Biophilic Design Explained: Boost Mental Health With Nature At Home

Does this design decision bring me closer to nature? When I started renovating our new home a few months ago, I wasn’t going to make a single design choice without asking this question. This lens is called biophilic design, and I actually had an episode about it before! But to talk about it more, I’ve invited Oliver Heath, an architect, designer, and thought leader in biophilic design. Oliver is based in England, studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture, runs his own biophilic design consultancy, and has spent decades translating this science from large-scale commercial buildings into something the rest of us can actually use. He also wrote a book called Design a Healthy Home. Let's dive in!   In this episode, we learn: [02:46] How did Oliver discover biophilic design? [05:30] Is biophilic design taught in architecture school? [07:34] How Oliver’s consulting firm applies nature to large commercial spaces [10:05] Why happy people are more productive [11:47] How biophilic design is trickling down to residential housing and communities [13:52] What is the true definition of biophilic design? [15:10] Espoma Organic [17:31] The "always on" urban environments [19:09] How nature affects property values, crime rates, and education [24:41] The three key elements of biophilic design [27:04] The true foundation of designing a space [29:41] How to approach indoor airflow, fresh air, and scent [31:32] Moving beyond technical checklists to the sensory quality of a building [32:31] How to make your home more biophilic [34:31] Tips for managing artificial light and circadian rhythms at home [40:00] Picking colors based on positive nature experiences? (Ecological Valence Theory) [44:02] Incorporating ‘haptic invitations’ and natural materials into your spaces [45:34] How an autistic school in London used biophilic niches to create a safe sensory environment [48:22] How to safely incorporate the sound and feel of water indoors [51:55] Check out Oliver’s book ‘Design a Healthy Home’ [53:45] Check out Oliver’s online course! [55:36] Oliver’s favorite biophilic features in his own home [57:08] Where to find Oliver, his book, and the Biophilic Design School!   Mentioned in our conversation: Design A Healthy Home by Oliver Heath Oliver Heath Design School The Hackney Garden School Project International WELL Building Institute Seattle Spheres Lumie® | Wake-Up Light Alarm Clocks for Better Sleep + Waking   Incorporate nature into your home with easy but key biophilic tips from Oliver, check out the full show notes and blog here!   Follow Oliver:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn   Thank you to our episode sponsor: Espoma Organic Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.   Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Take