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  • The School of Biophilia

    The School of Biophilia
    2025/07/14

    The School of Biophilia seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural environment through a comprehensive and innovative educational approach. By creating accessible, curriculum-aligned teaching resources that seamlessly integrate biophilic principles across different subjects, they aim to make nature education engaging and meaningful for children of all backgrounds. The founders of The School of Biophilia, Ann Vanner and Amelia Chasey, envision a future where biophilic principles are fundamental to education, design, and personal lifestyle choices.

    Their approach goes beyond traditional nature activities by developing interactive experiences that encourage children to explore and interact with their environment, even in urban settings. Through methods like nature scavenger hunts, storytelling, and carefully designed workshops, they help children understand not just the what, but the why of their connection to nature.

    A key aspect of their mission is making biophilic education inclusive and available to all children, regardless of their school's resources. By providing digital downloads, lesson plans, and workshops that can be easily implemented, they ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the natural world.


    They want to make biophilic principles accessible to all children, not just those in privileged schools. They highlighted a shocking statistic that current UK children spend less time outdoors than prisoners, which they see as a critical issue to address. Teaching children that humans are part of nature, not separate from it is a vital key to encouraging awareness and respect of our natural world (and each other). By breaking down educational silos and encouraging collective, community-based learning, The School of Biophilia aims to help children understand our interconnectedness with natural systems.


    The School of Biophilia also teaches children to understand why connecting with nature is beneficial - not just how to do it. They want to cultivate a generation that questions current practices and understands the deeper ecological relationships. They believe children can become mini warriors who take environmental knowledge home, influencing their families and communities. Similar to how children drove recycling awareness, they see kids as potential change agents who can shift societal attitudes towards nature.


    Ultimately, children are our future leaders, policymakers, designers, and community builders and we hope that those who engage in teaching like this from The School of Biophilia will embed a sense of reciprocity and care for the natural environment in their professional and personal lives. Empowering children to become nature advocates and teaching them to observe, appreciate, and understand their environment, they are cultivating a generation of future leaders who will prioritise environmental stewardship.

    Read their article in The Biophilic Design and Light edition, Issue 15 of The Journal of Biophilic Design herehttps://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/journal-of-biophilic-design-issue-15-light-ebook-version

    To find out more, join up, download resources from The School of Biophilia visit:

    Website https://biophiliaschool.create.net/

    Shop https://theschoolofbiophilia.shop/

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/The-School-of-Biophilia/61567861830109/

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theschoolofbiophilia/

    Substack https://substack.com/@theschoolofbiophilia

    Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/biophiliaschool?trk=public_post_follow-view-profile
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    39 分
  • Light, Play and Possibility - in conversation with Frankie Boyle, experiential light artist

