NATURAL HARMONY
In an increasingly fast-paced and congested world, living surrounded by nature is not only a luxury, but also a necessity for well-being.
NATURAL HARMONY
In an increasingly fast-paced and congested world, living surrounded by nature is not only a luxury, but also a necessity for well-being.
By Cristina Ocaña and Karen Silva
Numerous studies have shown that daily contact with natural environments has tangible physical health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and improving immune function. In addition, exposure to sunlight and the increased physical activity inherent in living in nature contribute to better overall health. Even social relationships are strengthened, as green spaces are meeting points where people interact in a more relaxed and open manner, promoting a sense of community and belonging.
But the benefits go beyond the physical. Nature also has a powerful impact on our mental health. The theory of attention restoration, developed by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, suggests that natural environments allow us to regain concentration and reduce stress, thanks to their ability to provide a cognitive break. The gentle and fascinating stimuli of the natural environment, which do not require conscious effort, allow our minds to relax and recover from the mental fatigue accumulated in urban environments.
Space, light and nature: the perfect balance in this exclusive property in Conde de Orgaz.
Another fundamental dimension of this human-nature bond is the emotional and spiritual connection, known as biophilia, which manifests itself in various forms, such as the peace we feel when contemplating a mountain landscape, the joy of tending a garden, or the fascination we experience when observing wildlife. The simple act of surrounding ourselves with plants at home or in the office, or enjoying birdsong in a park, are everyday manifestations of biophilia, which can contribute to improving our emotional well-being and reducing stress levels. In fact, green environments also boost productivity and creativity.
Working or studying in spaces surrounded by greenery, or simply having views of such spaces, can significantly increase performance and encourage creative thinking.
Knowing all the advantages that nature offers, it is no wonder that, in Madrid, a vibrant and busy city, more and more residents are seeking to integrate green spaces into their daily lives, whether by escaping to a nearby park, transforming their home into a haven of peace or even finding a new home in nearby locations, where contact with nature is even more prominent.
"The simple act of surrounding oneself with plants at home or in the office, or enjoying birdsong in a park, are everyday manifestations of biophilia, which can contribute to improving our emotional well-being and reducing stress levels."
From parks to balconies: Nature is alive in Madrid
Madrid offers a wide range of green spaces that make perfect retreats from the daily hustle and bustle, whether for outdoor exercise, family picnics and social gatherings. The iconic Retiro Park, with its serene lake and majestic Crystal Palace, is an ideal place to stroll, row boats or enjoy outdoor cultural events. Casa de Campo, the city's largest park, invites nature lovers to explore its hiking and biking trails. Other notable green spaces in the capital include the Parque Fuente del Berro, known for its large landscaped areas and tranquil atmosphere, as well as the Parque del Oeste, where the historic Templo de Debod stands. In addition, Madrid Río is a favorite among those looking to relax or practice sports, and an outstanding example of how the city has integrated nature into the urban heart. This project has transformed the banks of the Manzanares into a vibrant recreational space with gardens, paths and sports areas, improving air quality and creating new habitats for local wildlife. Another ambitious project is the Metropolitan Forest, which seeks to surround Madrid with a green belt, planting millions of trees and creating ecological corridors to connect parks and green areas.
Beyond parks, many urbanites are incorporating nature into their homes in a variety of ways. They are using houseplants such as Pothos, Monstera and Ficus, which not only add a decorative touch, but also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
"More and more people are seeking a more expansive natural environment and are choosing to reside in outlying areas that offer a more direct connection to nature."
"To pass without being noticed", is the great phrase with which the historic decorator Duarte Pinto Coelho defined his work, one of the pioneers of design in Spain in the 70s, part of that generation of first-time interior designers (along with Jaime Parladé, Paco Muñoz and Fernando Benjumea), who shunned interviews in magazines because they preferred their houses and their mix of fabrics, antiques and good taste to speak. They answered with photographs of their projects, rarely with words.
To pass without being noticed is what many decoration projects still aspire to today, to achieve spaces that speak of their inhabitants and not of the interior designers, just as those emerging decorators of the twentieth century did with their clients, environments with human scale, personality and some informalism, since a somewhat disheveled decoration always helps to find that lived and familiar point that we all look for.
In the image, Residencial Las Marías II, exclusive single-family homes in Torrelodones.
Photos: Chris Linnett, Pawel Czerwinski, Victor.