La natura e la città. “Biofilia” nella pianificazione integrata. Nature and the city. “Biophilia” in integrated design

With demographic growth, consequent density of population and increasing performance requirements in cities, a number of medical symptoms and associated diseases have been known that are directly linked to the lack of contact with nature. The concept of implementing nature in the city is not only an obvious benefit to its inhabitants, but also has reasonable arguments such as reducing costs and creating a stable society benefiting from the well-being of the individual in the long run. Green cities are less prone to social problems and the sub- sequent implementation of such elements can even counteract them. The ecological effects such as the improvement of the urban climate by regulation of temperature, retention of rainwater, reduction of particulate matter pollution, or the improvement of the carbon dioxide balance are well known. In ad- dition, there is the often-described “well-being” of man through a natural environment. Because of its potentially significant benefits, the integration of natural factors and in particular the human characteristic of “biophilia” in the planning of our cities should be further researched. Important aspects of the relationship between man and nature are found in psychological and physiological areas. Natural elements like the colour green or certain geometric shapes are showing effects on the human senses that have the potential to change the architectural practice, setting new design goals for planners.