    Light, Play and Possibility - in conversation with Frankie Boyle, experiential light artist
    2025/07/14
    Light profoundly impacts our neurological and biological systems through its connection to our evolutionary history. Our brains are fundamentally programmed to respond to moving, dynamic light sources - which is why we're instinctively transfixed by a candle flame. Artificial light, by contrast, has only existed for 180 years, which is essentially nothing in evolutionary time. This means static white lights do little to support our relaxation or psychological connectivity. We speak with Frankie Boyle, light artist extraordinaire who fuses physics, psychology, neuroscience and art.Frankie’s work is beautiful, a manifestation of the fusion of biophilia and creativity. I love the gorgeous fluidity, the colours, the dance of light and dark, for me experiencing her installations even through the screen feels like you are walking into a song.As Frankie explains, humans have been interacting with light for 4 billion years, primarily through natural sources like sunlight and fire. From a neurological perspective, light triggers specific responses in our nervous system that are deeply rooted in survival mechanisms. Our brains are programmed to detect movement because it signals potential hunting opportunities or threats. Different colours and light intensities activate different neurological responses - for instance, vibrant blues are energising and motivating, while sunset tones with yellows and oranges signal relaxation and the end of the day. These light interactions influence our brain's energy allocation. If we design lighting intentionally, we can help encourage the neural resources of anyone experiencing the space to focus on specific tasks, ultimately improving their cognitive performance and emotional well-being.Some key take-awaysThere are many highlights from our conversation, but here are some key pointers she shares with us. In designing spaces with light, prioritise mimicking natural light patterns by using dynamic, moving sources that change throughout the day, avoiding static, bright white overhead lighting. Focus on colour and intensity, utilizing blue tones for energizing spaces and warm yellows and oranges for relaxation, always matching light colours to the intended mood and function of the environment. The goal is to create lighting that reflects our natural circadian rhythms and supports our biological needs.Texture, movement, and sensory experience are crucial in light design. Integrate materials that interact beautifully with light, like wool, and create subtle, gentle light movements that highlight natural surfaces and create immersive experiences. Approach light design as a collaborative and experimental process, working with experts from different disciplines and being open to unexpected ideas. Remember that light is not just functional, but a powerful tool for storytelling, evoking emotions, and creating spaces that connect deeply with our psychological and biological responses. Frankie transforms light from a simple functional element into a profound medium of emotional and psychological connection. When asked how she would paint the world with a magic brush of biophilia, Boyle's vision was wonderfully radical: a world without white walls and straight lines, replaced instead by spaces that invite play, exploration, and connection - environments with trees to climb, slides to descend, and cocoon-like spaces that nurture our innate need for sensory engagement.As our conversation reveals, the future of design lies not in rigid structures and static spaces, but in dynamic, playful experiences that honour our biological heritage. Frankie’s approach challenges us to break free from conventional thinking, to embrace creativity, and to understand that truly innovative design speaks to our deepest neurological rhythms. To find out more about Frankie Boyle’s work, visit her website and maybe sign up to her newsletter to be the first to know about her new installations and work: https://www.frankieboylestudio.comhttps://www.instagram.com/frankie_boyle_studio/https://www.tiktok.com/@frankieboylestudio 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.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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    47 分
  • Learning to let Nature in and design spaces that breathe

    Learning to let Nature in and design spaces that breathe
    2025/06/27
    Interior spaces can become sanctuaries that nurture human health, well-being, and our fundamental connection to the living systems around us when we adopt Biophilic Design principles. We speak with Nuria Munoz, interior designer and founder of the Habitarmonia Academy, who shares her experience and offers an inspiring perspective on this transformative power of Biophilic Design. "Buildings would breathe, cities would heal, and nature would be woven into every space we touch," Munoz envisions. Her approach goes beyond aesthetic decoration, representing an holistic reimagining of how we interact with our built environments. At its core, biophilic design is about creating deep, meaningful connections. "The more you are connected to biophilia, you slow down and connect with your client on a deeper level," Nuria explains. This approach transforms design from a mechanical process to an empathetic journey of understanding human needs and experiences. The design process becomes a collaborative exploration. She uses innovative techniques like nature connection surveys and playful card games to understand clients' relationships with their environment. "We ask how often they go to nature, how connected they are," she shares, highlighting the importance of personal connection in design. Biophilic design engages all senses, creating spaces that nurture well-being. From carefully selected materials to lighting and spatial experiences, every element is considered. Nuria’s's approach incorporates meditation, embodiment exercises, and deep understanding of neuroscience to create truly transformative spaces. The design world is witnessing exciting developments. Cities are becoming greener, with innovative approaches like free rainwater collection systems and street transformation projects. Technology like VR and AI are also creating new possibilities for connecting people with nature-inspired experiences. "People are fed up with the old way," Nuria observes. "There's a lot of stress and anxiety, and people are starting to understand we can live differently."The Broader Impact Biophilic design extends beyond individual spaces. It's about planetary health, regenerative leadership, and creating environments that enhance life. "We should be asking with every decision: Is it going to enhance life?" Munoz challenges designers and individuals alike. Her Habitarmonia Academy takes this philosophy further, offering comprehensive courses that transform designers into advocates for holistic, nature-connected design. The upcoming One Earth symposium in Barcelona will bring together experts to bridge neuroscience, environmental psychology, and design. Nuria is co-organizing a five-day symposium in Barcelona from June 30th to July 4th, bringing together neuroscience and environmental psychology experts like Ty Farrow and Bill Browning, which includes keynote speakers, workshops, city visits, and immersive experiences designed to bridge scientific understanding with practical biophilic design applications. For Nuria, biophilic design is more than a trend—it's a necessary paradigm shift. "Little changes have a massive ripple effect," she emphasizes. It's about taking responsibility, making conscious choices, and recognizing our fundamental connection to the natural world. As cities evolve and design practices transform, biophilic principles offer a beacon of hope—a way to create spaces that not only shelter us but truly nurture our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.Follow and connect with Nuria and try the Habitarmonia academy, plus get your hands on the New Earth One Symposium in Barcelona:Habitarmonia Ecosystem: A global community platform connecting professionals in biophilic and well-being design to collaborate, learn, and co-create regenerative solutions.https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/habitarmonia-ecosystemHabitarmonia Academy: An educational branch offering specialized courses and certifications in biophilic and well-being design, integrating neuroscience, sustainability, and regenerative practices.https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/Our State-of-the-Art Biophilic and Well-being Design Course: A flagship 12-week program that empowers participants to master biophilic design principles, tools, and applications for transformative, health-centered spaces.Englishhttps://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/designing-spaces-heal-inspire-uplift-livesSpanishhttps://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/curso-diseno-biofilico-y-bienestar-habitarmonia-esHabitarmonia Studio: A consultancy and creative design studio delivering expert services in biophilic, well-being, and regenerative design projects across sectors.https://www.habitarmonia.eu/New Project: HEAL (Human Environment Architectural Laboratory)- In preparation of Website: An innovation hub and collective focused on designing life-centric, regenerative spaces that heal people and ecosystems through research-based, nature-integrated approaches.https://...
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    48 分
  • What is a Blueprint for Nature? The fusion of One Planet Living and Biophilic Design

