Forest in the Sky: Reimagining the Urban Skyline Via Biophilic Living

Maria Karnavas // Sarah Lippmann

Forest in the Sky: Reimagining the Urban Skyline Via Biophilic Living 

Urbanization has led to a loss of interaction with nature over time, which is a process defined as extinction of experience. This is significant because nature is crucial to the physical, psychological, and social well-being of humans. My thesis seeks to restore this loss of interaction through a nature infused urban apartment complex, guided by design methods of expansion and contraction and biophilic principles. Amenities include a co-working space, cafe, fitness center, lounge areas, and rooftop garden. Each of these settings offers users unique opportunities to engage with nature. Additionally, every apartment unit features a plant filled balcony, allowing inhabitants to directly engage with nature in their homes. By integrating design practices of expansion and contraction and biophilic principles, my thesis aims to create a harmonious living environment that reestablishes our bond with nature through a modern lens.