Journal of biophilic design - articles, research, podcasts, videos on biophilia
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.
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.
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.
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. …
Biophilia finds its way in most of my projects
It is only recently I asked myself the question “Why is it that everything I do encompasses biophilia in one way or another?
I do “Interiors with a Purpose” - mostly for workspaces - and I always invite nature into the spaces I create. It’s the most obvious way to create an environment that thrives and engenders wellbeing I believe.
It worries me whenever I see an office environment in a bad state. Of course, I like designer furniture, art ,etc. But even more I appreciate when people make an effort - when you feel that the surroundings have been taken good care of and you feel a good atmosphere. The best atmosphere is when nature is present. Humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature…