    What is a Blueprint for Nature? The fusion of One Planet Living and Biophilic Design
    2025/05/30
    How can we design our cities and towns that are not only sustainable but also help us flourish. In this podcast we explore the intersection between One Planet Living and Biophilic Design - two transformative approaches that reimagine our relationship with the natural world. Sue Riddlestone, co-founder of BioRegional, offers a compelling vision of how we can redesign our living spaces to harmonise with nature.Sue tells us about what is in effect a beautiful living laboratory and case study, BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development), a groundbreaking eco-village that serves as a blueprint for sustainable living. Sue describes it as "probably the first large net zero development in the UK," featuring 100 homes, workspace, and a school that breathes life into the concept of nature-integrated design.What makes BedZED extraordinary is its holistic approach. Sue recalls how residents could look out of windows and see green spaces, hear hedgehogs "snuffling and snorting," and experience nature as an integral part of daily life. The community didn't just design with nature - they actively enhanced it, with the residents' association continuing to plant and nurture the surrounding environment.These principles of interconnection, which both One Planet Living and Biophilic Design share are fundamental principles that prioritise human connection with natural systems. Sue emphasises this critical perspective: "We are nature. We are part of nature." The One Planet Living framework's 10 principles directly align with biophilic design goals from encouraging the specification of natural materials to processes that do not destroy life but enhance it, and also which bring community together and enhance health and happiness.I was really struck by Sue’s generosity of spirit not only in what she does, but also with her advice, giving freely suggestions on how we can bring about change faster. Sue offers several transformative pieces of advice for designers, architects, and communities. First of all design for people: "Think about a day in the life" of residents, considering how design can make sustainable living effortless. With this in mind engage communities. Successful sustainable design happens when local people are involved in the planning process.Secondly, embrace natural materials, and she describes how timber buildings can transform spaces. Sue describes walking into the Black and White Building in London, noting the "wonderful smell" and how the wooden environment felt inherently relaxing.(see our podcast we did with the architect Andrew Waugh on this too https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcast-journal-of-biophilic-design/tall-timber-buildings-are-they-the-future-of-our-urban-landscape ).Also Sue celebrates EO Wilson's vision of allowing "half the earth" for nature, integrating green spaces into every design. We need to make space for nature. As well as creating balanced eco systems and creating more biodiversity, integrating nature can mitigate heat island effects, reduce flooding risks, improve mental health, support biodiversity as well as create more resilient communities.Sue's ultimate vision would see us all "Living happy, healthy lives within the natural limits of the planet and leaving sufficient space for nature, wildlife and wilderness to thrive."One of the beautiful things about this podcast and community is the collaborative path that we are all treading together. It’s about "bringing the best of nature into our environment" - not just through plants, but through materials, patterns, and design that reflect our evolutionary connection to the natural world.For architects, designers, and communities, One Planet Living and Biophilic Design offer a roadmap. They remind us that sustainable design is not about sacrifice, but about creating spaces that nurture both human and ecological well-being.The journey begins with understanding our fundamental connection to nature - and designing accordingly.Join us Monday 9th June at 1pm UK time to hear more about the One Planet Living framework and how it fits in with Biophilic Design: in our regular lunchtime Biophilic Design Networking - Cities, Health and Wealth - how biophilic design improves all three. Steve Hart will also be joining us where we we will exploring the fusion of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Hydrology and Biophillia through Systems Ecology. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/journalofbiophilicdesign/1679497We are organising a Learning Walk for interested designers and specifiers, Come with us to visit BedZed for yourself and ask questions on the day to people living there as well as a guide from BedZed itself.For more information on BioRegional visit:https://www.bioregional.com/one-planet-livingIf you like this, please subscribe!Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe and become a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a copy of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.com or ...
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    47 分
  • Cities as Forests? Biophilic Design and the Art of Architectural Restoration

