Journal of Biophilic Design

Vanessa Champion, editor, Journal of Biophilic Design
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Welcome to our podcast series from the Journal of Biophilic Design, where we interview workplace consultants, futurists, interior designers, architects, urban planners and those working in healthcare, wellbeing and other industries to find out the latest on Biophilic Design. www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com

  1. vor 4 Tagen

    Biophilic Design you can Taste....

    How can our buildings become active contributors to healthier lives rather than passive consumers of resources? Our cities are grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, employee wellbeing and the changing role of the workplace, for Patrick Dumas, Founder and CEO of Square Mile Farms, the answer begins with growing food. His concept has evolved into one of the UK's largest networks of indoor urban farms, with more than 120 installations and over 75,000 plants growing inside workplaces and residential developments. Yet the plants, herbs and vegetables are only part of the story. "We reconnect people with one another, with nature and with their own wellbeing," explains Patrick. "Food is simply the medium through which we do that." Biophilic Design that People can taste Biophilic design has long focused on bringing nature into buildings through plants, natural materials, daylight and views. Square Mile Farms extends this concept into something immersive. Instead of greenery becoming passive decoration, employees become active participants. They watch herbs mature, vote on what will be grown next, harvest fresh produce together and swap recipes over lunch. The result is a multi-sensory experience that engages sight, smell, touch and taste simultaneously. "The experience of biophilia is much richer," says Patrick. "It looks good, smells good, tastes good and you're using your hands. You're getting up close with nature before eating what you've grown." This aligns closely with many of biophilic design's recognised patterns, including direct experience of nature, sensory richness, connection with natural systems and seasonal change. Watching food grow over weeks reconnects people with rhythms that many urban lives have lost. Growing Community alongside Vegetables Perhaps the greatest surprise has been that the farms' most valuable harvest isn't basil or salad leaves—it's human connection. Harvest days have become social events. Employees queue to collect herbs, learn growing techniques from on-site farmers and exchange ideas about cooking and sustainability. Rather than another workplace amenity, the farms become magnets that naturally draw people together. "We have people saying they come into the office because it's harvest day," he explains. "People stop buying basil from the supermarket because they know they can harvest it themselves." Square Mile Farms' team are highly visible within each building. Their farmers don't just maintain installations behind the scenes—they actively engage with occupants, teaching growing skills, discussing recipes and nurturing relationships alongside the plants themselves. Reimagining Forgotten Spaces One of the most exciting aspects of the model is its ability to transform overlooked parts of buildings. Disused basements, redundant plant rooms, underused lobbies and vacant corners become productive landscapes that contribute to health, biodiversity awareness and workplace culture. One installation now grows around 25,000 plants beneath the headquarters of a major global company, supplying fresh produce directly to its catering operation. Suddenly, the most interesting part of the building isn't the executive floor—it's the basement. As retrofit becomes central to sustainable architecture, these interventions demonstrate that regeneration doesn't always require rebuilding. Sometimes it requires rethinking how existing space can support both people and nature. Food as Urban Infrastructure Looking ahead, Patrick believes cities should begin thinking about urban farming in the same way they now think about cycle infrastructure. Just as many buildings are expected to provide bike storage or electric vehicle charging, why shouldn't they also provide space for growing food? "If every building had provision for growing some food," he suggests, "collectively that capacity becomes quite substantial." His vision is ambitious but practical. He sees a distributed network of productive landscapes woven throughout our commercial buildings, creating healthier workplaces while reducing food miles, reconnecting people with natural systems and strengthening community resilience. It is, fundamentally, biophilic design operating at city scale. Join Us The Journal of Biophilic Design is delighted to announce that we will soon be partnering with Square Mile Farms for a special event exploring these ideas in person. We're planning an event in the Square Mile, concluding at one of London's most remarkable indoor urban farms, where thousands of edible plants are grown beneath a commercial building to supply its occupants with fresh produce. If you'd like to hear more about this event, make sure you're subscribed to the Journal of Biophilic Design newsletter. We'll be announcing dates and booking details very soon. Next time you are specifying the planting, also look at the multi sensory aspect, and see how you can weave beautiful edibles into the design to reconnect us with food, nature, one another and the living systems that sustain us all. www.squaremilefarms.com www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com Sign up for our FREE newsletter between now and end of August 2026 for the chance to win one of 50 digital subscriptions to the Journal of Biophilic Design https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/subscribe-as-a-member

