In the urgent battle against climate change, an unexpected hero is emerging: biophilic design. Far more than a trendy architectural concept, it represents a radical reimagining of how we interact with our built environment. We speak with Tom Dolan, a senior research fellow at UCL and leading voice in sustainable infrastructure. Tom Dolan, wrote an amazing article in issue 12 of the Journal of Biophilic Design, giving a Systemic Perspective on the Climate Emergency, National Infrastructure Transformation and Opportunities for Biophilic Design and also spoke at our first Biophilic Design Conference held at the Barbican in November 2024, which you can watch on catch up via our website.
Tom is a UKCRIC Senior Research Fellow at UCL. UKCRIC is UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities and aims to generate the knowledge needed to prioritise, de-risk and evidence government and industry investment in the UK's physical infrastructure systems.
"We're not just adding plants to buildings," Tom explains. "We're talking about a complete transformation of how we design our cities, infrastructure, and living spaces." This approach goes beyond mere aesthetics, offering a comprehensive solution to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.
At its core, biophilic design recognizes that humans are intrinsically connected to natural systems. It's an approach that sees buildings and urban spaces not as isolated structures, but as living, breathing ecosystems that can actively contribute to environmental healing.
Take water management, for instance. Traditional urban design channels water away as quickly as possible, creating flood risks and environmental stress. Biophilic design reimagines this, using green infrastructure to slow water movement, improve quality, and create multifunctional urban spaces. "We can capture water, slow its movement through urban landscapes, and create spaces that are both functional and beautiful," Tom argues.
The potential impacts are profound. Buildings designed with biophilic principles could become self-regulating systems that require minimal external energy for heating and cooling. Imagine schools and hospitals where the building itself becomes a learning tool – demonstrating how architecture can work in harmony with natural systems.
This isn't just environmental idealism. There's a compelling economic argument too. Drawing on the "donut economics" framework, Tom highlights how biophilic design can create multiple value streams. A single tree, for example, provides services that would cost thousands to replicate artificially – from air purification to carbon sequestration, from temperature regulation to mental health benefits.
The climate emergency demands more than incremental changes. As Tom puts it, it's a "wicked problem" requiring a transformative approach. Biophilic design offers a holistic solution, addressing not just carbon emissions, but broader issues of resilience, well-being, and sustainable development.
Real-world examples are emerging. Urban regeneration projects are increasingly incorporating green infrastructure, while innovative designers are creating buildings that blur the lines between built and natural environments. The cloud gardener in Manchester, who transformed a high-rise balcony into a thriving ecosystem, demonstrates the potential for individual action.
Yet challenges remain. Despite growing evidence of its benefits, biophilic design still struggles for mainstream acceptance. "We need to change mindsets," Tom insists. This means reimagining success metrics beyond simple economic growth and recognizing the true value of natural systems.
As we face escalating climate challenges, biophilic design offers more than hope – it offers a practical, beautiful solution. It's an approach that doesn't just mitigate environmental damage, but actively creates regenerative, life-supporting spaces.
The future is biophilically green, interconnected, and full of possibility. And it starts with how we choose to design our world.
Here are links to things he mentioned in the podcast
Tom Dolan, 2024, “Systemic Perspective on the Climate Emergency, National Infrastructure Transformation and Opportunities for Biophilic Design” Journal of Biophilic Design, Issue 12. Digital view Printed versionhttps://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/journal-of-biophilic-design-issue-12-retail-printed-copy-of-the-journal
Systemic Perspectives on National Infrastructure for a Sustainable, Resilient Net Zero Future
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2021.752765
Thought Leadership Articles from COP
COP28 and The First Global Stocktake: Personal Reflections on an Affirmational, Inspirational and Disappointing Experience and an Opportunity Missed
Insight: COP26 - Inspirational Heartbreak: Personal reflection on an inspirational, holistic and uplifting event with an underwhelming outcome
https://www.ukcric.com/outputs/insight-cop26-inspirational-heartbreak/
Insight: Personal reflection on COP27 – Where do we go from here?
https://www.ukcric.com/outputs/insight-personal-reflection-on-cop27-where-do-we-go-from-here/
An Article from Politics Home (with Joanne Leach)
https://library.myebook.com/thehouse/greening-the-nation/4495/#page/20
UKCRIC Homepage https://www.ukcric.com/
UKCRIC National Green Infrastructure Facility
https://www.ukcric.com/how-we-can-help/facilities/national-green-infrastructure-facility/
Climate Positive Design – Pamela Conrad’s work https://climatepositivedesign.org/education
ASLA Case Studies https://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/index.html
Doughnut Economics https://doughnuteconomics.org/about-doughnut-economics
Donella Meadows Thinking in Systems
The Cloud Gardener https://cloudgardeneruk.co.uk/
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