Journal of biophilic design - articles, research, podcasts, videos on biophilia
London’s iconic Barbican conservatory couldn’t have been more fitting for a conference dedicated to the immense benefits of a world designed with biophilic principles. Visionaries, designers, architects, lawyers, academics, entrepreneurs, advocates and professionals across various walks in life, came together to share their perspectives for one full day in a series of talks.
This was part 1 of an interview with Jeffrey Hart of the Building Sustainability Podcast. Tables were turned and he was interviewing our founder, Vanessa Champion.
In this episode, guest Vanessa Champion discusses biophilia and biophilic design, emphasizing the importance of nature connection and its benefits for well-being and the environment. We explore underappreciated biophilic patterns, healthcare benefits, materials, and so much more.
Overall, the focus is on improving the built environment for people and the planet through biophilic design.
Part 1!
I really enjoyed this discussion with the lovely Jeffrey Hart, this is Part 2.
In this episode, we explors the fascinating world of biophilic design and its potential impact on sustainable and ethical practices. We delve into the use of clay, earth materials, and mushroom mycelium as tactile and eco-friendly alternatives. The episode also touches upon the challenges of promoting green alternatives in mainstream industries and the potential positive effects of biophilic design on employee ethics and productivity.
Lastly, Vanessa highlights the growing popularity of biophilic design and its numerous benefits, from improved air quality to increased real estate value.
Tune in for an intriguing discussion on incorporating nature into indoor spaces for a more sustainable and enjoyable environment.
Building Sustainability Podcast (Part 2!)
We are pleased to be a media partner for The Workspace Design Show again for 2025 with their shows in London and Amsterdam.
Workspace Design Show will feature Umbrella Furniture as the lead partner for the talks areas at the 2025.
London edition, designed by Gensler and Ryder Architecture.
Launched in 2021, Workspace Design Show brings together world-class design and manufacturing industry excellence, the 2025 editions, which take place in London (26 - 27 Feb) and Amsterdam (5 - 6 Nov), feature a stunning line-up of brands, including König + Neurath, Ahrend , Interface, Tarkett, Kettal, Bisley, and Interstuhl.
Brands at the London Show will include Swiss design heritage brand USM, global office furniture manufacturer Spacestor, leading contract furniture manufacturer Brunner, renowned Spanish brand Expormin and British manufacturer, Bisley.
Esha & Charlie Bark-Jones, Workspace Design Show founders, said, 'We are proud to work with such an exemplary community of international design brands and industry experts across both our London and Amsterdam shows. Providing a world-class platform that brings industry experts together to exchange knowledge and connect, with the goal of transforming the employee experience in our workplaces. We are excited to see the 2025 content developing so well with such amazing partners and design content—watch this space!'
workspaceshow.co.uk
EARTHDAY.ORG, the force behind Earth Day, is joining up with ZeroWaste.org to celebrate International Day of Zero Waste. Designated by the UN to be marked on March 30th, it aims to encourage us all to rethink our consumption habits in general and this year to specifically reduce the amount of single-use plastic we use.
With recycling failing to scratch the surfaceof the plastic pollution problem, EARTHDAY.ORG advocates for a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040. A goal we can reach given that half of ALL plastic we produce annually is single use. This partnership showcases a shared commitment to end the scourge of plastic pollution.
"Reducing the amount of plastic we produce is the only way we will solve this issue, and we can support this goal individually by rejecting the casual use of single use plastic in our lives. International Day of Zero Waste allows us to showcase to plastic producers and manufacturers that we really don't want these products anymore," says Michael Karapetian, The Great Global Cleanup Coordinator at EARTHDAY.ORG.
International Day of Zero Waste highlights EARTHDAY.ORG's continued focus on the serious health risks associated with plastics, as they break down into smaller particles known as microplastics, and plastic related additive chemicals leach out of them. These have been linked to some cancers, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s, endocrine disruption, male infertility, miscarriage, obesity and much more.
"By actively removing plastics and other waste from our lives, we are aiming to protect the environment from pollution as well as the health and safety of both ourselves and the people who live near the production of plastic. Ultimately, the solution is to reduce plastic production at the source." says Lydia McMullen-Laird, co-founder of ZeroWaste.org.
Join EARTHDAY.ORG and ZeroWaste.org by signing a pledge to go zero waste on March 30th, and gain access to resources and tips on living zero waste
Did you know that every year, millions of people turn off their energy use all around the globe for an hour.
“Earth Hour is moment of unity that brings the world together, shines a spotlight on nature loss and the climate crisis, and inspires millions more to act and advocate for urgent change. Each year, we work together to turn a single Earth Hour into thousands and millions of hours of action for our one shared home.”
I’d like to invite you to do the same. Switch off and Give an hour for Earth on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 pm your local time. Together, let's create the Biggest Hour for Earth!
A greater global emphasis on sustainability has caused biophilic design to gain mainstream attention, but the construction industry also has a part to play. Here’s how construction professionals can help take biophilic design’s popularity to the next level.
The simplest way the construction industry can popularize biophilic design is by exposing it to more people. Most of the population lives in big cities, so these locations are the most practical places to start. Greenifying our urban centres will improve the quality of life and give city dwellers a much-needed dose of nature.
Walking the Camino in Spain, Dutch environmentalist experiences the heat, smoke and fear of the forest fires in northern Spain right now. The juxtaposition of the idyllic beauty of the Gallician countryside and villages is stark contrast against the existential threat that increased temperatures could wreak across Europe.
Biophilic Design - the use of plants in providing cleaner air and connecting us with nature, coupled with natural light, certain colours, acoustics, and fragrances - has long been proven to have a positive effect on both mental and physical well-being. For over 25 years, expert horticulturalists Benholm Group have pioneered the use of plants for interiors, not only as an eye-catching focal point, but also to promote the natural health benefits that being surrounded by plants can bring.
This concept has now been brought to the forefront of a new research study led by Sustainability Lead at House of Commons + PhD Researcher, Joyce Chan-Schoof to question if we can apply a social and economic value to biophilic design.
Can biophilic design add value to the workplace - not only through improving air quality and aesthetics, but can it have a tangible impact on employee productivity, retention, absenteeism, satisfaction, engagements and up-skilling?
Connecting to the environment makes people feel more relaxed in their homes and workplaces. Incorporating nature indoors has become increasingly popular after the pandemic, we are seeing more people decorating their homes with plants and natural materials. The Biophilic Design concept can create a unique look and is excellent for the environment.
Here are some ways biophilic design creates a sustainable space.
Biophilic design can introduce better healing with natural elements and an improved look. Incorporating it in hospitals and doctors' offices could give patients more benefits than you would expect.
How can biophilic design help a patient’s healing process? Many studies have proven the positive effects of nature on the human mind. However, with modern interior design and increased times in the workplace, getting time outdoors can be challenging. Biophilic design can do a lot to increase patient and physician health. Here’s a look at some of the benefits and how to start introducing them into your facility.
Westfield London is launching a biophilic-designed home pop-up called ‘Healthy Home’, with renowned sustainable and wellbeing designer Oliver Heath, working with a range of home and interior brands to curate an exclusive collection inspired by biophilia. Visitors to the pop-up, which will be live between 19th to 22nd May, will be able to discover the benefits of biophilic design and how to transform their own homes into mindful and restorative spaces through clever designs that focus on various approaches, ranging from sensory design to supporting biodiversity.
We catch up with Glen Cousquer who was leading part of the COP26 Nature Pilgrimage. He shares with us some images and a poetic thought on the feelings, the view of the SSI, the haunting fiddler on the beach. “The earth holds our footsteps even as the tide patiently wipes them clean. Sadly, our footsteps lay increasingly heavy on the earth and we can no longer rely on the time and the tide to wipe them clean.
Time and tide wait for no man as they say … especially when man is leadenfooted.”
From Edible bus-stops to pocket parks and Roof gardens on the tops of London Banks, journalist Hartley Milner takes us on a trip around the UK and London highlighting the difference nature has made to spaces, and how clever and heart-felt use of Nature in Design has transformed lives.
Read on for not only some interesting statistics but also there is a compelling interview with the architect of the beautiful and inspiring Maggie’s Cancer Care centre in Southampton.
Why the Hospitality Industry needs Biophilic Design
As many of us are aware, the benefits of bringing nature into your life include reduced stress and anxiety, creating clarity of mind and increased creativity. The hospitality industry needs nature to meet sustainability goals as well as bringing unique benefits to people in their venues, subsequently attracting additional customers. One of the main benefits of visiting hospitality spaces incorporating nature, include reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced relaxation and enjoyment…
Have you ever wanted to really ground yourself in Biophilic Design?
We have teamed up with Oliver Heath to give you 10% off their level 2 course. ‘Biophilic Design in the Home’ is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Biophilic Design, whether you’re a designer looking to add another string to your bow or are simply interested in helping yourself and others feel happier and healthier..
There were two articles in the FT at the weekend (5/6 December 2020) which caught my eye. One of them was about British farming written by a farmer calling for a bit of sense. With the fall-out that is going to rain down on us from leaving the EU, one of the industries that will feel the pinch will be British farming. For years now farmers have received subsidies and been flooding the land and soils with artificial aids such as fertiliser and chemical sprays in order to stress the land to produce more. …
You may have heard of the “sick building syndrome” where the actual building we live and work in is making us sick. There are a mass of chemicals that are hidden in the paint we use, the cushions and chairs we sit on, the clothes we wear, the carpets we walk on… it can cause everything from coughs, allergies, skin problems, dry eyes, right down to cancers and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
I became aware of the topic of biophilic design in 2008 through an online presentation by Stephen Kellert, former Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology & Senior Research Scholar, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University.
I immediately recognized a kinship between my work in feng shui and this new discipline and have dedicated the last decade to studying and, eventually earned a certificate in biophilic design from the International Living Future Institute earlier this year. (See my earlier post on The Intersection of Feng Shui & Biophilic Design)…
Sound may not be one of the first things we think of in biophilic design but what most people want from the auditory environment is intrinsically linked to nature.
Our hearing is often key in our perception of the world around us; it helps us to interact, communicate and be aware of what is happening and impending change. It is designed for the outside, a world without walls and other hard reflective surfaces that focus sound and allow it to build up to levels where it affects our concentration, increases levels of anxiety, negatively affects performance and interrupts our sleep….