    Cities as Forests? Biophilic Design and the Art of Architectural Restoration
    2025/05/27
    In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, architects like Nick De Klerk are pioneering a transformative approach to design that reconnects humans with their fundamental need for natural environments. "Access and proximity to nature are a basic human need," Nick emphasizes, drawing from his childhood experiences growing up close to nature.Biophilic design is about creating moments of awe, surprise and wonder. Nick describes these as "unexpected transitions" that take your breath away - moving from a constrained, dark space into a light-filled, plant-abundant area that immediately transforms your sensory experience. These moments of awe are critical, creating what he calls a "transformational experience" where people don't just occupy a space, but are fundamentally changed by it.We also talk about how we can preserve Heritage while embracing nature. The key to sustainable design lies in respecting existing structures. "The greenest building is one that already exists," Nick quotes, highlighting Purcell Architects' philosophy of working with heritage buildings. Their approach isn't about wholesale replacement, but sensitive enhancement - improving thermal performance, integrating natural elements, and maintaining the building's historical character.I wanted to explore also, the hotel concept they created for HIX, the Hotel Interiors Experience trade show. Nick and his team developed a concept around the idea of integrating food production, sustainability, and hospitality within a historic agricultural hall. They imagined this beautiful historical building transformed into a living, breathing space where guest rooms overlook a lush interior landscape. Vertical farming, natural light, and community spaces merge to create an environment that reconnects people with food production and natural cycles creating not just a sensory experience but also a community connection. It's about creating spaces that are "not just practical, but experiential" - where texture, light, and living elements combine to create profound human experiences. "People want to learn something or feel they've benefited from a space," he explains.When asked to imagine a world transformed by biophilic design, with a “magic brush of Biophilia” Nick's vision is profound. Cities reimagined as forests, where every element plays a crucial part in sustenance and survival. Not just literally with more trees, but metaphorically - creating interconnected, diverse, and mutually supportive environments.This approach isn't just about aesthetics. It's about recognising our deep, intrinsic connection to nature and creating spaces that allow humans to truly flourish. Biophilic design isn't a trend - it's a return to understanding our fundamental relationship with the natural world. As we face increasing environmental and health challenges, design can be a powerful tool for reconnection, sustainability, and hope.To watch the video with Nick de Klerk and Shida Salehi, Founder Customs Bureau and Yasmin Saad interior designer from Customs Bureau on the HIX Glass House Urban Retreat concept:https://vimeo.com/1023008814/ba6c8c1448The HIX Interview ahead of the event: https://www.hixevent.com/news/hix-co-present-hotel-bdc-purcell-x-glass-house-urban-retreatDuring the London Festival of Architecture, Nick De Klerk will be leading a tour on Sunday, June 14th that explores the Victorian industrial heritage of the area around the Business Design Centre (formerly the Royal Agricultural Hall).The tour will include several stops that highlight historical urban contexts and connections, such as:1. Postman's Park - a site of historical wellness with a beautiful water source2. Angel area - exploring the high pavements that were originally designed to separate pedestrians from livestock being driven to Smithfield Market3. Ending at the Business Design Centre (Royal Agricultural Hall)The tour is based on the HIX project concept and aims to:- Engage the wider public with architecture- Explore hidden urban histories- Discuss how historical spaces can be reimagined- Provide insights into the area's rich industrial and social heritageThe London Festival of Architecture is valuable because it focuses on people who use buildings, not just professionals who design them. The tour will offer refreshments and an opportunity for the public to interact directly with architects and learn about the urban landscape's history and potential future.To join the London Festival of Architecture walk that Nick is organising see the LFA website: https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/event/islingtons-business-design-centre-past-present-and-future/Purcell’s news piece on the installation: https://www.purcelluk.com/news/purcell-idle-and-wonder-and-customs-bureau-to-pres/Design Insider's review of the concept in their 2024 Trend Report (pages 26-27): https://www.purcelluk.com/news/purcell-idle-and-wonder-and-customs-bureau-to-pres/ For more information on Purcell visit: ...
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    27 分
  • Ecourbanism, Microbiomes and the Biophilia Hypothesis - transforming places for people and planet.

