How does a passion for biophilic design, which stems from a desire to improve an architect and designer’s own health, lead to the design of a major new healthcare building? For Steven Edge, founder of Salvage Sustainable Design, his personal interest in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) expanded into advocacy of Biophilic Design in buildings. We catch up with and discuss his recent project, commissioned by Manchester based architects AHR in 2017, where he acted as biophilic design consultant for their client the Royal College of Physicians’ new £35, million HQ in Liverpool. The Spine opened in the Spring of 2021 and with 109 out of a possible 110 WELL Credits, the highest of any (over 26,000) WELL certified buildings in the world, its set to become one of the healthiest buildings in the world.

Stephen is a biophilic design consultant, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, with over 40 years’ experience in academia and the design and construction industry. He shares his background, starting with work in architecture and interior design, and his growing interest in sustainability and healthy materials.

Talking about biophilic design principles used in The Spine, Steve describes how The Royal College of Physicians wanted to create a building that would make people feel healthier when they left it than when they entered; a brief that was fully met. Because it's a college as well as Office Spaces, they have young surgeons who would also be diagnosing real patients’ problems in this new building.

The design, led by architect Rob Hopkins, drew inspiration from the human body, with elements like the "skin" of the building and the "spine" staircase.

Steven describes how the team incorporated biophilic design principles to support health and wellbeing. This included maximizing natural daylight, providing views of nature, and incorporating lush indoor planting that was dubbed the "lungs" of the building. One of the things he mentions, is that trees give out a hormone that stimulates the vagus nerve in our brains. It calms us down, and so we are not only breathing that in but are also visually affected by the fact that we're in nature and walking under a tree canopy.

The design also features sensors to allow occupants to control their immediate environment and temperature. Taking an holistic approach it uses innovative materials such as a clay plaster that absorbs toxins from the air.

The team also looked at principles of biomimicry, taking cues from natural structures like bone to inform the building's columns. Interactive elements, like kinetic sculptures, were planned to encourage movement and play. Steven explains how lighting was a key consideration, with the team aiming to support circadian rhythms through strategic use of natural and artificial light. They consulted research on how lighting can impact productivity and mood throughout the day.

Beyond the immediate health benefits, Edge discusses the links between biophilic design and sustainability. The team explored circular economy principles, looking at designing for disassembly and the potential to lease lighting systems rather than own them outright. They also drew on NASA research to select plant species known for their air purifying properties.

The Spine is an amazing and inspirational project for any designer and architect. It demonstrates an holistic approach to biophilic design, integrating elements that support human health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

Edge's passion for this approach shines through, as he envisions a future with more playful, interactive biophilic design elements woven into our cities and buildings.

For more information on Steve’s work visit: www.salvedge.co.uk

These are a couple of the extra references mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.squintopera.com/projects/floodedlondon/

https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/wind-3-0

and

https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/flow

Also Dr Vanessa Champion, will also be presenting at the Healthy Cities by Design Conference at The Spine on 15 and 16 October 2024 https://www.healthycitydesign.global

And Steve Edge will be presenting at the Biophilic Design Conference 12 November 2024 at the Barbican London (another Biophilic Space, we will also be in the Conservatory, the second largest after Kew Gardens). www.biophilicdesignconference.com