APPLICATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY ARCHITECTURE.

Biophilia should be understood as a love for nature. Although the term is not new and appeared in the 70s, it is only now gaining popularity. This happens when humanity noticed that progressing technologization and urbanization leads to the breakdown of direct contact with nature, which may result in problems with good psychophysical condition of a human being. Considering biophilia in the context of architecture is therefore extremely important. In this approach, it is understood as the dependence of man on nature, which goes far beyond the reliance on the material and physical perception of the world. This dependence contains human desire for aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual experience and satisfaction. Biophilic design means, therefore, the search for a connection between people and nature, and architecture should be perceived in a more emotional way than merely physical. This reception takes place through our senses using all of them, not just sight. The importance of biophilia in the field of architecture was popularized by Dr Stephen R. Kellert, whose scientific and research activity deepened the subject of relationships between people and the natural world. The paper presents the most important assumptions of biophilic design with an indication of their specific applications in contemporary library buildings. It is in the libraries that for centuries have been the most important centers of urban culture, the author sees the greatest potential and at the same time a model example for promoting people well-being and healthy values of architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]