biophilic design

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Jaime Jackson on Art, Nature and the Power of Creativity

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Jaime Jackson on Art, Nature and the Power of Creativity

What happens when we stop seeing ourselves as separate from nature and begin to recognise that we are nature? For artist Jaime Jackson, the answer lies in creativity, collaboration and the simple act of paying attention. It is a way of rediscovering our place in the living world, bringing communities together and imagining a more hopeful future.

Through his socially engaged art practice, Jaime brings together children, communities, scientists and fellow artists to explore our relationship with the living world. His work offers a refreshing perspective on the ecological crisis: rather than beginning with fear, guilt or a list of things we must change, it starts with our innate capacity for wonder, empathy and connection.

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Dusty Gedge - What if we put Life back onto every Roof in our Cities?

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Dusty Gedge - What if we put Life back onto every Roof in our Cities?

What if every roof in London that could support nature became a living habitat? What if, instead of recreating the gardens and meadows we have always known, we designed our cities around the life that can actually thrive in them? For Dusty Gedge, pioneering green roof advocate and urban biodiversity expert, this is more than an appealing idea. It is a practical vision for the future of our cities, challenging the way we think about green roofs, urban nature and the role of biophilic design.

 

As climate change brings increasingly extreme temperatures, heatwaves and intense rainfall, we need to rethink what we plant, where we plant it and what we expect nature to do. In our conversation for the Journal of Biophilic Design, Dusty made one thing clear: the objective is not just to make our cities “green”, it is to put life back into them. And just like the Journal here, he encourages us to go back to the original meaning of Biophilia to help us understand the bigger picture.

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The Bath, the Bins and the Biology of Light

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The Bath, the Bins and the Biology of Light

Light: The Missing Element in Biophilic Design

Light is far more than something that allows us to see. It is a powerful biological signal, influencing our body clocks, mood, alertness, sleep and sense of wellbeing. In this fascinating conversation, Dr Shelley James, “The Light Lady”, explores how our brains and bodies respond to light — and why biophilic designers need to pay much closer attention to it.

From the difference between Kelvin and colour rendering to the restorative rhythms of daylight, Shelley reveals how thoughtful lighting can help us create spaces that work more naturally with our biology. She also explores prospect and refuge, moving shadows, contrast and even the remarkable ways our brains interpret light as a signal of the natural world.

Discover why good biophilic design begins not just with bringing nature into a space, but with understanding the light that makes us feel at home in it.

Natural environments contain variation, contrast, shadow, movement and changing horizons. Light filters through leaves, reflects from water, changes with clouds and seasons, and gradually shifts from morning to evening.

Our visual systems evolved within this complexity.

Shelley describes the brain as looking for patterns that are familiar from the natural world — an appropriate balance of order and complexity, rather than either complete uniformity or overwhelming contrast. Even something as simple as dappled light and moving shadows can provide the kind of non-rhythmic visual stimulus associated with nature….

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Nature Preserved - The Ultimate Guide to Preserved Plants

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Nature Preserved - The Ultimate Guide to Preserved Plants

To coincide with the launch of our new monograph, Nature Preserved: The Definitive Guide to Preserved Plants, we talk to its author, Edgardo Rossi, known as The Green Man, about the thinking behind the book and his pioneering Green Lock System. What has years of working with preserved botanical material taught him about design, sustainability and the spaces we inhabit? We explore when living plants should come first, why designers need to walk the space before choosing the greenery, and how cork, bio-based materials and real preserved plants come together. We also challenge common misconceptions about longevity, maintenance and air quality—and ask why real nature should never be forced or faked.