  2. 20. Juli

    How many plants do we need for wellbeing

    Thankfully… walk into almost any contemporary office and you are likely to find a few strategically positioned plants, a moss wall in reception or perhaps another biophilic feature intended to soften an otherwise corporate environment. Over the past decade, introducing greenery into workplaces has become almost synonymous with employee wellbeing. Yet according to workplace and environmental psychologist Dr Craig Knight, if organisations believe that adding a few plants alone will transform productivity, they have misunderstood the research.   Craig's work at the University of Exeter, challenged one of the most enduring assumptions in workplace design, namely that the most productive offices are those that are minimalist and stripped back to their essentials. These highly controlled environments were long thought to minimise distraction and maximise concentration. His research demonstrated precisely the opposite.    Employees working in enriched environments containing plants, artwork and opportunities for personalisation consistently performed better than those working in lean, standardised offices.    “Wellbeing improved, stress reduced and productivity increased by as much as 15%.”   Although plants became the headline of many reports about the research, Craig is keen to put them into context. They are not magical objects capable of transforming a workplace by themselves. Rather, they are one of the simplest and most affordable ways of enriching an environment.   This is important for designers, facilities managers and employers to remember. Environmental enrichment can take many forms, including artwork, light, texture and even scent. Plants have proved particularly effective because they are relatively inexpensive, flexible and easy to introduce into existing buildings. Unlike a major refurbishment, they can transform a space almost immediately.   The psychology behind their success is equally compelling. Rather than distracting employees from their work, enriched environments provide opportunities for brief moments of cognitive recovery. Looking away from a screen towards a plant or another visually engaging feature gives the brain the chance to reset before returning to the task at hand. These small interruptions help sustain attention rather than diminish it. As Craig puts it, people are happier and more productive when their surroundings offer something meaningful to engage with.   Yet as our conversation developed, it became clear that the plants themselves were not the most significant finding from decades of workplace research. The real story is choice.   People perform better when they have some control over the environment in which they work. The ability to personalise a desk, influence the layout of a workspace or decide where plants should be positioned may appear insignificant, but psychologically these decisions communicate something much larger. They demonstrate trust.   One of the most interesting examples he describes comes from a company in Paris that invited staff to shape their own working environment. Employees created artwork, rearranged spaces, introduced planting and developed breakout areas that reflected their own personalities. There was no substantial design budget. Instead, the organisation trusted its employees to create an environment that suited the way they worked. Productivity increased, but equally important was the sense of ownership people developed towards the workplace. It became somewhere they wanted to be rather than somewhere they were required to attend.   This idea of ownership runs through much of his research. Organisations often invest heavily in beautifully designed offices only to prevent employees from moving furniture, repositioning plants or displaying personal objects. In doing so, they unintentionally undermine many of the psychological benefits the design was intended to create.   Craig argues that even the best designers cannot predict what will make every individual feel comfortable. A workplace should not simply reflect a corporate identity; it should also allow the identities of the people working there to emerge. "The more you can realise your own identity in your space," he says, "the better that space is." This presents an interesting challenge for architects and interior designers. Design excellence has often been measured by visual consistency and aesthetic control. Yet workplace psychology suggests that highly curated environments are not always the most successful places to work. The role of design may be less about creating a finished solution and more about creating a framework within which people can adapt spaces to suit their own needs.   That philosophy extends well beyond office furniture or planting schemes. Craig is equally critical of workplace cultures that attempt to monitor every aspect of employee behaviour. Surveillance software, keystroke monitoring and rigid management structures all communicate a lack of trust, and his research consistently shows that these approaches reduce engagement rather than improve it. Organisations frequently speak about wellbeing while simultaneously removing autonomy from their workforce. The contradiction is difficult to ignore.   For those working in Biophilic Design, there is another interesting lesson. The discussion around nature in buildings often focuses on the physiological benefits of plants, daylight or natural materials. Craig does not dismiss those benefits, but he repeatedly brings the conversation back to the social environment. Plants become valuable not simply because they are living organisms, but because they represent care, enrichment and, when employees are involved in choosing and looking after them, shared ownership.   It is no coincidence that people often name the plants they care for in the workplace. They become part of the social fabric of an office, small but tangible reminders that the environment is alive and that someone has invested in it. Even preserved planting, increasingly common where living plants are impractical, reflects a desire to introduce texture, colour and references to nature into spaces that might otherwise feel sterile. As organisations continue to rethink hybrid working and the purpose of the office, Knight believes there is an opportunity to move beyond designing attractive workplaces only. The challenge is to create environments where people feel respected, trusted and able to contribute to the spaces they inhabit.   His advice to designers: "People first. Design second."   It is a principle that sits comfortably alongside Biophilic Design. Creating healthier workplaces has never been solely about filling buildings with plants. It is about designing environments that support human flourishing. Plants remain one of the most effective tools available, but they are most powerful when they become part of a wider culture that values participation, autonomy and wellbeing. In the end, the greenest workplace is not necessarily the one with the most planting. It is the one where people genuinely feel that they belong.   To follow or contact Dr Craig Kight visit his Linkedin profile:  linkedin.com/in/craigknightidr https://www.identityrealization.com   His now-famous paper, The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments, co-authored alongside Nieuwenhuis, M., Postmes, T., and Haslam, S., found that introducing plants into office environments could improve workplace productivity by up to 15%. Nieuwenhuis, Marlon & Knight, Craig & Postmes, Tom & Haslam, S.. (2014). The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied. 20. 199-214. 10.1037/xap0000024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264395358_The_Relative_Benefits_of_Green_Versus_Lean_Office_Space_Three_Field_Experiments     Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon and Kindle.  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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

