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

    Digital Nature. Is your smartphone your Secret Weapon for Mental Health and Healing?
    2025/10/15
    Did you know 10 million people watched a single episode of Planet Earth – the same number who visit national parks annually? We're hungry for nature, even if we can't always access it directly. Imagine escaping the concrete jungle without leaving your desk. What if your smartphone could transport you to a misty bluebell woodland or the thundering heart of an Icelandic volcano? Welcome to the future of nature connection – where technology becomes your gateway to mental restoration. We speak with environmental psychologist Dr Alex Smalley about his research on virtual nature and Tim Daniels co-founder of Portal, both are names to watch in this beautiful revolution in how we experience the natural world. "We've always tried to bring nature indoors," explains Dr. Alex Smalley. From ancient cave paintings, ancient Roman wall paintings right through to modern digital experiences, humans have always craved a connection to the natural world. But this isn't about replacing real nature. It's about expanding our understanding of how we can experience it. For the stressed-out healthcare worker pulling a double shift, the burned-out student cramming for exams, or the city dweller trapped in a windowless office, digital nature offers a lifeline. Scientific research shows these experiences aren't just pretty pictures – they're powerful mental health tools. Alex’s research is proving that digital nature can actually change how our brains process pain and stress. In clinical studies, people experiencing virtual natural environments reported reduced pain perception and lower stress levels. It's like a mini-vacation for your brain, available at the touch of a button. Tim, Portal's co-founder, sees something even bigger. "We're not just creating an app," he says. "We're addressing major global crises – from mental health to climate change – by reconnecting people with nature." For younger generations, digital natives who've grown up with screens, these experiences are revolutionary. Instead of mindless scrolling, imagine using your phone to transport yourself to a dawn chorus, to feel the gentle awakening of a forest, to experience moments of pure wonder. "These digital experiences can stimulate small bumps of awe," Smalley explains. "They force you to reevaluate your mental frameworks, put your problems in perspective, and feel connected to something bigger." It's not about replacing real-world experiences. It's about creating bridges, about offering nature as an accessible resource for everyone. Imagine the possibilities:- Hospitals using nature sounds to support patient recovery- Schools using digital landscapes to calm and focus students- Workplaces offering nature breaks to reduce stress- Individuals finding moments of peace in their most challenging times Portal captures nature with breathtaking precision – 8K visuals, spatial audio that makes you feel like you're truly there. A thunderstorm isn't just a sound; it's an experience that can unlock feelings of wonder, reduce stress, and reconnect you with the natural world. "It's never too late to build a connection to nature," Alex emphasizes. And now, that connection is quite literally in your pocket. For Tim, it's deeply personal. The platform was inspired by his brother's transformative experience camping in New Zealand – discovering how nature could heal burnout, restore mental health, and provide a sense of wonder. What if technology could be a force for healing? What if our devices could remind us that we're part of something larger than our daily stress? It does seem that our world is becoming more urban, more digital, more disconnected, but technology doesn't have to isolate us – it can reconnect us. A dead hotel TV screen becomes a window to volcanic landscapes. A smartphone transforms into a portal to misty forests. Stress dissolves with the sound of a dawn chorus. Something that I really liked when I asked Alex how he would paint the world with a magic brush of Biophilia (the question I ask everyone who comes onto the podcast) he said: "I'd paint the world wild and unkempt, with oak saplings emerging from tangles of brambles.” For me, this seemed a perfect metaphor for how digital and natural worlds can coexist and enrich each other. Your next mental health solution might just be a click away. Are you ready to reconnect? https://portal.app/https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/20047-dr-alex-smalley virtual-nature.comhttps://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Healing-Power-of-Nature-Podcast/B0CLVVLF7T 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.comCredits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts. Listen to our...
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  • Beyond Carbon - Oliver Heath on Biophilic Regenerative Design

    Beyond Carbon - Oliver Heath on Biophilic Regenerative Design
    2025/10/07
    "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 EvaluationsCompanies 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 DesignRecognising 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 StandardsWhile 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.comDesign a Healthy Home: https://www.oliverheathdesign.com/our-projects/book-design-a-healthy-homeBiophilic 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 ...
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    57 分
  • Playa Viva - where Biophilia meets Living Ecology

