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by Vanessa Champion, editor, Journal of Biophilic Design
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- Yesterday42 min
Why we need nature inside our buildings - The Future of Healthy Buildings with 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.<p class="MsoNormal" data-rte-preserve-empty="t
- 3 weeks ago57 min
Is Colour the Missing Link in Nature-Centric Biophilic Spaces
Ever wondered why some spaces instantly relax you, while others energise or even irritate? The secret might lie in the colour! Karen Haller, is an expert in applied colour psychology, and reveals how understanding the emotional dance of colours can transform our built environments into havens of well-being and productivity. Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or simply a lover of nature-inspired spaces, this podcast dives deep into the unseen forces of colour. You’ll learn how colour influences behaviour, how to select the perfect hues for different environments, and why true biophilic design demands more than green and brown, it's about the symphony of natural colours that heal and energise us. Colour Psychology seems to be a bit of a missing link in biophilic Design. Not a lot of people are talking about it but it is vitally important. We’ve all seen it—spaces drenched in beige, sterile white corridors, or overly vibrant hues that overpower instead of soothe. Spaces, especially healthcare environments, often neglect the impact colour can have on users of the space. Karen shatters the myth of “neutral” colours being emotionally neutral altogether. Every colour triggers a response, whether it is positive or negative, each is embedded in our personal memories, cultural beliefs, and innate responses. For example, red energises or stimulates physical reactions, but excess can overwhelm. Blue can be calming or stimulating, depending on its shade and context. Recognising this nuanced language of colours allows designers to craft environments that truly support human health and behaviour. Whether it's selecting hues for a hospital or designing a peaceful workspace, understanding the emotional implications of colour creates spaces that nurture rather than numb. 3 ways we relate to Colour – and how to use them! Karen’s theory identifies three distinct ways we connect with colour:Personal Associations:Colours evoke memories and feelings unique to each individual. A bright yellow might remind someone of their childhood joy or a dull green might trigger childhood discomfort. These associations drive our preferences and aversions—so understanding clients’ personal ties to colours is key.Cultural Meanings:Deep-rooted beliefs shape cultural responses—red for luck in China, white as a symbol of death elsewhere. Ignoring these can cause disconnect in design choices for diverse spaces.Colour Psychology:Each hue has a spectrum of responses aligned with nature’s endless diversity.Recognising these layers allows designers to create intentionally harmonious spaces—be it a calming hospital room or an energetic collaborative zone. Nature's palette can guide authentic Biophilic DesignNature’s colours can be perceived almost like a blueprint for emotional well-being. Karen emphasises the importance of sticking to true natural colours, no artificial greens or overly sa
- Apr 14, 202639 min
The Future of Material Innovation and Biophilic Design
Have you ever wondered how materials shape our environment? What happens when design meets nature? If you’re craving a fresh perspective on sustainable, regenerative design, dive deep with us into the world of materials, creativity, and a future where biophilic principles transform every building, every product, and every space. William Knight, co-founder of Material Matters, is a passionate advocate for a future where materials tell stories, innovate endlessly, and reconnect us to nature. His journey from politics to design might surprise you, but his journey has driven him to demystify material innovation that truly inspires. In this post, you’ll discover how materials are pushing boundaries, why understanding them is critical, and how a shift in industry mindset can accelerate regenerative, biophilic environments. Living Materials and Regenerative Design Will emphasises that many materials we overlook have rich stories. Think about timber, agricultural waste, natural extracts, all of these can inspire radically different design solutions. For example, his work with companies using tree sap, algae-based bioplastics, or recycled aluminium demonstrates that every material is an opportunity. This perspective challenges the traditional sourcing black book, pushing designers to explore alternatives that are biophilic, regenerative, and resourceful. Yes, natural waste and renewable sources are eco-friendly but they can also create compelling products that challenge our assumptions and expand design possibilities. Will’s own story began unconventionally, with his early career in the House of Commons. From navigating politics to working with the UK Design Council, his journey reflects a passion for shaping perceptions and pushing creative boundaries. His work has spanned exhibitions, festivals, and major design events, with a focus on how materials are the foundation of design innovation. Today, Material Matters is a platform for exploring the pulse of material intelligence. Its an accessible, open conversation about process, resourcefulness, and ecological mindfulness. It’s about bringing transparency and democratising knowledge so everyone, from designers to end consumers, can make smarter, sustainable choices. Designing for a Biophilic Future One of the most exciting areas Will touches on is the role of biophilic design principles, the integration of natural elements into environments to foster wellbeing and sustainability. He reminds us that design is inherently reactive, it responds to market demand, manufacturing capabilities, and cultural shifts. But the real game-changer? Materials that mimic or derive directl