  3. 9. Juli

    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.  "Africa has always lived biophilically. Our ancestors have always lived biophilically." Wangui believes the rest of the world has much to learn from centuries of indigenous knowledge, vernacular architecture and cultural traditions that have always recognised humanity as part of nature rather than separate from it. 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.   "Nature was never separate from humanity," she explains. "Nature was part of everything that we did."   That philosophy extended far beyond buildings. Food, farming, storytelling, music, clothing and community life all reinforced a reciprocal relationship with the natural world.   Today, as cities across Africa expand rapidly, Wangui believes those principles are becoming more important than ever.   Remembering rather than reinventing One of the most refreshing aspects of Wangui's work is her refusal to romanticise the past. "This is not about necessarily going back to building how we built in the 20s," she says. "It's about picking the techniques. It's about using the tech that we have right now and enhancing that." This blend of indigenous wisdom with contemporary innovation sits at the heart of the Green Biophilic Living Society, an organisation that has grown remarkably quickly since Wangui first began sharing her passion for biophilia on LinkedIn. After growing up surrounded by wildlife on the outskirts of Nairobi, Wangui found herself working within increasingly urban environments. She noticed she felt calmer whenever she escaped into nearby green spaces during lunch breaks. "I started Googling what is going on? Why are my afternoons better?" Discovering the science of biophilia gave language to feelings she had always understood instinctively. "I became completely passionate, obsessively passionate about wanting to share this information."  That passion has now brought together architects, doctors, farmers, lawyers, policymakers, educators and developers, all recognising that healthier futures require systems thinking rather than isolated solutions. This resonates so closely with our journey here at the Journal of Biophilic Design as well. My own personal journey was linked to direct emotional and physical transformation after connecting with nature.   Why policy matters Throughout our conversation, one theme repeatedly emerged: policy. We agreed we need to embed biophilic thinking into national building standards. "I think biophilia needs anchorage within the policy structure, within the building codes."  Kenya is already making significant progress through the development of its own green building standards, where considerations such as indigenous planting, bioswales, pollinator habitats, bird feeders and water management are becoming part of mainstream conversations. This mirrors a growing international recognition that Biophilic Design is a framework capable of supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, public health and long-term economic value simultaneously. Community is infrastructure Perhaps the most moving part of our discussion came when imagining Africa twenty years from now. Rather than talking first about technology or buildings, Wangui spoke about people. She imagines neighbourhoods where courtyards encourage neighbours to gather, where children play outdoors, where communities share meals together, and where buildings function as ecosystems rather than isolated objects. "I see people walking with a sense of pride and a sense of dignity... people who wake up to the sound of birds." Her vision reminds us that Biophilic Design is about relationships, between people, place and nature.   Women leading the conversation One particularly exciting development this year is the launch of Women in Biophilic Design, bringing together female leaders from across the world to discuss the future of our profession. Wangui will be joining us alongside an international panel of designers, researchers and practitioners exploring how diverse perspectives are helping shape healthier places. Reflecting on why women have become such strong voices within the movement, Wangui believes it stems from an instinctive understanding of care and stewardship. "I think the nurturing aspect of women really flows into any space that we get to hold. And that is what the world needs right now." It is a reminder that designing with nature is also about designing with empathy.  Looking ahead The inaugural Africa Biophilic Building Conference & Expo, taking place in Nairobi this August, promises to become a significant milestone in the global movement. Bringing together architects, policymakers, educators and researchers, it aims to demonstrate that Africa is not simply adopting Biophilic Design—it is helping redefine it. As Wangui says, there are still countless stories waiting to be told. "The African story has not yet really been told... there's so much that has not been tapped into." The future heartbeat of Biophilic Design depends on learning from diverse cultures and ecological wisdom, I hope you join us on the 20th July for the Women in Biophilic Desing Linkedin Live, and also if you are in the African Continent of have colleagues over there, you join the Africa Biophilic Building Conference and Expo.  JOIN THE CONVERSATION:  20th July Linkedin Live – Women in Biophilic Design – sign up here https://www.linkedin.com/events/womeninbiophilicdesign7472703290913341440/theater/ 13-14 August 2026 - Africa Biophilic Building Conference and Expo – register here:  https://greenbiophiliclivingsociety.com/expo/   Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle. 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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

  4. 30. Juni

    Dare to Dream - Touching Time

    "Engage with the material… don't dictate. Let the material help dictate the design… and dare to dream." — Benjamin Ayling There is something deeply timeless about holding a piece of natural stone. Perhaps it is the cool surface beneath our fingertips. Perhaps it is the intricate mineral patterns that could never be replicated twice. Or perhaps it is something much older than conscious thought—a recognition that for almost all of human history, stone has been our shelter, our monuments, our meeting places and our memories. While we are searching for healthier, more sustainable ways to design our buildings, natural stone deserves to be part of the Biophilic Design conversation once again. During this conversation on The Journal of Biophilic Design Podcast, Benjamin Ayling, UK Business Development Manager for Lundhs and founding member of the Stone Collective, reflected on why this ancient material still resonates so deeply today. More than a material "It's not just a material, it's a geological process," Ben explains. Every slab tells the story of immense natural forces—volcanoes, minerals, pressure and time. Lundhs' Larvikite, quarried in Norway, is around 300 million years old, while its anorthosite dates back almost one billion years. That perspective alone shifts the way we think about specification. Rather than seeing stone as another surface finish, we begin to understand it as a fragment of Earth's history. Every vein, crystal and fossil record tells a story that simply cannot be manufactured. As biophilic designers, we often talk about our innate connection to nature. Stone reminds us that nature is not simply something outside the window—it can become part of the spaces we inhabit every day. The memory of the cave Biophilic Design is built upon our evolutionary relationship with the natural world. Ben suggests that perhaps our attraction to stone runs even deeper than aesthetics. "Humans have evolved around rock and timber and water." Long before cities, our ancestors sought protection within caves and rocky landscapes. Stone provided shelter, thermal comfort and security. Those ancient associations may still influence how we experience space today. Environmental psychologists have long recognised that our surroundings shape our behaviour and wellbeing. Ben believes natural stone communicates something increasingly rare in modern construction. "Natural stone has the ability to communicate permanence and care... it tells us that the place was built to last." That feeling matters, where permanence can itself become restorative. Touching time Anyone who has watched visitors encounter a large piece of natural stone will recognise the instinct. People reach out to touch it, children climb on it, we run our hands on it almost without thinking.  Ben witnessed exactly this during a project at the Carbon Garden in Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. "The first thing they do is make a beeline for it and they just put their hands on it." Unlike synthetic materials, stone engages multiple senses simultaneously. It is cool before it is warm, it’s smooth in one place, but textured in another, it’s heavy, reassuring and utterly unique. No two pieces are ever identical. This richness of sensory experience is central to Biophilic Design. We know that natural variation—the subtle imperfections, textures and complexity found in nature—helps reduce stress and maintain attention far more effectively than uniform, manufactured surfaces. Stone embodies that principle effortlessly. Designing with honesty Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking moments in our conversation centred not around stone itself, but around our approach to design. We have become accustomed to engineering materials until they obey every specification perfectly. Ben questions whether that mindset has taken us too far. Instead of forcing natural materials to behave like manufactured ones, perhaps we should begin with the material itself. Look at it’s strength, its limitations, its character. "There is ingenuity and beauty to be had by connecting with the material rather than dictating to it." This philosophy echoes many of the principles behind regenerative and biophilic design. Nature never produces perfect repetition. Variation is not a flaw. It is life. Rather than rejecting mineral markings, shell fossils or colour variation, perhaps these are exactly the qualities that make spaces feel authentic. Buildings that become more beautiful with age Unlike many contemporary materials, stone does not begin ageing the moment it is installed. It evolves, weather softens it, light changes it, time enriches it. Many of Britain's most loved buildings—from cathedrals to civic buildings—are admired precisely because they have matured gracefully over centuries. Stone tells the story of place. It develops a patina rather than deteriorating into obsolescence.  This is biophilic design AND long-term thinking, and this will be increasingly important as the built environment embraces circular economy principles. Ben describes one pioneering project, 317 Finchley Road, where natural stone forms the building's load-bearing structure rather than simply its façade. Designed so components can eventually be dismantled and reused, it demonstrates how ancient construction principles can support the future of sustainable architecture. As Ben puts it: "It's effectively the quarry of the future." Learning from our ancestors We are not the first to use stone, it’s been with us as a build material since time immemorial, we lived in caves, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans used stone. It’s what Medieval cathedrals were built from. Communities understood that stone was not simply decoration but structure, designed to last generations. Today, advances in digital modelling, precision manufacturing and circular construction mean those ideas are becoming relevant once again. Rather than replacing materials every few decades, we can begin designing buildings whose components may serve multiple lifetimes. Few materials are better suited to that ambition than natural stone. A different way of designing Perhaps the most inspiring part of Ben's work is taking young architects to Norwegian quarries. Rather than presenting polished samples, he watches them rummage through what the quarry calls its "unloved stone”: the unexpected colours, irregular shapes, fragments others might overlook, those discarded pieces often become the greatest source of creative inspiration. It is a wonderful reminder that creativity often begins not with perfection but with possibility. Dare to dream The future of Biophilic Design also should be about remembering what has always mattered. Materials that connect us to nature, buildings that honour time rather than fight against it, spaces that age with grace, design that begins by listening. As Ben encourages designers: "Engage with the material... don't dictate. Let the material help dictate the design... and dare to dream." Let’s rediscover a way of designing that works with nature rather than against it—creating places rooted in permanence, craftsmanship, beauty and belonging. Because when we design with the Earth, rather than merely upon it, our buildings become more than structures. They become stories. www.Lundhsrealstone.com www.thestonecollective.org Free materials issue: https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/free-materials-issue Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle.  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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

  5. 30. Juni

    Sleep by Design - Can your bedroom improve your health?

    Sleep is not something that simply happens. It is something our environment either supports or undermines." When we think about improving sleep, many of us immediately turn to wearable technology, sleep trackers or the latest wellness trend. Yet according to Olympic Sleep Coach Sanjay Verma and Therese Haltuff of Norwegian bedding company Norsk Dun, restorative sleep begins long before our head touches the pillow. It begins with the environments we create. Their conversation reveals a fascinating overlap with the principles of Biophilic Design. From daylight and fresh air to natural materials, sensory comfort and our innate need to feel safe, the spaces around us quietly determine how well our bodies can recover each night. As Sanjay explains, sleep is far from passive. "Most of us think sleep is a passive thing... but it's a very active process. Physically, mentally and emotionally, a lot happens when we sleep." People say time is the greatest healer. But actually, if you look closely, it's sleep which is the greatest healer." Sleep is the Foundation of Wellbeing For years, nutrition and exercise have dominated conversations around health and performance. Sleep has often been treated as an afterthought. Not anymore. Sanjay argues that sleep is not simply another pillar of wellbeing—it is the foundation upon which everything else depends. "It's not one of the third or fourth legs of wellbeing. It is the foundation of health and wellbeing." Without sufficient sleep, even the healthiest diet or most carefully planned exercise programme cannot deliver the benefits we expect. Muscles fail to recover properly. Learning is impaired. Creativity falls. Emotional resilience declines. In other words, sleep is where the work of the day is completed. Designing a Bedroom as Nature intended Perhaps the strongest message throughout the discussion is that the bedroom itself should become an environment designed specifically for restoration. Sanjay offers a wonderfully simple description: "The bedroom should be like a cave: dark, cool, quiet." For anyone working in Biophilic Design, this immediately echoes the concept of prospect and refuge. Throughout human evolution we slept in places that felt protected, sheltered and secure. Our brains continue to seek those same environmental cues today. He identifies the essential ingredients for better sleep: A cool room with good temperature control Complete darkness Quiet surroundings with minimal noise disturbance Fresh, well-ventilated air Comfortable humidity levels Minimal electronic devices A clutter-free space that feels safe Even tiny details matter. "Our eyes can sense light even when our eyes are closed." That small standby LED on a television or charger may seem insignificant, but our brains remain remarkably sensitive to light throughout the night. Likewise, even slight increases in room temperature can fragment deep sleep, reducing the quality of overnight recovery. Why Nature helps us sleep better One of the most compelling parts of the conversation explores how our connection with nature throughout the day influences sleep at night. Morning daylight is particularly important. "If you want really good quality sleep in the night, start in the morning getting bright light." Natural morning light resets our circadian rhythm, signalling to the brain that a new day has begun. Around sixteen hours later, this helps stimulate the release of melatonin—the hormone that prepares us for sleep. Time outdoors offers even more benefits. Walking, exercising and simply spending time in natural surroundings reduces stress while increasing serotonin production. "Being in nature is de-stressing." That serotonin later becomes melatonin, reinforcing the body's natural sleep cycle. Biophilic Design has long recognised these benefits. Access to daylight, views of nature and opportunities to connect with the outdoors are not aesthetic luxuries—they are essential components of healthy buildings. A Scandinavian approach to Rest Therese offers a fascinating insight into Norwegian attitudes towards sleep. Rather than viewing sleep as something to squeeze into busy lives, Scandinavians tend to treat it as an essential form of recovery. Fresh air plays a central role. "Fresh air, movement and light is something that we relate to as wellbeing." Bedrooms are often kept cool with windows open throughout the year. Most couples also sleep under separate duvets. "Sleep is personalised. It's not romantic at all." The idea is beautifully practical. No disturbed sleep from fighting over bedding, and no overheating from sharing one duvet! Each person creates their own ideal microclimate. It is a simple solution grounded in comfort rather than convention. Natural Materials are best.. The conversation then moves beyond architecture into one of the most overlooked aspects of sleep: the materials that surround us. Therese believes that many people overcomplicate sleep. "The body already knows how to do this. We just have to stop getting in the way of a good night's sleep." Natural down and feathers have evolved over thousands of years to regulate temperature while managing moisture. Those same qualities continue to work when used in bedding. Rather than trapping heat or perspiration, natural materials breathe alongside the body, helping maintain the conditions our physiology naturally seeks during sleep. She also highlights the importance of tactile comfort. "When you feel comfortable and safe, then you're able to relax." This perfectly reflects another principle of Biophilic Design—that our sensory experiences shape our emotional state. The textures, softness and natural qualities of materials influence how secure and relaxed we feel long before we consciously notice them. Sustainability begins in the Bedroom An important theme running throughout the discussion is the growing connection between sustainability and personal wellbeing. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that healthier products often prove to be more sustainable products too. Therese explains why transparency matters. "You're at your most vulnerable when you're sleeping. It matters what you surround yourself with." She encourages consumers to choose certified products, understand where materials come from and look for traceability throughout the supply chain. Natural fibres, responsibly sourced materials and products manufactured with respect for both people and planet all contribute to healthier indoor environments. This is where Biophilic Design comes into it’s own: designing for human health and designing for environmental health are fundamentally connected. Five ways to Sleep better tonight Drawing together the advice from both guests, five immediate changes stand out: Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Get outside into natural daylight early every morning. Reduce electronics and unnecessary light in the bedroom. Choose breathable natural bedding and materials that regulate temperature and moisture. Treat sleep as a priority rather than fitting it around everything else. As Sanjay reminds us: "Bedroom should be used primarily for sleeping—not for working, not for entertainment." Designing for Better Sleep Perhaps the greatest lesson from this conversation is that good sleep cannot simply be purchased through technology. It must be designed. Every decision—from the amount of daylight entering a room, to ventilation, natural materials, acoustic comfort, humidity, tactile surfaces and views of nature—either supports or interrupts the body's remarkable capacity to restore itself. Biophilic Design has always recognised that our buildings should work with human biology rather than against it. Sleep may be one of the clearest examples of this philosophy in action. As Sanjay beautifully concludes: "Nature should not be an add-on... it should be part of our way of life." For more information and to connect with Sanjay or Therese visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjayvermase/ - Sanjay Verma  - Olympic sleep coach and chief sleep officer at Jensen Beds  https://www.linkedin.com/in/therese-haltuff-31300727/ - Therese Haltuff from Norsk Dun ( Norwegian down bedding)  Jensen Beds: https://jensen-beds.com/uk/ Norsk Dun: https://norskdun.no RDS (Responsible Down Standard): https://textileexchange.org/responsible-down-standard/ OEKO-TEX : https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/ Downpass: https://www.downpass.com/en/homepage/ Like this? Why not subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle.  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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

