Journal of 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 wher

"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." Covid-19 unexpectedly accelerated this perspective. Locked down populations rediscovered local green spaces. At the same time our connection to nature has diminished by 60% over two centuries. The pandemic became an unexpected reset button, highlighting the critical importance of accessible, high-quality green environments. But transforming cities requires more than good intentions. We need for innovative financial frameworks that recognise nature's intrinsic value. Natural capital approaches are emerging, attempting to quantify ecosystem services previously taken for granted. "We haven't been putting a monetary sign on what nature provides," he says. "We've just extracted and taken nature for granted." Plus, the economic benefits of more nature and biophilic placemaking helps provide equal access to high-quality green spaces, which we know can improve public health, reduce NHS pressures, mitigate climate impacts, and create more resilient, socially cohesive communities. Practical examples are already emerging. Projects like Manchester's Greater Manchester Environment Fund and initiatives in Copenhagen and New York demonstrate how cities can integrate nature-based solutions. In New York, green infrastructure plans showed returns ten times higher than traditional engineering approaches, at a third of the cost. The future of urban design isn't about uniformity, but about "hyper-local solutions to global system change". Each city, each neighbourhood needs its own nuanced approach, respecting local ecology and cultural distinctiveness. In addition, we should be designing public spaces that balance people, planet, and place; continuing interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with ecologists and water engineers; and maintaining a spirit of continuous innovation and learning. Community engagement is paramount. Successful urban restoration isn't imposed from above but co-created with local residents. Emerging stewardship models, like community interest companies managing green spaces, show promising alternatives to traditional top-down management. Looking towards 2050, we have cause to be optimistic. "We've never had so many mechanisms at our disposal," he says. Regenerative design could be the bridge connecting different disciplines, creating holistic solutions to complex urban challenges. Just imagine a world where everyone has a view of nature from where they live, with high-quality green spaces within a 10-minute walk. This would fundamentally reshape our relationship with urban environments. Ludo will be speaking at the Biophilic Design Conference on 17 November, Click here to find out more and book your online and in person tickets (plus watch on catch up!): https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/biophilic-design-conference To find out more about some of the project that Ludo was speaking about in the podcast look at: https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/hubs/future-ready-landscapes https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/projects/islington-council-and-wsp-explore-pathways-to-finance-nature-in-cities https://www.wsp.com/-/media/insights/uk/documents/wsp-biodiversity-in-the-city.pdf https://www.tcpa.org.uk/areas-of-work/new-towns/long-term-stewardship/ https://barkingriverside.london/ https://commonland.com/4-returns-framework/ https://naturetownsandcities.org.uk/ https://mayfieldpark.com/ https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/projects/earls-court-development https://www.c40.org/case-studies/c40-good-practice-guides-copenhagen-cloudburst-management-plan/ https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/environment/cloudburst.page https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/water/stormwater/green-infrastructure/nyc-green-infrastructure-plan-2010.pdf - key take away: “the overall cost of the Green Infrastructure Plan would be approximately $5.3 billion, $1.5 billion less than the $6.8 billion required for the Grey Strategy”. “After a 20-year period, DEP estimates that New Yorkers would receive between $139 million and $418 million in additional benefits through reduced energy bills, increased property values, and improved health”

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. We chat about Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater house perched over a waterfall and how architect Richard Neutra would spend entire weekends with families, observing their daily routines to design homes that perfectly supported their lifestyle. We also explore how technological innovations like air conditioning and steel construction opened up radical new possibilities for design. Technology played a crucial role in the US Modernist movement. The advent of air conditioning, steel construction, and large glass panels allowed architects to create open, light-filled spaces that blurred indoor and outdoor boundaries. California, with its stunning landscapes and consistent climate, became a laboratory for these experimental designs. For anyone curious about design, architecture, or how our surroundings impact our wellbeing, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, get inspired, and discover how great design can transform our connection to the world around us. Want to dive deeper? Visit US Modernist's website or check out their podcast for more architectural adventures. https://www.usmodernist.org 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. Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com 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://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this,please subscribe!