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Designing for How We Feel - Robert Hopkins on Biophilic Architecture

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Designing for How We Feel - Robert Hopkins on Biophilic Architecture

What happens when architecture is designed around how people feel, not simply how buildings perform? Robert Hopkins, architect and sustainability leader at AHR, joins the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast to explore the thinking behind landmark projects including The Spine, Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre and the Daphne Steele Building. From trauma-informed design and evidence-based decision making to materials, air quality, nature, choice and collaboration, Robert shares how small decisions can transform how people experience a place. His advice? “Don’t chase points” — focus on the why. Listen to the conversation and discover why, for Robert, great architecture might ultimately be about helping people be nice to one another. WATCH THE INTERVIEW

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Living Architecture: Bioreceptive Design for People and Planet

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Living Architecture: Bioreceptive Design for People and Planet

What if the buildings that help us tackle climate change were also the buildings that lift our spirits?

We talk a great deal about the performance of buildings: how to reduce carbon, manage heat, conserve energy, deal with water and increase biodiversity. But perhaps we need to ask another question. What should these buildings look and feel like?

For architect and Alive Labs founder Nicky Naidu, the answer is not to choose between performance and beauty. We should expect both.

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Eye of the Beholder: Frank Lloyd Wright, Photography, Biophilia and Awe

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Eye of the Beholder: Frank Lloyd Wright, Photography, Biophilia and Awe

What happens when we stop looking at a building simply as a building?

For Lincoln Stoller, physicist, psychotherapist and son of celebrated architectural photographer Ezra Stoller, the answer lies somewhere between architecture, psychology, nature, photography and the human capacity to experience something beyond the immediately visible.

Ezra Stoller was regarded as one of the pre-eminent architectural photographers of his generation. His extraordinary archive includes some of the most significant buildings of twentieth-century modernism, photographed not simply as objects, but as experiences. His approach was distinctive: rather than producing straightforward images designed to showcase a building, he sought something beyond it – what Lincoln describes as the “essential and ethereal.”

This is particularly fascinating when we consider Frank Lloyd Wright, whose architecture is now frequently discussed through the lens of Biophilic Design, despite Wright never using the term. Wright trusted Ezra to understand what he was trying to achieve without needing to explain it. Lincoln describes their relationship as almost a meeting of opposites: Wright the forceful creator, Ezra the sensitive and receptive observer. Together, they understood something difficult to put into words – the ineffable quality of space. READ ON and WATCH the VIDEO

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3.8 Billion Years of Design Intelligence - Why the future of design begins by learning from living systems

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3.8 Billion Years of Design Intelligence - Why the future of design begins by learning from living systems

Biophilic Design and biomimicry are often discussed as separate disciplines, yet they are deeply complementary. Biophilic Design reconnects people with nature, creating healthier places that nurture wellbeing and strengthen our relationship with the living world. Biomimicry asks a different, but equally important question: how can nature’s 3.8 billion years of evolution teach us to solve human challenges?

Together they offer a blueprint for creating buildings, products and systems that help all life flourish.

While architecture often looks inward for innovation, one of the most fascinating lessons for the built environment is currently emerging from an unexpected place: fashion.

Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute, has been leading the Institute’s Nature of Fashion initiative, exploring how lessons from natural decomposition could help address one of the world’s fastest-growing environmental challenges—textile waste. Working alongside partners including The Or Foundation in Ghana, Circle Economy in the Netherlands and the Beneficial Design Institute in Germany, the project asks a deceptively simple question: what if the materials we create behaved more like nature?

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Biophilia: Africa, Nature and Remembering What It Means to be Human

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Biophilia: Africa, Nature and Remembering What It Means to be Human

As Biophilic Design continues to gather momentum around the world, much of the conversation has centred on research emerging from Europe, North America and Australia. Yet one of the most powerful perspectives may come from a continent where living with nature has never been considered a design trend at all. For Wangui Mwangi, Founding Chair of the Green Biophilic Living Society and Convener of the Africa Biophilic Building Conference & Expo 2026, biophilia is less about innovation than remembering.

Speaking on the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast, she describes traditional African settlements where buildings were constructed using local materials, courtyards encouraged natural ventilation, communities lived outdoors, and architecture reflected both ecological intelligence and spiritual connection.