  6. 18. Mai

    Why we need Nature inside our Buildings - The Future of Healthy Buildings with Biophilic Design

    In this episode of the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast, we speak with landscape specialist Tom Palfreyman, whose work across commercial, hospitality, retail and workplace environments has focused on the principle that plants fundamentally change how people experience space. With more than twenty years’ involvement in interior and exterior landscaping, Tom has spent his career exploring how nature can improve the places where we work, rest and play,  and why maintenance, care and long-term thinking are just as important as the initial design itself.   As Tom reflects during the conversation, “Plants have transitioned from a nice-to-have decoration in the corner of the building to being an intrinsic essential part of any building.” It is a shift many designers are now recognising. The conversation around biophilic design has matured significantly over the past decade. What was once dismissed as aesthetic enhancement is increasingly understood as part of a much wider discussion around health, wellbeing, productivity, ecology and human resilience.   The heart of biophilic design beats out that human beings are not separate from nature, we are an intrinsic part of it. “We evolved to live outside,” Tom says. “That connection with nature, sadly, I believe, has been lost.”   Modern life has created increasingly artificial environments - sealed buildings, screen-based working, urban density and spaces designed more for efficiency than human experience. Yet our biology has not changed at the same pace as our architecture. Research across neuroscience, environmental psychology and workplace wellbeing continues to show that exposure to nature can reduce stress, restore attention, support cognitive performance and improve emotional wellbeing.   What becomes clear in this discussion is that successful biophilic design is never simply about adding greenery into a room. It is about creating meaningful and lasting relationships between people and living systems.   For Tom, this begins with understanding plants properly. “Putting the right plant in the right place so it’s happy, healthy, survives,” he explains. There is something important in that statement. Too often, planting schemes are treated as visual afterthoughts rather than living ecosystems requiring expertise, maintenance and long-term stewardship. The strongest biophilic projects understand that planting design is not decoration. It is infrastructure for wellbeing.   Tom highlights his collaboration with Dr. Craig Knight, emphasising the benefits of biophilic ‘enrichment’, a word maybe more commonly associated with ecology or animal wellbeing than commercial interiors. “Enrichment is a very, very strong part of what we do, putting the right plants in the right place,” he says. “If we can have engaged enrichment, then that is far more powerful.” Tom shares an example of a project with a pharmaceutical company where biophilic enrichment was introduced, leading to significant improvements in the work environment and prompting the company to adopt a global biophilic strategy.   This notion of engaged enrichment feels particularly relevant in workplaces today. Many office environments continue to struggle with issues of stress, disengagement and sensory fatigue. In contrast, spaces designed with visible natural systems, daylight, planting and moments of restoration often feel fundamentally different. They soften the intensity of modern working life and reintroduce cues of life, seasonality and care into daily experience.   Even relatively small interventions can have measurable impact. “Just one plant per four square meters can make a difference,” Tom notes, pointing to research that demonstrates improvements in wellbeing and engagement through relatively modest levels of planting integration.    Importantly, the placement of greenery matters as much as quantity. Tom speaks about focusing on “main areas of circulation, so entrance and exit points of the buildings, communal spaces, places where people are going to perhaps take a moment to recuperate.” These transitional spaces are psychologically significant. They shape first impressions, influence behaviour and provide opportunities for pause and recovery within otherwise fast-paced environments.   Biophilic design, at its best, works subtly in the background. A staircase wrapped in planting encourages movement differently. A naturally lit communal area changes how people gather. A view towards greenery can lower stress responses almost instantaneously. These are not superficial gestures; they alter the emotional atmosphere of buildings.   Tom shares the inspiring work that Square Mile Farms are doing, introducing edibles into the working environment, focusing on education, engagement, and community building. They create gardening clubs where people can harvest plants like basil, replant, and take home produce to make recipes like pesto. This initiative rekindles lost skills and encourages communication and interaction among people.   The conversation also raises an important challenge for the industry itself. As demand for biophilic design increases, so too does the need for skilled horticultural knowledge and maintenance expertise. “We need more people to see this industry as a career,” Tom says — a point that often receives too little attention within design discussions. Living systems require ongoing care, and the future of biophilic cities will depend not only on visionary designers, but also on the people who understand how to sustain and nurture these environments over time.   What Tom would like to see is a society where “plants in, on and around every building, in every location, all being looked after in the right way.”   