As the climate crisis and mental health challenges collide, the built environment has a crucial role to play in supporting human wellbeing. In a wide-ranging discussion, hosted at Anticipate London, and chaired by Dr Vanessa Champion, founder and editor of the Journal of Biophilic Design, experts from the fields of architecture, sustainability, and design explored how green buildings can nurture both physical and mental health. Watch the discussion with Rob Buckley, Head of Sustainability at QODA Consulting, Astrid Hugo, Senior Sustainability Specialist, at Gensler and Anthony Thistleton-Smith, Co-Founder of Waugh Thistleton Architects.
"There's a health and wellbeing crisis, and the built environment has a huge potential to either negatively or positively affect people," said Astrid. Expanding on this, Astrid noted that with over 90% of our time spent indoors, the design of our offices, homes, and public spaces has a profound impact. Worryingly, Astrid's research has found that many people feel underprepared for the impacts of climate change, heightening stress levels. The solution, the panel agreed, lies in reconnecting people with nature through BIOPHILIC DESIGN. "It's just something innate that we need to feel that connection," said Astrid.
Whether through lush indoor planting, natural materials, or visual connections to the outdoors, bringing the natural world into our buildings can have a transformative effect.
Anthony highlighted the benefits of using timber in construction. "The extractive processes and the carbon impact of concrete and steel are well acknowledged," he said. "If they were a country, they'd be the second largest polluter in the world." In contrast, timber construction is far less carbon-intensive, with fewer deliveries, less waste, and quieter, safer sites.
But the advantages of timber go beyond the construction process. "We know that substantial amounts of timber reduces VOCs, reduces stress levels, reduces heart rates," said Anthony. "You get lower absenteeism in workplaces. You get faster recovery times in hospitals."
A special needs school in Hackney saw a "noticeable difference in the children's calm and wellbeing" after moving into a timber building. Rob emphasized the crucial role of indoor air quality. "When you're driving down carbon, you might want to have a heavily insulated building with thermal control" he explained. But he argued this can be balanced with biophilic design. "You can have big windows to have those views. If you put something on the outside, even planting or something. It's about how we create those buildings, so we still have that, the connection to nature."
Acoustics are another vital consideration. From Anthony: “We always forget about sound, but if we are talking about health and safety, wellbeing and mental health and the impact on animals and wildlife if we're on a construction site, just think of that impact, the noise it makes when we're producing the buildings." Timber's sound-absorbing properties can create much quieter spaces.
The panel also highlighted the need to consider the entire lifecycle of a building, from construction to occupation, "If you're not doing green buildings now, in the future, they'll become stranded assets," warned Anthony. "Those buildings you can't rent out, and therefore you've got to invest now." Astrid echoed this sentiment, noting that investing in green buildings now can unlock better financing options and higher rental values in the future.
In healthcare settings, the benefits are even more stark. "The metric is simply people getting out of hospital beds sooner," said Rob. Providing good air quality, daylight, and connection to nature can dramatically improve patient outcomes and staff wellbeing. With the climate crisis and mental health challenges colliding, the built environment has a vital role to play in supporting human and planetary wellbeing.
By embracing biophilic design, sustainable materials, and an holistic view of the urban landscape, we can create spaces that nurture both body and mind. The future of healthy, green buildings is within our grasp.
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