Watch the interview and read more…

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Is Colour the Missing Link in Nature-Centric Biophilic Spaces

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Is Colour the Missing Link in Nature-Centric Biophilic Spaces

Ever wondered why some spaces instantly relax you, while others energise or even irritate? The secret might lie in the colour! Karen Haller, is an expert in applied colour psychology, and reveals how understanding the emotional dance of colours can transform our built environments into havens of well-being and productivity. Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or simply a lover of nature-inspired spaces, this podcast dives deep into the unseen forces of colour.

You’ll learn how colour influences behaviour, how to select the perfect hues for different environments, and why true biophilic design demands more than green and brown, it's about the symphony of natural colours that heal and energise us.

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The Future of Material Innovation and Biophilic Design

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The Future of Material Innovation and Biophilic Design

Have you ever wondered how materials shape our environment? What happens when design meets nature? If you’re craving a fresh perspective on sustainable, regenerative design, dive deep with us into the world of materials, creativity, and a future where biophilic principles transform every building, every product, and every space.

William Knight, co-founder of Material Matters, is a passionate advocate for a future where materials tell stories, innovate endlessly, and reconnect us to nature. His journey from politics to design might surprise you, but his journey has driven him to demystify material innovation that truly inspires.

In this post, you’ll discover how materials are pushing boundaries, why understanding them is critical, and how a shift in industry mindset can accelerate regenerative, biophilic environments.

Living Materials and Regenerative Design

Will emphasises that many materials we overlook have rich stories. Think about timber, agricultural waste, natural extracts, all of these can inspire radically different design solutions. For example, his work with companies using tree sap, algae-based bioplastics, or recycled aluminium demonstrates that every material is an opportunity. This perspective challenges the traditional sourcing black book, pushing designers to explore alternatives that are biophilic, regenerative, and resourceful.

Read on and watch or listen to the podcast….

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Interview Special - Workspace Design Show 2026 London

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Interview Special - Workspace Design Show 2026 London

At The Workspace Design Show at the Business Design Centre in London this year, I had the privilege of chairing a dynamic panel featuring industry leaders Nicola Tomkins Head of Design for Major Projects at Overbury,  Lidia Johansen Associate Environmental Consultant at chapmanbdsp and Paulo Ribeiro Head of Interior Design at  Aecom. It was a lively and dynamic discussion to a full house at the show. We looked at how we could reframe Biophilia, moving from Aesthetic to a Performance System. We explored how through collaboration, sourcing and configuring the brief early we can accelerate biophilic design specification.

 

After the panel I took my camera and mic and interviews other biophilic design experts visiting the show to ask them to share their insights on the show and biophilic design, emphasising its critical role in modern architecture and interior spaces.

 

Biophilic Design reconnects us back to nature, to our roots, to what makes us truly human. If you've ever wondered why natural elements in our spaces feel so vital, or how design can heal and inspire us, here’s what you’ll discover: how biophilic design transforms spaces, the science proving its benefits, and the urgent need to rethink our environments for mental, physical, and planetary health.

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How to Fast-track a Regenerative Future

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How to Fast-track a Regenerative Future

Efforts to tackle the climate and nature crisis often focus on policy, science and activism. But according to Will Hayler, founder and CEO of The Blue Earth Summit, real transformation will only happen when entrepreneurs and investors are fully part of the conversation.

 

Speaking about the philosophy behind the Blue Earth Summit, Will argues that innovation and enterprise are essential if environmental solutions are to move beyond ideas and into the real economy. “If you're really serious about solving problems, you need entrepreneurs in the room,” he says.

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We spend 90% of our time indoors. Here’s how Biophilic Design can make that healthier.

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We spend 90% of our time indoors. Here’s how Biophilic Design can make that healthier.