"We're facing enormous challenges - climate crisis, biodiversity loss, social and economic inequity. These are complex, interlinked issues that we cannot solve by simply focusing on embedded and operational carbon." In the urgent battle against climate change, the built environment stands at a critical crossroads. Oliver Heath, well known global biophilic design expert, explains how Biophilic Design offers a transformative approach that goes far beyond superficial sustainability efforts. Biophilic design represents a holistic solution, reimagining our built spaces as living, breathing ecosystems that support not just human health, but the wellbeing of all life. It's a radical departure from traditional sustainability approaches that narrowly target carbon reduction. Oliver argues that true sustainability requires a systemic approach. "We need to take a wider view, not just a carbon tunnel vision," he emphasises. This means considering interconnected challenges like resource scarcity, water crises, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. The key lies in understanding our fundamental connection to nature. Biophilic design recognises that humans have an evolutionary inheritance - a genetic predisposition to connect with natural environments. By integrating natural elements, patterns, and sensory experiences into our buildings, we can create spaces that simultaneously support human health and environmental sustainability. Addressing the greenwashing epidemic, Oliver suggests a multi-faceted approach. "It's not just about putting plants in a corner," he warns. Instead, organisations must consider the entire lifecycle of materials, from sourcing to disposal, and how each design decision impacts broader ecological systems. Practical implementation involves several critical strategies: 1. Pre- and Post-Occupancy Evaluations Companies can measure the real impact of design interventions. In one project with Knight Frank, targeted biophilic design interventions resulted in remarkable outcomes: an 18% increase in productivity, 22% improvement in meetings, and a 28% boost in overall wellbeing. 2. Diverse and Inclusive Design Recognising that people experience environments differently, biophilic design creates spaces that support various sensory needs. "Over 15% of the population is neurodivergent," Heath notes. "We must design environments that support everyone's comfort and potential." 3. Comprehensive Standards While current building regulations fall short, non-mandatory standards like the WELL Building Standard and Living Building Challenge provide frameworks for genuine sustainable practices. These standards look beyond carbon, examining air quality, materials, water usage, and community impact. The economic argument is compelling. Buildings designed with biophilic principles are more likely to retain value, attract talent, and reflect progressive organizational values. As Heath puts it, "Companies are recognising that nature connection isn't just aesthetic - it's a fundamental strategy for creating more successful, innovative environments." Case studies demonstrate the potential. A project with John Lewis transformed residential spaces by creating a "green thread of wellbeing" - integrating natural elements from external gardens through interior spaces, enhancing community connection and individual wellbeing. Education is crucial. Interior Design Declares, a movement Oliver helped establish, encourages professionals to commit to regenerative design principles. Their 12 pledges focus on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and challenging traditional design approaches. "The biophilic future is already here," Heath argues, adapting a quote from author William Gibson. "It's just not very evenly distributed." For businesses, designers, and policymakers, sustainable design must be holistic, considering the intricate web of human and ecological interactions. Biophilic design offers a comprehensive framework that goes beyond carbon reduction, creating spaces that genuinely support life in all its complexity. As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, biophilic design isn't just an option - it's a necessity. It represents a profound reimagining of our relationship with the built environment, where every design decision becomes an opportunity to support, regenerate, and celebrate life. Oliver will be speaking at the Biophilic Design Conference London 2025 www.biophilicdesignconference.com https://www.oliverheathdesign.com Design a Healthy Home: https://www.oliverheathdesign.com/our-projects/book-design-a-healthy-home Biophilic Design in the Home course: https://oliverheathdesignschool.thinkific.com/ If you like this, please subscribe! 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. Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com 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://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign If you like this, please subscribe!

If two people could combat our growing urban disconnection, it is Adam White and Andrée Davies of Davies White Limited. I met them at our first Biophilic Design Conference at the Barbican, and immediately warmed to their infectious passion for better landscape design. Design which helps reimagine spaces from playgrounds to hospitals through a beautiful and playful biophilic lens, pulling on our emotional responses to nature. They construct, if you will, beautiful narratives of human-nature coexistence. Instead of viewing landscapes as static backdrops, they help encourage us to understand them as dynamic, living systems that actively shape human experience and ecological health. I think it’s the creativity I love most about their work. The balance of science, planning and artistry. Their approach is rooted in a deep understanding of ecological systems and human psychology. With projects ranging from micro-forest playgrounds to hospital gardens, each is designed to restore our biophilic fundamental relationship with the natural world. Take their recent West London micro-forest playground project. By densely planting trees and creating intricate ecological landscapes, they're not merely designing a play area, but constructing a living classroom. The project embodies their core belief: that understanding nature begins with immersive, tactile experiences. Those of us who live and breathe biophilic design, this philosophy aligns with scientific research. Studies consistently demonstrate that