Amidst contemporary city challenges, such as climate change, indoor lifestyles, and social isolation, the critical role of nature is often underestimated. While most efforts focus on technology, growing interest in Biophilia reveals that urban livability relies on our inherent connection to nature. Despite evidence from various disciplines, Biophilia remains an emerging research field, especially in its application to the built environment through Biophilic Design and Urbanism. We propose a workshop to provide an immersive experience and key insights into Biophilia. By promoting Urban Living Labs, we aim to raise awareness about Biophilia and its multiple benefits for humans, society, and the environment. Although Amsterdam is not currently listed within the Biophilic City Network, it has great potential to become one, thanks to its variety of greenery and waterscape. This workshop will help identify significant biophilic sites in Amsterdam Centrum and value their features through co-design. Additionally, we adopt a 'Citizen Science' approach to increase public engagement in research. Teaching strategies From practice to theory: after a real-life Biophilia experience, participants will reflect on its contents using the '5 Ws & H' framework. 

Practices (90 mins): 

• Experiencing (30 mins): Visit to Leftover Green Field Lab at Marineterrein by providing an overview of the research project (Sitong Luo) and key concepts related to Biophilia (Deborah Lefosse); 
• Co-Designing/Mapping (45 mins): Two breakout operative sessions: 'Zoom In': Co-creation session to enhance the features of Leftover Green Field Lab by using nature-based design tools provided by Sitong Luo, Maryam Naghibi, and Gina Gommer; 'Zoom Out': Interactive brainstorming to map Biophilia in Amsterdam Centrum, to extend the perspective beyond Marineterrein. Supported by Deborah Lefosse and Juanita Devis Clavijo in using visual tools, participants will share analogous human nature experiences by highlighting their qualities (places, effects, greenery, formal and technological aspects).
• Reflecting (15 mins): Short discussion on practical session results and related prompts to be applied in everyday life or profession, and conclusions. Resources Room with working desks, paper maps, papers, post-it notes, notebook, drawing tools, and screens. Target audience/Prerequisite Conference attendees are all invited, with a special focus on students (MA, PhD) and professionals (city makers, politicians, organizations) in field-related disciplines.

No previous knowledge/experience is required. Outcomes Insights into Biophilia as a research field; Knowledge about benefits of people-nature interaction in daily life; Biophilic maps to experience its positive effects throughout the city and identify locations to preserve; Nature-based design tools to renew urban planning; Related publications (if not included in conference proceedings) Expected collaborators Deborah Lefosse (TUD/MIT/AMS) Sitong Luo (AMS/WUR) Maryam Naghibi (TUD) Juanita Devis Clavijo (AMS) Gina Gommer (AMS) Join us to learn, experience, and contribute to making Amsterdam a Biophilic City!