naturecentered

Naturecentered is an adjective used to describe approaches, practices, or perspectives in which nature is placed at the core of thinking, design, or activity. The term is informal and its meaning can vary by context, but it generally signals a shift from human-centered or technocentric frameworks toward nature-centered values or interactions.

In education, naturecentered refers to curricula and teaching methods that emphasize direct engagement with the natural world, ecological literacy, and place-based learning. In design and architecture, nature-centered design seeks to integrate natural processes, materials, and forms into the built environment, often aligning with principles of biophilic or sustainable design to enhance resilience and well-being.

In environmental ethics and philosophy, a nature-centered outlook often grants intrinsic value to non-human nature and foregrounds stewardship and conservation over exploitation. In the broader cultural sphere, naturecentered branding or discourse can signal commitments to ecological responsibility or nature-informed aesthetics, though the term’s connotations may differ between organizations and disciplines.

Etymologically, naturecentered is formed from nature and centered, and may appear hyphenated as nature-centered or written as a closed compound in some usages. Because it is not a standardized technical term, its precise meaning depends on the context and audience.

See also: ecocentrism, biophilia, nature-based education, sustainable design, place-based education.