    Playa Viva - where Biophilia meets Living Ecology
    2025/09/18
    Nestled along Mexico's Pacific coast, David Leventhal's Playa Viva is redefining hospitality through a radical commitment to regenerative design. More than just a boutique hotel, it's a living ecosystem where architecture breathes, nature flows freely, and every material tells a story of sustainability.Imagine waking in a treehouse suspended among palm trees, with no doors or windows—just an uninterrupted connection to the landscape. This is Leventhal's vision: hospitality that doesn't just minimize environmental impact, but actively regenerates it.The resort's structures are poetry in natural materials. Bamboo "bones" form parabolic roofs, carefully woven and raised by hand. Shower floors become canvases of meticulously placed pebbles, each stone positioned with artisan precision. Wall pigments are sourced locally—rich oranges and browns extracted directly from mountain landscapes, mixed with unconventional ingredients like hay, horse manure, and even turtle eggshells."We're not just building rooms," Leventhal explains, "we're creating experiences that transform how humans interact with environment."This transformation begins with radical design choices. Solar panels provide 100% off-grid electricity. Air conditioning is minimised, with innovative systems like the "Evening Breeze" technology cooling only specific areas. The goal isn't comfort through separation, but comfort through connection.The resort sits on 200 acres of regenerating landscape, including a critical turtle sanctuary. Local community members—many former poachers—now protect endangered turtle species, releasing hatchlings at dawn under careful supervision.The broader ReSiMar project demonstrates Leventhal's systemic approach to ecological restoration. Starting from mountain headwaters and extending to the coastline, this watershed regeneration initiative has already documented remarkable recoveries, including recent jaguar sightings in the Sierra Madre Mountains.What makes Playa Viva revolutionary isn't just its sustainable infrastructure, but its philosophical approach. Each design decision emerges from deep respect for place—understanding geological, anthropological, and ecological histories before a single structure is built.Guests aren't passive observers but active participants in this regenerative narrative. Yoga retreats, farm experiences, and community engagement transform vacationing from consumption to connection. The resort's B-Corp certification and recent Michelin keys underscore its commitment to excellence through ecological integrity.Leventhal's background in media and technology might seem an unlikely pathway to ecological design. Yet his journey reveals how personal transformation drives systemic change. "Change happens little by little," he reflects, "until it happens all at once."This philosophy permeates every aspect of Playa Viva. The manta ray-inspired treehouses, the infinity casita with its locally sourced manufactured wood, the organic farm—each element represents a deliberate choice to work with, not against, natural systems.For travellers seeking more than a temporary escape, Playa Viva offers a glimpse of possible futures. Here, luxury isn't about isolation and excess, but about deep, meaningful engagement with living landscapes.As climate challenges intensify, Leventhal's model provides a compelling blueprint. Regenerative design isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. By reimagining hospitality as a collaborative dance with ecological systems, Playa Viva demonstrates that sustainable travel can be both profoundly beautiful and transformative.The resort whispers an essential truth: humans aren't separate from nature, but integral participants in complex, interconnected living systems. And in that understanding lies our most profound opportunity for healing—one treehouse, one turtle, one thoughtfully placed pebble at a time.https://www.playaviva.comhttps://oceanfdn.org/projects/la-tortuga-viva/Have a listen to the podcast we did with Louis Thompson, partner of Nomadic Resorts mentioned by David. Louis and his partner designed rooms at Playa Viva https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcast-journal-of-biophilic-design/nomadic-resorts-biophilic-design-hotels 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 Conferencewww.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: 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/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/...
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    45 分
  • Landscape and Play with Biophilic Design

    Landscape and Play with Biophilic Design
    2025/09/01
    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 ...
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  • The Urgent Need for Urban Trees

    The Urgent Need for Urban Trees
    2025/08/21
    Cities face unprecedented environmental challenges, and it’s no secret that trees offer multiple solutions: reducing urban temperatures, mitigating noise pollution, improving air quality, and supporting mental and physical health. So why then aren’t we planting trees wherever there’s opportunity? As Biophilic Design practitioners, we can help hold this door open to help explain why we need them and how to do it. Sue James is the Convenor for the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG), which brings together individuals, professionals, academics and organisations from wide ranging disciplines in both the public and private sectors to improve knowledge and good practice to support the role of urban trees through better collaboration in the planning, design, construction and management and maintenance of our urban places. We chat through the challenges, the opportunities and also how Biophilic Designers can get involved and help transform society, health and ultimately our planet.One of the primary obstacles to widespread urban tree planting, according to Sue, is the perceived maintenance burden. Councils and developers often view trees as costly and complicated. However, TDAG research demonstrates that with strategic planning, tree maintenance can be minimal and cost-effective."If you plant the right tree in the right place, with proper initial care, maintenance becomes remarkably simple.” Do have a look at the practical guides TDAG have developed to help communities and professionals navigate tree planting challenges.If you are wanting to share the benefits of urban trees, which extend far beyond environmental considerations, learn a bit more about how tree-lined streets can benefit society. For instance they increase property values, reduce urban temperatures by up to 4 degrees, potentially save the NHS money through improved public health and of course the obvious one, create more attractive, liveable and desirable urban spaces.Grassroots Tree Planting InitiativesLet’s also not forget the power of local people. There are many examples of community involvement, and you can find out about local tree planting groups across the UK who are already making significant impacts and get involved with, or support from them. These groups often achieve more successful plantings than official programmes because of their hands-on, passionate approach.So what if you’re thinking about taking practical steps to support community action? Did you know that you are likely to have a local tree officer? Find out who your nearest one is. Explore community forest networks, engage with school parent-teacher associations, connect with organisations like Trees for Cities and of course use the online resources on TDAG and join their seminars which are free.A crucial aspect of Sue and TDAG’s work involves education. Through her involvement with Teach the Future, she advocates integrating climate and nature studies across all school subjects, believing that informed younger generations can drive meaningful change.Sue is also calling for comprehensive land use frameworks that integrate trees and green infrastructure into urban planning. She suggests local authorities should develop clear tree strategies that provide developers with consistent, achievable green space requirements.As Sue says, “We need to bring people and nature together as partners, rather than antagonists.” Wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone of us reading this or listening to the interview, did something to change our local street, village or town. We planted a tree, got involved in the local tree planting groups or even better when we specified, we advocated for tree-lined boulevards and amazing arboreal environments. They don’t need to be perfect, manicured spaces but living, breathing urban environments where humans and nature coexist and mutually benefit.Every individual, community group, and organisation has a role to play in creating greener, more resilient cities.Resources like the Trees and Design Action Group's website offer free guides and inspiration. By sharing knowledge, challenging outdated perceptions, and taking practical steps, we can transform our urban landscapes. To find out more visit TDAG (Tree Design Action Group) website: https://www.tdag.org.u*Book your ticket to see Sue and TDAG at The Biophilic Design Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com The Biophilic Quality Matric (for building design) , University of Sydney - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266679162500003XEdge Debate - debates and papers are here: www.edgedebate.com Teach the Future is here - https://www.teachthefuture.uk/ Rockstrom and Tim Lenten - global tipping points 2025 -https://global-tipping-points.org/?team=johan-rockstrom )https://global-tipping-points.org/conference-2025/conference-statement/The second guide in their two-part series on Canopy Cover is now available and free to download here. This guide outlines how ...
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    58 分
  • Biophilic Eudaimonia