We spend about 90% of our lives indoors, yet our cities, offices and homes are rarely designed with the biological reality of that fact in mind. That disconnect between humans and the natural systems we evolved within is becoming harder to ignore. Biophilic Design is a growing movement in architecture and planning, which argues that bringing nature back into the built environment is not a luxury or aesthetic flourish but a public-health, economic and social necessity.

 

Alexandra Bowen, founder of the Biophilic Design Community on LinkedIn, puts it bluntly: “Our minds and bodies evolved over thousands of years to thrive in nature. If we’re indoors almost all the time, we have to be deliberate about reconnecting with it.”

Her argument echoes a growing body of research suggesting that the benefits are measurable. Studies cited by designers show that access to daylight and views of nature can improve cognitive performance and memory recall by around 15%, while hospitals with natural light have reported 41% shorter patient stays. In schools, improved ventilation has been linked to 14% better maths scores and significantly reduced sickness absence.

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Collect 2026: Metamorphosis and the Polish Design Connection

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Collect 2026: Metamorphosis and the Polish Design Connection

Polish craft and innovation is going to take centre stage at Collect 2026 which opens in London on 25 February this year 2026. Nature connection, craft and design is taking centre stage.  Biophilic Design helps people reconnect with nature. I am also a maker and artist (I sculpt, weave, sketch, etc), and for me, creating things with natural materials gives me a direct connection to nature and our planet. In this podcast we speak with the curator of this year’s Collect Corinne Julius and one of the Polish artists featured during the show. We explore the significance of biophilic design, the metamorphosis of Polish craft, and the role of materiality in art. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the craft industry in the context of climate change and the importance of tactile experiences in our lives. Can slow craft be the antidote to the disconnection and environmental crisis we face today?

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Biophilic design: buzzword or big deal? A Workplace Geeks investigation™️

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Biophilic design: buzzword or big deal? A Workplace Geeks investigation™️

This special edition of the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast is a podcast recorded by our friends at Workplace Geeks, Ian Ellison and Chris Moriaty.

Host Ian Ellison sets out to explore a big question: Is biophilic design simply good design, or something we need to intentionally spotlight because of its unique importance to people, place and planet?

In this deep dive, Ian speaks with a host of experts and thought leaders — including Dr Nigel Oseland, Dr Sally Augustin, Oliver Heath, Prof Harriet Shortt, Mark Catchlove, Dr Vanessa Champion, Matthew Burgess, Chloe Bullock, and Prof Geoff Proffitt — to unpack the science, theory, and lived experience behind biophilic design.

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Can a Biophilic Strategy redefine our Urban Future?

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Can a Biophilic Strategy redefine our Urban Future?

"The way we've conceived cities for the past 100 years has been far too extractive, far too one-dimensional. We need cities that are more productive, multi-dimensional, and adaptable." Ludo Pittie leads WSP’s 75-strong UK landscape and urban design team, guiding  the company’s landscape strategy and design thinking, and is also driving a global WSP exploration of ‘the Future Ready Landscape’ which strives to anticipate future needs, and embed adaptable design practices to create sustainable places that are ready for today and tomorrow.

Urban spaces should be biophilic interconnected systems that prioritise human and ecological wellbeing. This goes beyond traditional sustainability, we need regenerative design, an approach that doesn't just minimise harm, but actively restores and enhances natural systems.

The 15-minute city concept reimagines urban living. "It's about providing essential social needs locally," Ludo explains. "Access to schools, food production, healthcare – all within a 15-minute radius. It's about creating communities that can truly thrive."

READ ON… and watch the interview…

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Urban Biophilia - SUGi’s Pocket Forests Are Rewilding City Life

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Urban Biophilia - SUGi’s Pocket Forests Are Rewilding City Life

SUGi creates pocket forests that breathe life into urban spaces. Founded in London and now operating in over 50 cities worldwide, SUGi uses the innovative Miyawaki method to transform small urban areas into thriving, biodiverse ecosystems.

