Letter from the President

Dear Supporters of the Italian Academy of Biophilia (AIB),

Biophilia is not just a natural inclination: it is a deep and innate necessity, essential for individual and collective well-being and for social, environmental and economic sustainability. As E.O. Wilson stated, "The earth is our home. If we do not preserve the rest of life, as a sacred duty, we will endanger ourselves by destroying the home in which we evolved and on which we are utterly dependent." This realization is at the heart of AIB's approach: to promote an innovative biophilic vision that embraces the principles necessary for society's present and future.

Biophilia is our deep connection with nature, a relationship that requires care, attention and constant presence. Just like friendship, Biophilia must be cultivated every day to become part of our lives. In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle reflected on the meaning of friendship (philia in Greek), laying the foundation for a universal understanding of this bond. Similarly, today the Italian Academy of Biophilia (AIB) takes up that tradition and renews it, promoting connection with nature as an essential value. Our group of experts works to ensure that Biophilia becomes part of the common language and everyday living, through research, education, consulting and dissemination.

Italy is an extraordinary example of how nature, when integrated with vision and sensitivity, can enrich the built environment and transform it into a true work of art. However, increasing urbanization and the prevalent indoor lifestyle are driving us away from our natural roots. This scenario urges us to act urgently, with the goal of building a new biophilic reality that puts the well-being of the individual and the community at the center. Our work is based on Biophilic Design and Environmental Psychology, key tools for creating spaces and places that meet human needs, nurturing their connection with nature.

Our vision is simple and profound: we envision a future in which nature is not an exception, but an integral part of our everyday lives. We desire a world in which the spaces we inhabit, the cities we live in, and the environments in which we work reflect this connection, facilitating a life in balance with our natural surroundings. A future in which Biophilia, like friendship today, does not have to be explained but simply experienced.

Rita Trombin