exposure to natural environments reduces stress, enhances cognitive function, and promotes emotional well-being. Adam himself references Florence Williams' "The Nature Fix", which explores how nature can make us "happier, healthier, and more creative". Also, their approach supports the positive economic argument for biophilic design. Their pocket park project in London demonstrated that nature-rich spaces can increase property values and biodiversity simultaneously. Plus, a collaboration with Anglian Water explored how housing developments could integrate resilient, nature-focused landscapes, and they are advocating a new “Resilient Garden” rating, which like the EPC rating on a house, could add value to a property if reported along with a house sale. I think this is a brilliant idea. It will get real estate developers and property owners totally thinking differently about their homes and land. This "resilient garden and landscape accreditation scheme" would be an ecological equivalent to energy ratings for buildings. This could revolutionise how we value and integrate natural systems into our built environment Policy is slowly catching up. The introduction of a Natural History GCSE this September (which they both, along with others, including Mary Colwell I interviewed a couple of years back) represents a significant milestone. "If children don't understand nature, they won't appreciate it, and if they don't appreciate it, they won't protect it," Adam recalls Sir David Attenborough telling him – a statement that has become a guiding principle for their work. "We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing," Adam reminds us, and their hospital design interventions are creative, beautiful and indeed playful. By creating gardens with living elements like water pumps, rabbits, and carefully selected native plants, they transform clinical spaces into healing ecosystems. These actively support patient recovery. As climate change accelerates, landscape architecture becomes a critical tool for resilience. Their designs are also adaptive systems that can mitigate environmental challenges while supporting human and ecological well-being. What I love about their work is that they challenge the notion that sustainable design is prohibitively expensive. By using creative, low-cost interventions like raised planting containers and willow pods, they demonstrate that ecological design can be accessible and scalable. I have to call out one specific example of climate resilience from their work, and that is at Nene Park Trust in Cambridgeshire. They used swales to manage water collection during heavy rainfall. These swales are designed to be both functional and interactive, with bridges and stepping stones that children can use to cross them. Their conscious approach to help with water management through strategically designed swales, planting of resilient vegetation that can thrive in changing conditions and creating a playful landscape that serves both ecological and recreational purposes really deserves visiting and using as an exemplar of best practice. They've been working with the park trust for 15 years, and when they revisited the site recently, they were impressed by how the planting had thrived in conditions that might typically challenge other landscapes. Andrée shared that we need a better understanding "nature's time" - recognising that landscapes develop and improve over years, with plants establishing and becoming more robust over time. This approach is inherently climate-resilient, as it focuses on creating adaptable, living systems rather than static, rigid designs. As the next generation of designers emerges – armed with natural history education and a deep ecological consciousness – we hope we can anticipate even more transformative approaches to landscape design. The message is clear. Design is not about creating spaces for humans but creating spaces with humans as PART of a complex, interconnected ecological system. Biophilic landscape architecture is a powerful tool for healing our disconnection from the natural world. RHS Back to Nature - Design Engagement - https://www.davieswhite.co.uk/nature-play-workshop Davies White Ltd Landscape Architects - https://www.davieswhite.co.uk/ If you like this, please subscribe! 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. Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com 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://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign

The concept of eudaimonia, rooted in Aristotelian philosophy, is more than just happiness. Eudaimonia represents a state of good spirit and the realisation of one's full potential. It's about creating environments that support individuals in becoming their best selves across different life stages and circumstances. I sat down with Jenna Mikus to explore the concept and find out how we can weave this into Biophilic Design. Jenna is founder of the Eudae Group and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne, and focuses on this concept, bridging engineering, philosophy, and design to create spaces that truly support human flourishing. Eudaimonia manifests itself in Jenna's recent projects across healthcare and educational settings. In hospitals, she challenges traditional design creating spaces that support all users of the space, staff, patients and families. Imagine healing environments with dedicated family zones, access to natural views, and carefully curated sensory experiences that help process difficult emotions. All of this will resonate with Biophilic Designers. Jenna’s own professional journey is anything but conventional. With a background in mechanical engineering, art history, and business, she represents the antithesis of traditional siloed thinking. Her career trajectory—from government consulting to architectural design—reflects a deep commitment to understanding how environments can profoundly impact human experience. In educational spaces, Jenna advocates for neuro-inclusive design. We need classrooms with varied lighting zones, comfortable materials, and flexible spaces that accommodate different learning styles. The goal is to create environments that inspire learning by understanding how space can activate creativity and engagement. All these things are also woven into Biophilic Design. In our conversation she shares that we can all bring these large-scale learnings into small-scale real-world situations. When her father experienced