Interior spaces can become sanctuaries that nurture human health, well-being, and our fundamental connection to the living systems around us when we adopt Biophilic Design principles. We speak with Nuria Munoz, interior designer and founder of the Habitarmonia Academy, who shares her experience and offers an inspiring perspective on this transformative power of Biophilic Design.
"Buildings would breathe, cities would heal, and nature would be woven into every space we touch," Munoz envisions. Her approach goes beyond aesthetic decoration, representing an holistic reimagining of how we interact with our built environments.
At its core, biophilic design is about creating deep, meaningful connections. "The more you are connected to biophilia, you slow down and connect with your client on a deeper level," Nuria explains. This approach transforms design from a mechanical process to an empathetic journey of understanding human needs and experiences
The design process becomes a collaborative exploration. She uses innovative techniques like nature connection surveys and playful card games to understand clients' relationships with their environment. "We ask how often they go to nature, how connected they are," she shares, highlighting the importance of personal connection in design.
Biophilic design engages all senses, creating spaces that nurture well-being. From carefully selected materials to lighting and spatial experiences, every element is considered. Nuria’s's approach incorporates meditation, embodiment exercises, and deep understanding of neuroscience to create truly transformative spaces.
The design world is witnessing exciting developments. Cities are becoming greener, with innovative approaches like free rainwater collection systems and street transformation projects. Technology like VR and AI are also creating new possibilities for connecting people with nature-inspired experiences.
"People are fed up with the old way," Nuria observes. "There's a lot of stress and anxiety, and people are starting to understand we can live differently."
Biophilic design extends beyond individual spaces. It's about planetary health, regenerative leadership, and creating environments that enhance life. "We should be asking with every decision: Is it going to enhance life?" Munoz challenges designers and individuals alike.
Her Habitarmonia Academy takes this philosophy further, offering comprehensive courses that transform designers into advocates for holistic, nature-connected design. The upcoming One Earth symposium in Barcelona will bring together experts to bridge neuroscience, environmental psychology, and design.
Nuria is co-organizing a five-day symposium in Barcelona from June 30th to July 4th, bringing together neuroscience and environmental psychology experts like Ty Farrow and Bill Browning, which includes keynote speakers, workshops, city visits, and immersive experiences designed to bridge scientific understanding with practical biophilic design applications.
For Nuria, biophilic design is more than a trend—it's a necessary paradigm shift. "Little changes have a massive ripple effect," she emphasizes. It's about taking responsibility, making conscious choices, and recognizing our fundamental connection to the natural world.
As cities evolve and design practices transform, biophilic principles offer a beacon of hope—a way to create spaces that not only shelter us but truly nurture our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Follow and connect with Nuria and try the Habitarmonia academy, plus get your hands on the New Earth One Symposium in Barcelona, see link below.
Habitarmonia Ecosystem: A global community platform connecting professionals in biophilic and well-being design to collaborate, learn, and co-create regenerative solutions.
https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/habitarmonia-ecosystem
Habitarmonia Academy: An educational branch offering specialized courses and certifications in biophilic and well-being design, integrating neuroscience, sustainability, and regenerative practices. https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/
Our State-of-the-Art Biophilic and Well-being Design Course: A flagship 12-week program that empowers participants to master biophilic design principles, tools, and applications for transformative, health-centered spaces.
English https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/designing-spaces-heal-inspire-uplift-lives
Spanish https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/curso-diseno-biofilico-y-bienestar-habitarmonia-es
Habitarmonia Studio: A consultancy and creative design studio delivering expert services in biophilic, well-being, and regenerative design projects across sectors. https://www.habitarmonia.eu/
New Project: HEAL (Human Environment Architectural Laboratory)- In preparation of Website: An innovation hub and collective focused on designing life-centric, regenerative spaces that heal people and ecosystems through research-based, nature-integrated approaches.
https://www.healarch.com/
Collaborator of Symposium in Barcelona: A key organizing partner and content curator for an international symposium exploring neuroarchitecture, environmental psychology, and biophilic design https://new-earth.one/symposium/
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