Biophilia in Arlington

On December 17, 2019, Arlington County Board adopted a resolution committing to become a biophilic city. In March 2020, Arlington joined a list of cities from across the globe as a partner of the Biophilic City Network, a network of cities from around the globe dedicated to improving the connection between residents and urban nature.

Arlington Initiatives Consistent with Biophilic City Principles

Arlington County’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community health and wellness stretches back to the 1940s, when the County undertook significant efforts to secure land for parks, natural areas and recreation purposes. The County’s efforts have continued through the decades through the adoption of innovative policies and practices, including a Community Energy Plan, a Public Spaces Master Plan, and a Forestry and Natural Resources Plan that foster a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable county.

As a Biophilic City Network Partner, Arlington applies biophilic principles to its current and future policies and practices. The principles influence both public space projects in our parkland and the right-of-way as well as private development.

Arlington’s Five Indicators for Gauging Success in Reaching Biophilic Design Goals:

1. Expanded natural elements within Arlington’s built environment, as well as conservation of our natural resources.
2. Equitable access to green spaces, parks, and other natural elements.
3. Creation of publicly accessible urban nature projects.
4. Educational opportunities for the community, including residents and development stakeholders, about the benefits of biophilic principles to further the presence of nature in our buildings, facilities, homes, and public spaces.
5. Expanded biophilic planning and design principles throughout existing policies and processes, such as Comprehensive Plan elements, sector plans, site plans, park master plans, and multimodal transportation plans and projects. To ensure biophilic experiences are impactful, it is critical to go beyond surface level interventions such as random inclusion of native plants in landscaping, or the use of natural shapes in architectural details. Projects embracing biophilic design should demonstrate a concerted effort to create a series of repeated engagements to nature throughout the site. Biophilic design should create an immersive experience that provides a meaningful connection between the visitor and nature.