It is a vision that speaks not only to aesthetics, but to responsibility. As cities densify and climate pressures intensify, integrating nature into the built environment is a necessity. Healthy buildings and healthy ecosystems cannot be treated as separate conversations.   Perhaps that is why the Biophilic Design movement resonates so deeply now. People are searching for spaces that feel alive. Spaces that restore rather than deplete. Spaces that acknowledge our innate need for connection with the natural world. As Tom puts it: “Plants are the secret weapon. We cannot forget how important they are in any environment.”     https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-palfreyman-56b792b/ https://www.squaremilefarms.com/ https://www.tvequestrian.co.uk/ https://plantsatwork.org.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigknightidr/     Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle.  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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

  7. 24. Apr.

    Is colour the missing link in Biophilic Design?

    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.    Colour Psychology seems to be a bit of a missing link in biophilic Design. Not a lot of people are talking about it but it is vitally important. We’ve all seen it—spaces drenched in beige, sterile white corridors, or overly vibrant hues that overpower instead of soothe. Spaces, especially healthcare environments, often neglect the impact colour can have on users of the space.    Karen shatters the myth of “neutral” colours being emotionally neutral altogether. Every colour triggers a response, whether it is positive or negative, each is embedded in our personal memories, cultural beliefs, and innate responses. For example, red energises or stimulates physical reactions, but excess can overwhelm. Blue can be calming or stimulating, depending on its shade and context. Recognising this nuanced language of colours allows designers to craft environments that truly support human health and behaviour. Whether it's selecting hues for a hospital or designing a peaceful workspace, understanding the emotional implications of colour creates spaces that nurture rather than numb.     3 ways we  relate to Colour – and how to use them!   Karen’s theory identifies three distinct ways we connect with colour: Personal Associations: Colours evoke memories and feelings unique to each individual. A bright yellow might remind someone of their childhood joy or a dull green might trigger childhood discomfort. These associations drive our preferences and aversions—so understanding clients’ personal ties to colours is key. Cultural Meanings: Deep-rooted beliefs shape cultural responses—red for luck in China, white as a symbol of death elsewhere. Ignoring these can cause disconnect in design choices for diverse spaces. Colour Psychology: Each hue has a spectrum of responses aligned with nature’s endless diversity. Recognising these layers allows designers to create intentionally harmonious spaces—be it a calming hospital room or an energetic collaborative zone.     Nature's palette can guide authentic Biophilic Design Nature’s colours can be perceived almost like a blueprint for emotional well-being. Karen emphasises the importance of sticking to true natural colours, no artificial greens or overly saturated hues. These colours, like the rust reds of autumn leaves or the soft lavender of seasonal blooms, carry intrinsic harmony and emotional resonance.    When designing with nature in mind, identify the desired outcome, calm, energy, focus and select natural hues that support these goals. For a high-energy space like a bustling office, vibrant reds or energizing oranges may work. In contrast, serene blues and gentle greens foster calm in healthcare or relaxation zones. But please avoid the cliché of “green and brown”, these are just two colours among many. True biophilic design encompasses the entire spectrum of natural colours, creating an ecosystem of shades that balance, connect, and heal.      Good biophilic design comes complete with a understanding of emotional language of colours.    Genuine biophilic design is rooted in understanding this language, aligning space with human innate responses, and collaborating across disciplines.    Whether it’s a hospital, office, or school, the goal is harmony, balancing energy levels, fostering comfort, encouraging productivity. This is achieved by starting from the outcomes and working backwards, what behaviours must be supported? What emotions should be evoked? Then, select colours accordingly. Remember, every space is an ecosystem, and our role is to nurture human-nature connection through thoughtful colour choices, never just following trends but listening to what nature and our psychology say.   When you understand the true language of colour, you wield a tool you can use to shape environments that heal, energise, and sustain us. Dive deeper with Karen Haller’s courses or consult her for tailored strategies. Start viewing spaces as living ecosystems filled with the colours of nature, inspired by human psychology, and crafted for well-being. Because colour can also help restore our innate connection to the natural world.     To find out more about Karen please connect with her: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_haller_colour   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHallerColourAndDesign   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhaller   Consulting https://karenhaller.com   Free design industry e-book https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook   Colour & Design courses https://karenhaller.com/courses   Little Book of Colour https://thelittlebookofcolour.com   Free first chapter https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter       Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle.  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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