    Ecourbanism, Microbiomes and the Biophilia Hypothesis - transforming places for people and planet.
    2025/04/30
    In the concrete jungle of modern urban living, we've lost something fundamental: our connection to the natural world. But Biophilic Design is offering a lifeline, promising to transform our cities from sterile, energy-hungry environments into vibrant, living ecosystems that nurture both human health and planetary well-being.We speak with Luke Engleback, who has over 40 years' experience as a designer at all scales. We talk about biophilic design, ecourbanism, biodiversity, climate change adaptation and health. Luke is a board member and former chair of the Landscape Foundation. He also sits on the Landscape Institute Policy and Public Affairs Committee, and the Midlands Design Panel, the Cambridge Quality Panel and the South Downs National Park. For Luke Biophilic Design isn't just another architectural trend. It's a radical reimagining of how we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. At its heart lies a simple yet profound understanding: we are not separate from nature, but intrinsically part of it.Recent groundbreaking research provides compelling evidence of nature's transformative power. In Finland, a remarkable study revealed the profound impact of natural environments on children's health. Two daycare centres became an unexpected laboratory of discovery. One centre introduced forest soil and leaf litter into its play area, allowing children to get delightfully messy. The results were astonishing. Children in this natural setting developed more diverse microbiomes and, crucially, had fewer harmful pathogens compared to their peers in clinically clean environments.Similar research in Barcelona uncovered another revelation. Medical researchers discovered that children raised in greener urban spaces demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance. This wasn't about wealth or privilege, but about the fundamental human need to connect with living systems.These aren't isolated examples, but part of a growing understanding that our built environments dramatically impact our physical and mental well-being. Climate change has accelerated this recognition. Cities are becoming unbearable heat islands, with temperatures rising dramatically. But biophilic design offers a sophisticated, multi-layered solution. Eco-urbanism emerges as the critical framework for this transformative approach. It's not just design, but a holistic systems thinking methodology that challenges traditional urban planning. Where conventional approaches work in rigid, isolated silos – treating transportation, water management, energy, and green spaces as separate challenges – eco-urbanism sees the city as a living, interconnected organism.Luke Engelback describes this approach as "elastic thinking" – the ability to zoom in and out, understanding how individual interventions connect to broader ecological systems. It's about breaking down artificial boundaries between disciplines, recognizing that a rain garden isn't just about managing water, but about hydrating urban soils, supporting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and creating cooling microclimates.This systems approach means reimagining every urban element. A street becomes more than a transportation corridor – it's a potential site for water management, carbon capture, biodiversity support, and community well-being. A building's facade isn't just a structural element, but an opportunity for vertical gardens, air purification, and thermal regulation.Innovative urban planners are reimagining cityscapes as living, breathing entities. In Florence, architects designed a revolutionary urban cooling system using natural wind patterns, channelling sea breezes over water features to reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. In the UK, a visionary project Luke worked on in Ashford proposed transforming large agricultural fields into interconnected woodland patches, simultaneously addressing flooding risks, carbon sequestration, and landscape restoration.But biophilic design isn't just about grand architectural gestures. It's accessible to everyone. As landscape architect Luke passionately argues, even small actions matter. A pot plant on a windowsill, a patch of wildflowers instead of a concrete driveway – these seemingly minor interventions create a cumulative positive impact.The potential is extraordinary. Imagine cities where every surface becomes an opportunity for life – green roofs, living walls, urban forests, and integrated water management systems. Where buildings don't just shelter us but actively contribute to ecological regeneration.This isn't wishful thinking. Luke reminds us that leading scientists like Edward O. Wilson have long advocated for a radical reimagining of our relationship with the natural world. His vision of dedicating half the Earth to nature isn't about creating vast, untouchable reserves, but about understanding our fundamental interdependence.Biophilic design represents a paradigm shift from the destructive, linear "...
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    58 分
  • Biophilic City - Birmingham's Radical Urban Transformation

