overall well-being, much like the harmony of an orchestra.
Introducing the sense orchestra
Consider vision. What do we actually sense with our eyes?
We use our eyes to see shapes, estimate distances, perceive colour, determine brightness, work out which way is up, detect movement, tell us about the direction we are facing, or moving towards, and estimate speed. Changes in brightness and daylength tell us about passing of time and the change of the seasons.
Our eyes are very much our primary sense, but what we see makes more sense if it is confirmed by what we hear, smell, touch and taste.
Our stereophonic hearing helps us to know where we are in relation to the source of the noise. Is it to our left or right, or even behind us? Is it moving towards us or away? And other tiny organs in our ears work in harmony with our eyes to tell us which way is up and how fast we are moving and turning.
Our eyes, nose and mouth working together are critical for telling us whether something is safe to eat, and our tongue is more than just a collection of taste buds – it is full of sensors that inform us about textures and temperatures.
We have sense organs inside our body. They tell us if we have indigestion or when we have an infection, or have sustained damage. Understanding and interpreting our internal senses is called interoception – a new word for me.
Our biggest sense organ is, of course, our skin. It tells us so much about our environment. We detect temperature, texture, hardness, malleability, size, shape and the quality of materials. The hairs on our skin can respond to changes in static electricity and there is no doubt that touch can generate the most intense pleasure.
Composing the piece
Human senses work together to help us to understand our environment, or rather the environment that we spent well over 90% of our existence (maybe as much 99% if you include our immediate hominid ancestors).
Our senses evolved to allow us to survive in a particular environment: open savannah. This environment is characterized by open vistas, undulating terrain, scattered and clustered vegetation and plenty of water. It was quite warm, although there were some seasonal variations. In our ancestral, natural environment, our senses told us about opportunities and threats. However, they need to work in harmony to give us the full picture.
The modern, urban environment is quite a long way from those open plains. Buildings mean that sounds echo around so the direction we hear from is not the same as where we see the source. We bombard some of our senses whilst simultaneously dull others. After all, we cover most of our largest sense organ, most of the time, and deprive ourselves of gaining vital information about our environment.
These confusing, discordant inputs cause stress. We have to make a lot of mental effort to understand what is going on.
Melody and harmony
The practice of biophilic design – bringing a sense of nature into our built environment – is a step towards correcting this sensory discord. It often focuses on the visual sense by incorporating natural views, plants, and natural light, and it is becoming increasingly commonplace in modern design.
However, an aletheic environment brings a new level of comfort and restoration by going even further. The idea is to provide complete, harmonious sensory stimulation that restores the connection our ancestors once had. While it may not be possible in every space (office naturism is probably a step too far for most), we can create restorative environments in our places of leisure and living that allow us to experience this deep reconnection.
The orchestral score
The metaphor with music is a good one. By thoughtfully designing spaces that appeal to all of our senses in an unfiltered way, we can go beyond simply adding plants. We can compose a full symphony, where every input works together to create an experience that is far more than the sum of its parts.
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, enhances well-being by immersing oneself in nature, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting mood and cognitive function. Usually practiced clothed, nudity may deepen the connection to nature. Ultimately, the goal is to connect with the natural world, promoting joy, peace, and personal renewal.
Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within natural and biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, aiming to improve overall wellbeing. This therapeutic activity has gained significant traction worldwide, with scientific studies increasingly validating its numerous benefits.
While the concept of connecting with nature is universally appealing, there is a growing movement to carry out this activity naked as a way to amplify the restorative powers of forest bathing.
Restoration and relaxation
The allure of forest bathing lies in its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The forest environment, rich in phytoncides – volatile organic compounds emitted by trees – has been linked to boosting the immune system and improving mood. Recent research has also shown how trees radiate beneficial near infrared radiation as well.
Furthermore, the soft, earthy hues, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the melodious bird songs create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
Moreover, forest bathing has also been shown to enhance cognitive function. Research suggests that spending time in nature can improve attention, memory, and creativity. The absence of digital distractions and the opportunity to engage with the natural world offer a much-needed respite from the constant stimulation of modern life. Studies have also indicated that forest bathing can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve sleep quality.
