Urban Biophilia

2018

The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. ‘Urban Biophilia’ is a way of looking at this idea in terms of the way in which nature and urban spaces fight for space. Urbanisation is seemingly at odds with nature, but we find an emotional connection to our environment, be it brick or bracken.

On the basis of this idea, Nigel Dunnett and Jo Peel created a garden, mural, and stop-frame animation in Sheffield City Centre for an exciting collaboration with Festival Of The Mind, curated by the University of Sheffield. Festival of The Mind brings together academic research and creative practitioners to build projects inspired by those findings.

Animation and Direction by Jo Peel

Music: Haiku Salut

2nd Camera and editing: Aaron Shrimpton of New Waverly Studios

Camera Assistants: Rahda Ferris and Zoe Genders