    Biophilic City - Birmingham's Radical Urban Transformation
    2025/04/17
    In an inspiring conversation with the Journal of Biophilic Design, Nick Grayson, Birmingham's former climate change and sustainability manager, reveals how cities can revolutionise urban living by putting nature at the heart of decision-making.Nick's journey from a curious child fascinated by understanding "how all this works" to becoming a pioneering urban transformation expert is a testament to the power of vision and persistent innovation. His most powerful message resonates clearly: "Cities are themselves generating 80% of global emissions and 75 to 80% of nature loss around the world." The turning point came when Nick realised that urban spaces needed a fundamental mindset shift. "Nature isn't something we add on or allow to exist in cities," he explains. "We need to recognize how wholly dependent we are on it, both at an individual and global scale."Birmingham's transformation became a global blueprint for urban regeneration. Nick's shorthand for a biophilic city is deceptively simple yet profound: "Cities that put nature at the heart of their decision making." His approach was revolutionary. By creating ecosystem assessments and climate risk maps, he made the "invisible visible". These visual representations showed stark inequalities - demonstrating how green space availability directly correlated with life expectancy and quality of life. "Every city in the world should do a climate risk and vulnerability assessment," Nick argues. By combining multiple data sets, cities can illustrate existing crises - economic, social, and environmental - and understand how these interconnect."We aren't short of money. We're short of imagination and proper governance," he says. "There isn't a single example of a sustainable city anywhere in the world…The biggest failure of our time is saying we haven't got any money."Nick's vision extends beyond Birmingham. He highlights the urgent global challenge: approximately 20 billion cities of a million people are being created due to rapid urbanisation. "Are they all being done to a sustainable model?" he challenges.His advice for designers and urban planners is both practical and inspirational. "Ask 'why'," he suggests. "Consider what elements of change can be achieved through whatever you're planning. Make it as rich as possible and involve as many players as possible."The ultimate goal, according to Nick, is creating cities where every person can engage with nature daily. "A biophilic city regenerates human consciousness," he explains, "making us more aware of our connections and the richness of planet Earth." Listening to him, we can all take the practical steps he recommends including - Engaging local communities- Creating green infrastructure master plans- Developing fair park standards- Prioritising funding for underserved areasNick's work proves that transformation is possible. Birmingham, once considered a concrete jungle, is now part of a global network of biophilic cities alongside San Francisco, Wellington, and Oslo.His parting vision is both simple and profound: cities where nature is integral to daily life, where people feel connected to the land, and where human consciousness is regenerated through meaningful environmental engagement.For urban designers, planners, and citizens alike, Nick Grayson's message is clear: change is not just possible, it's imperative. By reimagining our relationship with nature, we can create cities that are not just sustainable, but truly alive.As Nick poignantly states, drawing inspiration from astronauts viewing Earth from space, we need a perspective shift - one that sees our urban environments as living, breathing ecosystems where humans and nature coexist in harmony.The future of our cities depends on our willingness to embrace this vision. Are we ready to transform? Visit https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcasts-journal-of-biophilic-design and search for this podcast to view over 30 references and links. If you like this, please subscribe! You can also become a member of the JBD.Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe to the digital edition or purchase a copy directly from us at the journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon. If you like our podcast and would like to support us in some way, you can buy us a coffee if you’d like to, thank you xLove Biophilic Design? Watch the 1st Biophilic Design Conference 2024 on catch up www.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all our podcasts. https://www.facebook.com/journalofbiophilicdesign/ https://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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    53 分
  • Building Hope with Sustainable and Biophilic Construction