    Biophilic Eudaimonia
    2025/08/20
    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. ...
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    47 分
  • How to Design a Biophilic Community

    How to Design a Biophilic Community
    2025/08/11
    Nestled in the Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, is Serenbe, the biophilic community leading the wellness real estate and agrihood movements. It is a neighbourhood focused on wellbeing, full of fresh food and fresh air. This community is set among acres of preserved forests and meadows with miles of nature trails that connect homes and restaurants with arts and businesses.Importantly it is a real-world example of Biophilic Design in a community development that can help us reimagine urban and town planning. We speak with Steve Nygren, Founder and CEO who shares with us his love of biophilia and how this is woven through Serenbe, a beautiful and practical reimagining of how we can live in harmony with nature. More than just a development, Serenbe is a living, breathing testament to Biophilic Design and the profound connection between human well-being and the natural world.When Steve purchased a farm near Atlanta with his family, they discovered that this close connection to nature fundamentally changed their lives. "I saw how we all responded when we connected back to nature," he reflects. With 1,200 residents, Serenbe demonstrates that sustainable, nature-integrated communities aren't just possible—they're desirable, and this goes beyond architecture, it's about creating living systems that nurture human potential.Serenbe continues to evolve, with plans for an expanded educational campus. Plus, and watch out for updates in the press, an aging-in-place community promoting intergenerational living.Steve bridges scientific understanding with emotional experience. While research increasingly validates biophilic design's benefits, he emphasises that the heart understands what science is only beginning to measure. "We are innately connected to nature," he says, and highlights how our intuitive feelings are confirmed by rigorous scientific research.Start in your own backyard.Steve's upcoming book, "Start in Your Own Backyard," extends this philosophy, encouraging individuals to create change in their immediate environments.For those wanting to apply Serenbe's principles globally, Steve offers simple advice. Start where you have influence. Whether it's redesigning a neighbourhood, creating community gardens, or advocating for nature-integrated urban planning, every action matters. His book is out in October. https://stevenygren.com As Paul Hawken (author of Carbon) said of the book: “This is an extraordinary true-life story of transformation with worldwide implications.”And designing communities with Biophilic Design on a global scale… Intentional design with carefully planned communities can transform neighbourhoods, communities, cities and dare I say it, even countries. If you are a designer, planner, real estate owner, influencer of any of these, by following the Serenbe pattern some of the things you will be looking at incorporating will be integrating nature within 450 feet of every home, create walkable, interconnected spaces, promote multi-generational living and support local agriculture and food systems.All of this will create Holistic Well-being. The Serenbe Biophilic community proves that design can naturally improve health. Residents report losing weight, feeling more connected, and experiencing enhanced mental well-being—simply by living in a nature-integrated environment.Plus, there’s the Community Connection. The simple design elements like communal mailboxes create spontaneous social interactions, demonstrating how physical spaces can foster human connections.When asked to paint the world with a biophilic brush, Steve envisions a landscape that embraces nature—not separate from civilisation but woven into human experience.Serenbe isn't just a community, it's a living blueprint for how humans can reimagine their relationship with the natural world. It proves that when we design with nature, we design for human flourishing.Steve will be speaking at our Biophilic Design Conference 17 November 2025 Westminster London www.biophilicdesignconference.com please come!https://www.serenbe.comTo find our more and pre-order the book visit https://stevenygren.comIf 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.comCredits: 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/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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    48 分
  • Architecture, Epigenetics, Biophilia and Human Health

    Architecture, Epigenetics, Biophilia and Human Health
    2025/08/05
    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 regulationIn 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 interactionTuwanda'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 populationsAs 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 Conferencewww.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: 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/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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    54 分