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Biophilic Design could help keep our cities – and our tempers – cool

Biophilic Design could help keep our cities – and our tempers – cool

If you've found yourself feeling more irritable during the recent heatwaves, you're not imagining it. A recent Guardian article explored the growing body of research showing that high temperatures affect far more than our physical comfort. Heat places the body under stress, disrupting sleep, increasing fatigue and dehydration, making us less patient, less focused and more prone to conflict. Studies have even linked hotter days with increases in aggression, road rage and mental health emergencies.

This is precisely why Biophilic Design needs to become central to the way we design our towns and cities. As temperatures continue to rise, we cannot rely solely on air conditioning and mechanical cooling. We need places that work with nature to create healthier, cooler and more resilient environments. READ ON…

Pioneering Research study aims to prove The Value of Biophilic Design in the workplace.

Pioneering Research study aims to prove The Value of Biophilic Design in the workplace.

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?