    Building Hope with Sustainable and Biophilic Construction
    2025/04/17

    In the battle against climate change, few sectors are as critical—and challenging—as construction. Simon Corbey, CEO of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, is leading a quiet revolution that could transform how we think about the buildings we inhabit and the best bit, it embraces Biophilic Design. With a background spanning chartered surveying, international travel, and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, Simon has become a pivotal figure in reimagining our built environment. His journey from working in a groundbreaking eco-resource centre to heading an organisation with 165 members reveals a passionate commitment to systemic change. The statistics Simon shares are sobering. Buildings account for 42% of global CO2 emissions, with just four common materials—cement, iron, steel, and aluminium—responsible for 15% of that total. Yet Simon is not merely a prophet of doom, but a beacon of practical solutions. "We know all the answers," he explains, "we just need to implement them." His organisation champions bio-based materials, natural insulation, and designs that prioritise both human and planetary health. Timber construction, for instance, can reduce embodied carbon by up to 50% compared to traditional methods. Simon's vision extends beyond materials. He advocates for buildings that are not just environmentally sustainable, but psychologically nurturing. Exposed timber, natural light, and carefully chosen materials can create spaces that actively improve human wellbeing, reducing stress and increasing productivity. The Alliance's work includes promoting radical transparency in construction. Their "Impact" project, for example, allows building users to trace materials back to their forest of origin, connecting consumers with the ecological story behind their built environment. Critically, Simon understands that change requires both innovation and pragmatism. The organisation works closely with forward-thinking clients like the Department of Education, which is now setting embodied carbon targets for new schools. The approach is refreshingly holistic. "We're not just talking about reducing carbon," he says, "we're talking about creating healthier, more connected communities." Community hop-growing schemes, collaborative design, and a focus on local, sustainable materials are all part of his broader vision. The challenges are significant. The construction industry remains notoriously resistant to change, with short-term economic considerations often trumping long-term sustainability. Yet Simon remains optimistic, pointing to growing awareness and legislative changes like the EU's new deforestation regulations. Simon's magic brush would paint a world of bio-based buildings, comfortable temperatures, low energy bills, and strong community connections. It's a vision that feels both radical and eminently sensible. For those feeling overwhelmed by climate crisis narratives, Simon offers hope: the solutions exist. We simply need the collective will to implement them. The future of construction is not about building more, but building better and thinking with a Biophilic Design mindset can really help us all make better decisions which won’t negatively impact people and planet but rather uplift, heal and regenerate life. https://asbp.org.uk/team/simon-corbey If you like this, please subscribe! Please register for our newsletter on our website https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcasts-journal-of-biophilic-design Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all our podcasts. Did you know our podcast is also on Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Stitcher, vurbl, podbay, podtail, and most if not all the RSS feeds? Facebook https://www.facebook.com/journalofbiophilicdesign/ Twitter https://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsn LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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