Natural connections: towards a theory of biomimicry in interpersonal relationship dynamics

Humans seek out psychologically and physiologically restorative benefits found in natural environments, and deliberate imitation of these environments (biomimicry) in built spaces can induce similar restorative effects. However, there have been few theoretical or experimental attempts to extend biomimetic frameworks to the investigation and design of interpersonal relationships. Growth-fostering interpersonal relationships have been shown to be restorative, health-promoting, and fundamental for human flourishing by many of the same measures used to assess benefits of nature exposure. Can measures of restorative nature be deliberately applied to the assessment of interpersonal relationship qualities in a biomimetic framework? This theoretical review traces the parallel benefits, components, and mechanisms of positive human-human and human-nature relationships, as well as the field of biomimicry. An operational framework for integrating these theoretical pathways is then proposed. Suggestions for future empirical research and the potential impact of investigating biomimicry in interpersonal relationship dynamics are also explored.