a serious health crisis, Jenna applied her design principles directly. By carefully controlling environmental factors—ensuring good air quality, playing classical music he loved, and creating visual references to positive memories—she supported his cognitive recovery. Just like the Journal of Biophilic Design, crucially, Jenna emphasises breaking down disciplinary barriers. She sees innovation happening in the "messy middle" between traditional fields, advocating for a more holistic, collaborative approach to design. This means bringing together engineers, architects, psychologists, and other professionals to create truly comprehensive solutions. Biophilic design plays a central role in this approach. Drawing inspiration from indigenous philosophies that emphasize human connection with place, Jenna believes our environments should reflect our fundamental need to connect with nature. It's not just about adding plants or windows but creating meaningful interactions between human spaces and natural systems. Her vision extends beyond individual buildings to broader societal transformation. By designing with empathy, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of human needs, we can create spaces that support individual and collective well-being. This approach recognizes that our built environments are not just physical structures, but active participants in human experience. When asked to paint the world with a "magic brush of biophilia," Jenna envisions a landscape of open-mindedness, beautiful light, and empowering interactions. She sees design as a tool for uplifting individuals, societies, and planetary health—achieving a symbiotic relationship that allows humans to truly flourish. Her upcoming presentation at the Biophilic Design Conference promises to further explore these ideas, offering insights into how we can reimagine design as a holistic practice that supports human potential. For architects, designers, and anyone interested in creating more supportive environments, Jenna offers a compelling message: Design is not just about creating spaces, but about nurturing human potential. By understanding the deep psychological and philosophical dimensions of our built environment, we can create spaces that don't just shelter us, but actively support our growth, creativity, and well-being. I was so happy to interview Jenna, as I love her interdisciplinary approach. It’s important to remind ourselves that thoughtful, empathetic design can be a powerful catalyst for individual and collective transformation. Biophilic Design helps us articulate this into the real world. To find out more about Jenna and Eudaimonia, connect with her on LinkedIn, her Google Scholar page and visit the Harvard FxD page. Also check out Conscious Centre for Design, and the International WELL Building Institute, Also she would like to extend the opportunity to submit a chapter for an upcoming book she is editing visit this link. Book tickets to see Jenna at Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com If you like this, please subscribe! 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. Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com

Architects are increasingly recognising that our built environments do more than shelter us—they fundamentally shape our physical and mental wellbeing. Dr Tuwanda Green, a leading expert in biophilic design, an architect, and who sits on the board of the Biophilic Institute, has over 32 years of architectural experience including working for government design projects, and holds a doctorate in architecture from Virginia Tech. She argues that thoughtfully designed spaces using the principles of Biophilia can actually alter our genetic expression and improve generational health. Tuwanda is an expert on Epigenetics—a field of genetic research. In our conversation she explains how environmental factors can switch genes on and off without changing DNA sequences. Think of epigenetic markers like "gumballs" stuck to our genetic code, potentially influencing everything from stress responses to disease susceptibility. "These markers can be passed down through generations," explains Tuwanda. "A stressful, nature-deprived environment could potentially transmit negative genetic expressions to our children, while nurturing, nature-connected spaces might help reverse these markers." Recent scientific studies support this perspective. Research has consistently demonstrated that exposure to green spaces correlates with significant health improvements: - Reduced cardiovascular disease risks - Lower blood pressure - Decreased stress hormone levels - Improved cognitive function - Enhanced mental health and emotional regulation In our Journal of Biophilic Design podcast and the articles in the Journal itself, we often talk about how green spaces aren't just aesthetic additions—they're critical health interventions. Tuwanda here, shares that by incorporating natural elements like water features, organic shapes, natural lighting, and plant life, architects can create environments that actively support human physiological and psychological functioning. The principles of biophilic design extend beyond mere decoration. They're rooted in understanding human evolutionary biology. Our bodies are fundamentally designed for natural environments, with sensory systems finely tuned to detect subtle environmental cues. Modern buildings often disconnect us from these innate biological rhythms. "We've existed as homo sapiens for millennia in natural settings," Tuwanda emphasises. "Our brains are still processing environmental information subconsciously, seeking safety, resources, and connection." Practical biophilic design strategies include: - Maximising natural light exposure - Creating visual connections with nature - Incorporating water features and natural sounds - Using organic, textured materials - Designing spaces that encourage movement and social interaction Tuwanda's own community at Serenbe (where the Biophilic Institute is based) exemplifies these principles. Curved streets, clustered housing, centralized communal spaces, and abundant green trails naturally encourage neighbourly interactions and physical activity. The potential societal implications are profound. By redesigning our environments with human biology in mind, we could potentially: - Reduce chronic stress - Improve community cohesion - Support mental health - Mitigate intergenerational trauma - Create more resilient, adaptive human populations As climate change and urbanisation accelerate, biophilic design offers a holistic approach to human-centred architecture. It's not just about creating beautiful spaces, but about understanding and supporting our fundamental biological needs. "Design creates communities. Well-designed environments can foster connection, support health, and potentially even contribute to world peace." Our built environments are powerful determinants of human health. By embracing biophilic design principles, we can create spaces that don't just house us, but actively heal and nurture us. If you like this, please subscribe! 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. Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com 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://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign

Biophilic design is not just an aesthetic choice, but a critical evolution in workplace design. As work becomes increasingly digital and flexible, the traditional office is transforming into a dynamic, nature-integrated environment. We speak with Jeremy Myerson, design writer and Professor Emeritus in the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, who argues that the future workplace must move beyond sterile, industrial spaces to create settings that support human well-being, align with natural rhythms, and enhance productivity. This means incorporating elements like natural light, green spaces, vertical gardens, and designs that connect workers with the natural world. The post-pandemic workplace is no longer about containing workers, but about creating flexible, health-affirming spaces that recognize humans as part of a living ecosystem. Biophilic design, in Jeremy's vision, is the key to reimagining work as an holistic experience that nurtures both human potential and ecological connection. He shares with us highlights from his recent book "Unworking," and traces the fascinating evolution of workplace design and champions biophilic principles as a critical solution to our modern work challenges. The journey begins with agrarian societies, where work was intimately connected to nature - tasks performed on kitchen tables, in fields, and closely aligned with natural rhythms. The industrial revolution dramatically changed this relationship, creating artificial, efficiency-driven environments that systematically separated workers from the natural world. “We created an artificial internal environment in which to work, and the idea of technology, process and industrialisation was very much about conquering nature and resisting nature and separating nature from how we work. We pushed nature back at the end of the 19th century. We kept it at bay during the 20th century. And now we're beginning to think, well, actually, more natural ways of working, outdoor space, access to natural light and clean air, closeness to plants and greenery. All of this helps working life, but we're having to kind of put in a superhuman effort to try and bring back something that was naturally part of our existence. There's a certain irony in that there.” Workplaces became sterile containers designed to maximize productivity, with little consideration for human well-being or natural connections. Jeremy identifies three distinct phases of workplace evolution: the age of efficiency, the age of community, and the age of network. Each phase represents a gradual recognition that workers are not machines, but complex beings who thrive in more holistic environments. Today, we're entering a transformative fourth phase where biophilic design isn't just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental requirement. Digital technologies have liberated work from fixed locations, allowing for more flexible, nature-integrated approaches. For Jeremy, biophilic design extends beyond mere aesthetics. It's about creating environments that support human health, productivity, and well-being. His work with the Healthy City Design Congress emphasizes reconnecting public health with urban planning - a relationship that was intrinsic during the Victorian era but was lost during industrialization. We discuss innovative workplaces like GSK's London headquarters, which features a vertical farm, sit-stand desks, and carefully managed work environments. Booking.com's Amsterdam office demonstrates how biophilic principles can create socially permeable spaces that connect with broader community needs. Biophilia in society extends beyond individual workspaces and places to entire urban landscapes. Jeremy advocates for the "15-minute city" concept, where essential services are accessible within a short walk or cycle, for example Paris design. This approach integrates nature, reduces car dependency, and creates more human-centric urban environments. "We're trying to reconnect something that industrialisation broke," Jeremy says. His magic brush of biophilia would paint cities with more vegetation, slower traffic, and spaces that prioritize human and ecological well-being. The future of work, according to Jeremy, is not about returning to traditional office models but creating diverse, flexible strategies that blend work and life. Hybrid working, technological integration, and biophilic design are key components of this transformation. For Jeremy, biophilic design represents more than an architectural trend. It's a fundamental reimagining of how we interact with our environments, recognising that human productivity and well-being are intrinsically linked to our connection with nature. If we embrace biophilic principles, we can create environments that support human potential, ecological sustainability, and a more holistic approach to work and urban living. Find out more about the Health City Awards 2025, which aim to celebrate and recognise professional and research excellence in the design and planning of healthy and sustainable cities and communities around the world, with entries being accepted until 4 September 2025. https://www.healthycitydesign.global/images/uploads/docs/HCD2025_Awards_Call_for_Entries.pdf To enter visit: https://www.healthycitydesign.global/awards/submission-process To learn more about the Worktech academy: https://www.worktechacademy.com If you like this, please subscribe! 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. Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com 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://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign