How can we design our cities and towns that are not only sustainable but also help us flourish. In this podcast we explore the intersection between One Planet Living and Biophilic Design - two transformative approaches that reimagine our relationship with the natural world. Sue Riddlestone, co-founder of BioRegional, offers a compelling vision of how we can redesign our living spaces to harmonise with nature.
Sue tells us about what is in effect a beautiful living laboratory and case study, BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development), a groundbreaking eco-village that serves as a blueprint for sustainable living. Sue describes it as "probably the first large net zero development in the UK," featuring 100 homes, workspace, and a school that breathes life into the concept of nature-integrated design.
What makes BedZED extraordinary is its holistic approach. Sue recalls how residents could look out of windows and see green spaces, hear hedgehogs "snuffling and snorting," and experience nature as an integral part of daily life. The community didn't just design with nature - they actively enhanced it, with the residents' association continuing to plant and nurture the surrounding environment.
These principles of interconnection, which both One Planet Living and Biophilic Design share are fundamental principles that prioritise human connection with natural systems. Sue emphasises this critical perspective: "We are nature. We are part of nature."
The One Planet Living framework's 10 principles directly align with biophilic design goals from encouraging the specification of natural materials to processes that do not destroy life but enhance it, and also which bring community together and enhance health and happiness.
I was really struck by Sue’s generosity of spirit not only in what she does, but also with her advice, giving freely suggestions on how we can bring about change faster. Sue offers several transformative pieces of advice for designers, architects, and communities. First of all design for people: "Think about a day in the life" of residents, considering how design can make sustainable living effortless. With this in mind engage communities. Successful sustainable design happens when local people are involved in the planning process.
Secondly, embrace natural materials, and she describes how timber buildings can transform spaces. Sue describes walking into the Black and White Building in London, noting the "wonderful smell" and how the wooden environment felt inherently relaxing.(see our podcast we did with the architect Andrew Waugh on this too https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcast-journal-of-biophilic-design/tall-timber-buildings-are-they-the-future-of-our-urban-landscape ).
Also Sue celebrates EO Wilson's vision of allowing "half the earth" for nature, integrating green spaces into every design. We need to make space for nature. As well as creating balanced eco systems and creating more biodiversity, integrating nature can mitigate heat island effects, reduce flooding risks, improve mental health, support biodiversity as well as create more resilient communities.
Sue's ultimate vision would see us all "Living happy, healthy lives within the natural limits of the planet and leaving sufficient space for nature, wildlife and wilderness to thrive."
One of the beautiful things about this podcast and community is the collaborative path that we are all treading together. It’s about "bringing the best of nature into our environment" - not just through plants, but through materials, patterns, and design that reflect our evolutionary connection to the natural world.
For architects, designers, and communities, One Planet Living and Biophilic Design offer a roadmap. They remind us that sustainable design is not about sacrifice, but about creating spaces that nurture both human and ecological well-being.
The journey begins with understanding our fundamental connection to nature - and designing accordingly.
Join us Monday 9th June at 1pm UK time to hear more about the One Planet Living framework and how it fits in with Biophilic Design: in our regular lunchtime Biophilic Design Networking - Cities, Health and Wealth - how biophilic design improves all three. Steve Hart will also be joining us where we we will exploring the fusion of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Hydrology and Biophillia through Systems Ecology.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/journalofbiophilicdesign/1679497
We are organising a Learning Walk for interested designers and specifiers, Come with us to visit BedZed for yourself and ask questions on the day to people living there as well as a guide from BedZed itself.
For more information on BioRegional visit:
If you like this, please subscribe!
Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe and become a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a copy of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon.
Watch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand here www.biophilicdesignconference.com
Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts.
Listen to our podcast on Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and all the RSS feeds.
https://www.facebook.com/journalofbiophilicdesign/
https://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn