What we’re about
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Biophilia: Pittsburgh is the pilot chapter for a global Biophilia Network of creative minds dedicated to strengthening the bond between people and the natural world through education, discussion and action.
Our Goals
• To welcome and inspire others with the concept and principles of biophilia • To foster collaboration and learning between professionals from a wide variety of disciplines • To communicate biophilic principles in action-oriented ways to a wider audience for exponential and regional impact
What Is Biophilia?
The term “biophilia,” which literally means “love of life,” was coined by social psychologist Erich Fromm and popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson, who defined it as “the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms.”
The implications of biophilia extend across a vast array of disciplines including design and engineering, nutrition, psychology, public health, education, biology and the humanities. Biophilia is expressed all over the world every day, through complex collaborations such as the design and construction of buildings and landscapes; and intimate, personal encounters including nature hikes and home gardening.
What Will We Do?
It all starts with good conversation! Biophilia: Pittsburgh will begin by meeting monthly at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes classroom at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Over delicious small-plates and light refreshments, a discipline or behavior will be identified — often by an expert guest speaker — and discussed among the participants in the interest of sharing ideas and identifying opportunities. With your direction, we hope to expand the schedule to include off-site trips to biophilic regional destinations like nature preserves, green buildings, and urban gardens, and to plan and enact initiatives in our own community to make things better for people and the planet. Join the movement!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Virtual Biophilia: Pittsburgh October MeetingNeeds location
### Virtual Biophilia: Sculpting Brains: The Art and Science of Santiago Ramon y Cajal
Join us Thurs., Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. to explore the power of the intersection between art and science. Medical doctor Santiago Ramon y Cajal wanted to be an artist, however, his father insisted he be a doctor. Instead, Cajal found a way to be both and subsequently, won the 1906 Nobel Prize for Medicine. Considered by most to be the founder of modern neuroscience, Cajal’s work of translating the invisible world of the mind intertwined with his artistic skills. In this talk, Dr. Hosler will explore how he used Cajal’s experiences as a youth to create a graphic novel that explores the relationship between art and science.
Register in advance for the meeting here. The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 6 p.m. (EST), 3 p.m. (PST). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Meet the Speaker(s):
Jay Hosler is a biology professor at Juniata College by day and a scheming cartoonist at night. His diabolical plan is to secretly weave his love of science and the natural world into thrilling tales of adventure and derring-do. So far, the plan is working. Unsuspecting readers fall into stories about creepy-crawly things and discover the wondrous world right underfoot. His books have been translated into several languages, but he can only read the ones in English. In his spare time, Jay likes to read comics and watch Godzilla movies. He lives in Pennsylvania with his queen and two drones.
Meetings are free to attend; however**, advance registration is required. To R.S.V.P., please use this link.**
