Nature-centered interiority as an urban social-spatial ecology

Abstract

This essay proposes a conceptual framework to understand how urban, nature-centered interiority can create more social-spatial ecologies to support well-being, access, and delight. The approach expands on established research and strategies to filter design decisions for nature-spatial integration in urban environments that are dynamic, ecologically meaningful, and express human values. The narrative investigates the juxtaposition of natural and artificial, wild and controlled, open versus closed, and interior versus exterior within a Midwest city’s downtown as a case study. By speculating on nature interiority as a spatial system for human discovery and interaction through shared values, the series of illustrations expresses the possibility of augmenting urban interiority with nature to shape dialogue, participation, and access for further integration with culture and place within the surrounding environments.