The Nature Principle

Biophilia describes humanity’s need to be close to nature. Louv addresses this term regarding biophilic architecture and design. He provides several examples of how we can design our way closer to nature and the effect that this has on our well-being.

Ecological unconscious is the idea that all natural things are connected. Louv believes that we are not aware of the full effects of nature and that nature is full of mysterious wonder, a wonder that instills a spiritual dimension to our connection with it.

In today’s technological age, people are under constant attention siege from technology. It inhibits our ability to direct our attention and lessens our mental capacities. 

While social capital is a well-known theory inciting the importance of our relationships to our well-being and survival, Louv extends this idea to include nature in these relationships. He believes that a connectedness with nature is just as essential as our social relationships. 

Louv views nature and technology as working together and not at odds with one another. The ability to maneuver these two worlds at the same time, without detriment to one or the other, is what he considers the hybrid mind.

Nature-deficit disorder is “a way to describe the growing gap between children and nature” (3). Louv introduced the nature-deficit disorder in his previous novel about children, and he extends this issue to adults. 

Nature principle is the theory that Louv works to substantiate in this book. It emphasizes the importance of connectedness with nature for all facets of human health, including our senses and intellectual functions. 

Proprioception is the “awareness of our body’s position through movement and balance” (18). Louv believes nature enhances physical proprioception, as well as “the position of our body and spirit in the universe and in time” (18).

While universal design focuses on design that includes all people of different ability levels, universe design expands to include animals and nature.