Cities as Forests? Biophilic Design and the Art of Architectural Restoration

In the intricate dance of preserving architectural heritage and embracing nature, Nick De Klerk demonstrates how biophilic design can breathe new life into existing structures, transforming historic spaces into vibrant, living environments that honour their past while addressing contemporary challenges. By reimagining buildings as interconnected ecosystems - much like a forest where every element plays a crucial role - Nick shows how sensitive restoration can create transformative spaces that reconnect people with nature, history, and community. In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, architects like Nick are pioneering a transformative approach to design that reconnects humans with their fundamental need for natural environments. "Access and proximity to nature are a basic human need," Nick emphasises, drawing from his childhood experiences growing up close to nature.

Biophilic design is about creating moments of awe, surprise and wonder. Nick describes these as "unexpected transitions" that take your breath away - moving from a constrained, dark space into a light-filled, plant-abundant area that immediately transforms your sensory experience. These moments of awe are critical, creating what he calls a "transformational experience" where people don't just occupy a space, but are fundamentally changed by it.

We also talk about how we can preserve Heritage while embracing nature. The key to sustainable design lies in respecting existing structures. "The greenest building is one that already exists," Nick quotes, highlighting Purcell Architects' philosophy of working with heritage buildings. Their approach isn't about wholesale replacement, but sensitive enhancement - improving thermal performance, integrating natural elements, and maintaining the building's historical character.

Read on and watch the interview….

How can we encourage more local greening? Where does Biophilic Design fit in the climate change picture? What can we learn from Paris and its free and equitable access to fountains and water? These and other questions are discussed in this great interview with Ross O’Ceallaigh, founder of the Green Urbanist podcast.

With much of the world experiencing unprecedented heat waves this summer, we need to accelerate how we bring Climate Adaptation into our behaviours and city infrastructures. Ross is an urban designer and planner and calls for architects and fellow designers to refocus our aims to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Local greening could be a key solution, but, he says, we need to reduce the bureaucratic barriers that stop communities from planting trees and greening their spaces, the whole process needs to be streamlined to make it really easy.

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