Natural connections: how our relationships with nature shape our relationships with each other
Human beings seek out psychologically and physiologically restorative benefits found in natural environments, and deliberate imitation of these environments (biomimicry) in built spaces can induce similar restorative effects. However, despite the rich history of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in connecting human-human and human-nature relationships, there have been few theoretical or experimental attempts to extend biomimetic frameworks to the investigation and design of interpersonal relationships.
Growth-fostering interpersonal relationships have been shown to be restorative, health-promoting, and fundamental for human flourishing by many of the same measures used to assess benefits of nature exposure. Can measures of restorative nature be deliberately applied to the assessment of interpersonal relationship qualities in a biomimetic framework?
This presentation traces the parallel benefits, components, and mechanisms of positive human-human and human-nature relationships, as well as the field of biomimicry. A framework for integrating these theoretical pathways is also proposed. Suggestions for future empirical research and the potential impact of investigating biomimicry in interpersonal relationship dynamics are also explored.
Taylor Berrett
he/him
PhD Candidate, Interdisciplinary Researcher & Academic
Taylor is a PhD candidate, interdisciplinary researcher & academic, speaker, writer, and former Warner Records songwriter and recording artist in the U.S. with multi-platinum certified writing credits for a range of high-profile artists. He has presented at Tedx events in the United States as well as appearing as a guest lecturer in universities such as Penn State, Georgetown, & Minnesota State University.
He brings a rare blend of cross-disciplinary industry experience at the highest level, passion and experience in tertiary education, and a goal of bringing transformative leadership to both the classroom and research.
Taylor earned his Master's by researching how our environment and social connections influence our creative capabilities and creative wellbeing. His current PhD project explores how our human need for positive interpersonal relationships is shaped by our relationship with the natural world, which is evolutionarily more ancient than our interpersonal relationships or even our self-assigned status as Homo sapiens.