RESEARCH PROJECT

The increasing prevalence of biophobia (fear of nature) in children is a growing concern in contemporary society (Louv 2010). In Volume One, this issue was explored, and the built environment was identified as having the potential to foster children’s development and aid in overcoming their fears (Kellert et al. 2019). Research has shown that children today are spending less time in natural environments, leading to what has been termed “Nature-Deficit Disorder” (Louv 2010). This disconnection from nature has negative implications for children’s physical and mental well-being (Louv 2010; Soga et al. 2018).
Through design, the built environment can provide opportunities for children to build their confidence gradually and face their fears and phobias. Volume One aimed to develop an understanding of the possible relationship between interior design and biophobia and develop a set of recommendations for designing a space that encourages children to overcome their fears by providing opportunities and building confidence through design. Building on the recommendations from Volume One, Volume Two aimed to design an early childhood learning space that encourages children to reconnect with nature by implementing design strategies to reduce Nature-Deficit Disorder. The goal was to create a learning environment that fosters a positive relationship with nature and supports children’s physical and mental development (Soga et al. 2018).