Transcendentalists were the first biophilic designers

Biophilic design is all about creating environments that foster a deeper connection between humans and nature. While the term may be relatively modern, its roots trace back to the 19th century in the United States, to a philosophical movement known as transcendentalism. This connection between humans and the natural world was celebrated by thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, whose writings influenced their generation and laid the foundation for biophilic design.

What is transcendentalism?

Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that claims inherent goodness (divinity) in people and nature, which is best realized when surrounded by the natural world and removed from established institutions. It first emerged in New England in the mid-1830s, and was a response to the societal shift towards rationalism (the belief that actions should be based on reason and rational thought) and materialism (the view that all reality is made of matter or arises from material interactions) during the Industrial Revolution.

Transcendentalists believe that truth and understanding go beyond the physical world, and that humans can achieve a deeper connection with nature and the divine through intuition, personal experience, and a strong connection to nature.

At the core of transcendentalism is the idea that nature is not just a backdrop for human activity, but an active and meaningful part of human existence. Transcendentalists’ beliefs contradict the mechanistic view of nature common among Americans in the early 1800s. Most Americans of that time pursued and supported ideas like Manifest Destiny, or the belief that the Western United States was an environment meant to be conquered and owned. Transcendentalists reject such ideas that pit man and nature against each other and instead advocate for a holistic, spiritual, and organic relationship between humanity and the world around us.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: nature as a means to enlightenment

Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the leading figures of the transcendentalist movement, wrote extensively about the connection between humans and nature. In his 1836 essay Nature, Emerson argued that nature was a divine reflection of the human spirit and people could tap into a higher understanding of themselves and the universe by immersing themselves in the natural world.

Emerson believed that nature was a mirror to the soul, offering clarity and insight that could not be found in books or society. Through this lens, nature is both a teacher and a guide, helping individuals discover their true selves and have deeper connections with the universe. One of Emerson’s most famous lines reflects this belief: “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” His quote speaks to the idea that nature contains infinite potential, and that by reconnecting with it, humans can unlock untapped possibilities for growth, renewal, and creativity.

He also actively rejected the traditional American mindset of the time—the idea that nature was something to be dominated. Emerson wrote:

The charming landscape which I saw this morning, is indubitably made up of some twenty or thirty farms. Miller owns this field, Locke that, and Manning the woodland beyond. But none of them owns the landscape… To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun… The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other…In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows. Nature says — he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me.

While many Americans yearned for land to own and use, Emerson stated that nature is something people should see, understand, and relate to. According to transcendentalists, connecting with nature is the only way to reach true and lasting happiness.

Henry David Thoreau: slowing down with simple living

Henry David Thoreau, another prominent figure in transcendentalism, took Emerson’s ideas even further with his own personal experiment in connecting with nature. Thoreau is best known for his book Walden, in which he recounts his time living alone in a cabin near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts, for two years. At the beginning of his book, Thoreau wrote:

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived…I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.

He believed that by retreating from the hustle and bustle of society, humans could reconnect with the natural world and rediscover the simplicity and peace that was inherent in nature. He believed that life could not be lived fully if not lived in tandem with nature.

Thoreau wrote “I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” This reflects his philosophy that nature is not just an external force that is separate from us, but a guiding presence within us, shaping our intuition, well-being, and sense of purpose.

Thoreau knew that a return to nature leads to a more intentional and fulfilling life. In the modern world, where stress and distractions run high, his emphasis on slowing down and simplifying one’s life resonates with the principles that inspire biophilic design today.

Transcendentalism’s influence on Americans

Early transcendentalism profoundly influenced the way early Americans view their relationship with the natural world. At a time when the nation was rapidly expanding and industrializing, transcendentalists called for a more mindful approach to nature and living organisms. They rejected the idea that nature was simply a resource to be exploited for economic gain. Instead, they promoted the notion that humans should live in harmony with nature and that the natural world was essential for personal and spiritual growth.

The most notable and long-lasting effect of transcendentalism may be the conservation movement that pioneered America’s national parks. Emerson didn’t create the idea that nature must be preserved and appreciated, but his essay certainly skyrocketed the concept’s popularity and reframed it for Americans. He and Thoreau are very often credited with the influential ideas that created the national parks, and preservationists today preach the same points that early transcendentalists did years ago.

Transcendentalism lives on through biophilic design

Though transcendentalism as a formal movement ended in the 19th century, its principles continue to influence contemporary thought and lifestyles. Environmentalists, sustainability advocates, and even those practicing mindfulness and yoga often embody transcendentalist values.

In a world dominated by technology and urbanization, more people are seeking ways to bring the outdoors inside. The rise of biophilic design—a concept rooted in the idea that humans are innately drawn and connected to nature—reflects the enduring legacy of transcendentalist thought. Biophilic design can be seen in the popularity of plants in interior spaces, the use of natural materials like wood and stone, and the incorporation of natural light and outdoor views in buildings. Designers today continue to recognize the restorative power of nature and create environments that reflect the transcendentalist belief in nature’s ability to renew and elevate the human spirit.

Biophilic design takes the transcendentalist belief in the power of nature and brings it into the modern world. Here are a few ways transcendentalist ideas influence contemporary biophilic design:

• Natural materials: Using natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo fills spaces with the natural world, fostering a sense of calm and connection.
• Indoor plants: Adding plants and flowers to homes and workplaces not only improves air quality but also mimics the natural environment, evoking the transcendentalist belief that nature nourishes the soul.
• Access to nature: Designing spaces with large windows and open floor plans that provide easy access to outdoor areas reflects the idea that humans should remain connected to nature in their daily lives. Open, airy spaces filled with light create an inviting, peaceful atmosphere.
• Simplicity and minimalism: Transcendentalists believed in living simply and mindfully. Modern biophilic design embraces this by creating clean, uncluttered spaces that promote mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Nature is something we can’t afford to ignore

Transcendentalism showed early Americans that our relationship to nature is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Whether through the writings of Emerson and Thoreau or the growing popularity of biophilic design, the importance of nature in human life has been celebrated for centuries.

Today, as we navigate a world filled with technology and urban landscapes, we continue to seek out ways to reconnect with the natural world—to renew our spirits, clarify our minds, and nourish our bodies. Embracing biophilic design in our homes and workplaces is a step toward honoring the timeless bond between humans and nature.

The need to be in and around nature has always been with us. And as history has shown, that connection is one we cannot afford to ignore.