  8. 14. Apr.

    The Future of Material Innovation and Biophilic Design: Insights from William Knight

    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.   Yes, natural waste and renewable sources are eco-friendly but they can also create  compelling products that challenge our assumptions and expand design possibilities.   Will’s own story began unconventionally, with his early career in the House of Commons. From navigating politics to working with the UK Design Council, his journey reflects a passion for shaping perceptions and pushing creative boundaries. His work has spanned exhibitions, festivals, and major design events, with a focus on how materials are the foundation of design innovation. Today,    Material Matters is a platform for exploring the pulse of material intelligence. Its an accessible, open conversation about process, resourcefulness, and ecological mindfulness. It’s about bringing transparency and democratising knowledge so everyone, from designers to end consumers, can make smarter, sustainable choices.   Designing for a Biophilic Future   One of the most exciting areas Will touches on is the role of biophilic design principles, the integration of natural elements into environments to foster wellbeing and sustainability. He reminds us that design is inherently reactive, it responds to market demand, manufacturing capabilities, and cultural shifts.   But the real game-changer?    Materials that mimic or derive directly from nature, like bio-based concrete infused with moss, or fungi-based textiles, enable us to create living buildings and products. William highlights an inspiring example: materials with embedded bio-growth, which grow, adapt, and even repair themselves. They embody nature’s resilience and regenerative capacity, leading us toward healthier, more adaptable spaces.  Designers can act as catalysts, demonstrating and advocating for natural, sustainable materials.  Success hinges on collaborating across sectors. Supply chains, manufacturing, regulation—each influences whether innovations reach the mainstream. We need inclusive platforms and storytelling, engaging property developers, clients, and end users in the process.    When supply chains embrace natural waste, local resources, and regenerative practices, scale becomes feasible, collaborative, cross-sector thinking is key. Regenerative and biophilic materials must be supported by resilient supply chains and more succinct regulation, a collective effort fuelled by shared knowledge and a willingness to challenge orthodoxies.   Your challenge: Think beyond the usual. Dive into local resources, embrace natural waste, and collaborate across disciplines to create environments that resonate deeply with human nature. The future of architecture and design is rooted in materials that are alive, local, and regenerative.   To find out more about Will and Material Matters check out these links below:   Material Matters: materialmatters.design Podcast (Apple Podcasts) - Material Matters with Grant Gibson: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/material-matters-with-grant-gibson/id1450375359 Bookshop: https://shop.materialmatters.design/     What is Biophilic Design? https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/what-is-biophilic-design   Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle.    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://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this, please subscribe!

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Info

Welcome to our podcast series from the Journal of Biophilic Design, where we interview workplace consultants, futurists, interior designers, architects, urban planners and those working in healthcare, wellbeing and other industries to find out the latest on Biophilic Design. www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Vanessa Champion, editor, Journal of Biophilic Design
  • Jahre aktiv
    2020 - 2026
  • Folgen
    100
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Content copyright Journal of Biophilic Design, opinions copyright the speaker.
  • Sendungswebsite
    Journal of Biophilic Design

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