In a space the size of a tennis court, they can plant approximately 600 trees that grow rapidly, creating a mature forest in just a fraction of the time nature would typically require. Adrian Wong, UK Forest Lead, explains, "If nature did it naturally, it usually takes 150 to 500 years for a forest to mature. We supercharge that process."

At the heart of SUGi's success is soil restoration. "Without a living, healthy soil, we can't do what we're doing," Adrian emphasises. They meticulously prepare urban sites by aerating the ground, introducing beneficial organisms like mycelium and worms, and creating a nutrient-rich environment that supports rapid growth and biodiversity. For me, as Adrian was telling us this, I felt this emphasis on creating a healthy environment for life to thrive, is similar to what we are trying to do with Biophilic Design inside our homes, hospitals, workplaces, creating healthy environments that enable all life to flourish.

The impact is remarkable. Even in seemingly inhospitable urban locations, these micro forests attract diverse wildlife. At their South Bank forest, they've recorded an incredible range of species, including blue tits, green finches, and surprisingly, even tawny owls and peregrine falcons.

Watch the video…

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Blurring Boundaries, Biophilia and US Modernist Architecture

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Blurring Boundaries, Biophilia and US Modernist Architecture

US Modernist architecture and Biophilic Design share a philosophical alignment, both fundamentally committed to creating human-centric spaces that celebrate our intrinsic connection to nature. By prioritising natural light, material authenticity, and design that responds to human behavioural patterns, these approaches transform buildings from mere shelters into living, breathing environments.

Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra were pioneering biophilia decades before the term existed as a design principle, strategically integrating large windows, natural materials, and designs that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. Their work demonstrates that truly great architecture isn't about imposing human structures on the landscape, but about creating harmonious spaces that enhance human well-being by maintaining a deep, sensory dialogue with the natural world. This shared vision sees buildings not as static objects, but as dynamic systems that support physical, psychological, and emotional health through thoughtful, nature-inspired design.

What if your home could be more than just a container for living? What if it could enhance your wellbeing, sync with natural rhythms, and make you feel truly alive?

Imagine a house that breathes with the landscape, where windows frame nature like living paintings and every design choice connects you to the world outside We speak with George Smart, founder of US Modernist the award-winning archive and podcast dedicated to preserving and celebrating Modernist design. READ ON and listen or watch the interview with George…

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Digital Nature. Is your smartphone your Secret Weapon for Mental Health and Healing?

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Digital Nature. Is your smartphone your Secret Weapon for Mental Health and Healing?

Did you know 10 million people watched the first episode of Planet Earth III – the same number who visit the Peak District annually? We're hungry for nature, even if we can't always access it directly.

Imagine escaping the concrete jungle without leaving your desk. What if your smartphone could transport you to a misty bluebell woodland or the thundering heart of an Icelandic volcano? Welcome to the future of nature connection – where technology becomes your gateway to mental restoration. We speak with environmental psychologist Dr Alex Smalley about his research on virtual nature and Tim Daniels co-founder of Portal, both are names to watch in this beautiful revolution in how we experience the natural world.

"We've always tried to bring nature indoors," explains Dr. Alex Smalley. From ancient cave paintings, ancient Roman wall paintings right through to modern digital experiences, humans have always craved a connection to the natural world.

But this isn't about replacing real nature. It's about expanding our understanding of how we can experience it.

For the stressed-out healthcare worker pulling a double shift, the burned-out student cramming for exams, or the city dweller trapped in a windowless office, digital nature offers a lifeline. Scientific research shows these experiences aren't just pretty pictures – they're powerful mental health tools. 

Alex’s research is proving that digital nature can actually change how our brains process pain and stress. In clinical studies, people experiencing virtual natural environments reported reduced pain perception and lower stress levels. It's like a mini-vacation for your brain, available at the touch of a button.

READ on and WATCH THE VIDEO….

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