While these benefits are undeniable, there is also a compelling argument for incorporating naturism into the forest bathing experience.
Complete immersion
Nudity, often associated with vulnerability and authenticity, can deepen the connection with nature. By shedding societal constructs and physical barriers, individuals can fully immerse themselves in the forest environment, allowing their senses to be heightened. The absence of clothing can reveal a sense of freedom and liberation, promoting a deeper state of relaxation.
Furthermore, naturism facilitates a more intimate connection with one’s body. By accepting and embracing one’s physical form in a natural setting, individuals can develop a healthier body image and self-esteem. The experience of being naked in nature – the ultimate act of aletheia, or truth-revealing – allows the body’s true unity with the environment to be revealed, breaking down the artificial boundaries between humans and the environment.
The idea of nude forest bathing may be confronting for some. Cultural norms and personal comfort levels vary greatly, so the decision to embrace naturism is entirely personal. Forest bathing is certainly beneficial with clothing, but my personal experience suggests that it can be much better without. The core principle is to find a way to connect with nature in a way that promotes well-being.
It is wise to choose a secluded and private forest location and it might be a good idea to join an organized group if you are a novice or a bit nervous about the idea.
Forest bathing can be a powerful tool for enhancing physical and mental health. By immersing oneself, totally, in the natural world, individuals can experience a range of benefits, from stress reduction to improved cognitive function. The absence of clothing maximizes the absorption of beneficial far red and near-infrared wavelengths (radiated by trees and sunlight) across the body’s largest organ (the skin).
While clothing is not a barrier for enjoying the forest environment and the benefits of forest bathing, naturism offers a unique opportunity to deepen the connection with nature and oneself. Ultimately, the most important aspect is to find a way to connect with the natural world in a way that brings joy, peace, and renewal.
And for those who are open to exploring naturism, forest bathing could be the perfect gateway. Short, gradual exposure to nudity in nature, maybe in private, will help build comfort and confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide information and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or engaging in any new activities.
An aletheic environment is a space intentionally designed for unconcealment – stripping away the artificial to create an authentic, unfiltered connection between people and the natural world.
Aletheia is a Greek term for truth or unconcealedness. It is pronounced al-er-thee-ah
In philosophy, Aletheia is one of the primary Greek words for truth. However, its meaning is distinct from a simple fact or statement. It refers to a state of being revealed or unconcealed. Truth, in this sense, is not something you make or construct, but rather something that exists and is brought into the open or un-hidden.
An aletheic space is intentionally unconcealed, authentic, and revealing.
It is a place that strips away the artificial and the inessential to reveal a deeper truth – both about the natural world and about ourselves.
This could mean a space that is designed to help its users reconnect with their natural place in nature. It could also be a place for or being in, or taking part in activities, that can reveal more about our own nature.
Unfiltered connection
Aletheic spaces are where the barriers between the occupant and the natural environment are minimised or eliminated. They are spaces where all of our senses are stimulated to uncover the whole truth about where we are and what we are doing.
For an activity, it could simply be a natural environment where a true connection between the person and their surroundings can be unconcealed. It might be something as simple as taking exercise in nature rather than a gym, meditation in a garden or the practice of forest bathing.
For a building, this could involve incorporating elements of biophilic design. This is where a sense of nature is brought into the built environment by incorporating views of nature, plants and living walls that make the boundaries between inside and outside disappear, soundscapes and scents, or materials in their raw, honest form like exposed wood or stone.
Honesty in design
An aletheic space would be authentic. It would not rely on superficial decoration to appear natural, but would be created with materials that are true to their function and with a design that connects people with nature and and environment.
Most importantly, an aletheic space would be a place where the occupant themselves feels free to be “uncovered” and authentic. It would be a space with an atmosphere of safety, trust, and liberation. A space to become unconcealed and where one’s natural, naked, state is celebrated, allowing for the deepest possible connection to the environment. A space where you stop being an observer of nature and become a part of it.
Leave a Reply