- Apr 10, 202644 min
The Biophilic Imperative - From Sustainability to Regeneration
Biophilic Regenerative DesignIs it Utopian thinking to imagine a world architected not just to sustain, but to regenerate. A space where every brick, every plant, every human interaction pushes us closer to harmony with nature? Enrique Soler, is Design Director for Major Projects at Area, where he leads a multidisciplinary team of designers. Formerly Head of Design for Willmott Dixon Interiors, Enrique is a design visionary and passionate advocate of biophilic and regenerative spaces. In this podcast interview he takes us on a journey beyond eco-friendly clichés to uncover how biophilic design can fundamentally transform our relationship with the planet and each other.Sustainability alone is no longer enough. It’s become a hollow badge; a marketing tab on products. We have to be specifying with regeneration as a fundamental baseline. We have to aim to be net positive, to give back to the earth, and nurture all life through design. If we want to thrive, we must shift from mere mitigation to conscious creation of spaces that actively enhance biodiversity, air quality, and human well-being.Enrique’s practice extends deep into the core of biophilic philosophy. "It’s not about just having a plant here or there, it’s systems thinking, connecting everything: natural materials, community involvement, local art, and the web of life. Design must be holistic." He illustrates that interior environments capable of reducing noise, improving sleep, and fostering healthy ecosystems are essential. He shares the surprising outcome of how circadian lighting actually also reduced the sound levels in an office environment, as people were calmer. It’s amazing how biophilic elements can have a far-ranging effect on human health and productivity.We also discuss urgency. Without Biophilic Design, we're simply continuing a path of destruction. The materials we would otherwise turn to: plastic, synthetic, cheap, are the very things that threaten our future. Through Biophilic Design we’re correcting course now, returning to natural, renewable resources like hemp, timber, and even innovative composites like mycelium. We have to respect nature’s way, we have to design with circularity in mind, with long-term thinking. Modular systems, lifespan-aware biophilic materials, community-centred projects are practical strategies to future-proof spaces while healing our planet.Enrique urges designers and clients alike to rethink their priorities: "It’s not just about what looks good. It’s about systems, life cycles, interconnectedness. Our spaces should give back, support biodiversity, and reflect the complex web we’re part of." He reminds us that each choice, from material to layout, matters. "The butterfly effect is real," he says. "A simple plant, a thoughtfully designed community space, can ripple into broader ecological and social benefits."I think more and more of us are ready to build responsibly, mindfully, regeneratively. Whether you’re a designer, a business leader, or just someone who cares about planet and people, Enrique’s insights challenge you to see your role differently. Not just as someone working in design or build, but as a steward of life. Each one of us can shape the environment to support thriving communities and ecosystems for generations to come.Are we ready to change the way we create, to heal what’s broken, and to embrace a truly regenerative future? We have a collective future. For anyone
- Mar 26, 202641 min
The New Stone Age
Imagine furniture, cities and buildings that tell stories rooted in local geology, where the materials and forms echo the unique landscapes of their region. Imagine a design language spoken with local stones and traditions, elevating cultural identity. Beyond its primal beauty and ancient aura, STONE is a material that embodies sustainability, resilience, and storytelling. If you’ve ever danced barefoot on marble floors or admired the stone facades adorning historic cities, you’ve felt that deep, almost breathing connection to the earth’s history. But how often do we truly understand this miracle of nature and see its potential to transform our built environment? Today, we dive into the heart of biophilic design and explore how embracing natural stone could upscale our approach to architecture, sustainability, and beauty with Matt Robb, Marketing and Media Manager for the Stone Federation of Great Britain. I think you’ll enjoy this interview where we celebrate our relationship with one of the earth’s oldest, most remarkable gifts. Matt shares with us how the story starts deep beneath our feet, formed over millions of years by geological forces, sedimentary layers, thermal metamorphosis, and the slow crystallization of minerals. From limestone and marble to granite and sandstone, each type tells a story of time, place, and process. There's no such thing as a bad stone, only badly used stone. When we understand the qualities of each material we can allow them to inform your design, not constrain it. Think Right Stone, Right Place. Architects like Amin Taha are leading this movement utilising full-range stone blocks, drastically reducing carbon footprints, and proving that sustainability and innovative design are not mutually exclusive. The key? Embrace the narrative of each stone, respect its natural essence, and allow it to shape your architecture—timeless, responsible, and inherently beautiful. When you learn how stone is formed which Matt shares brilliantly where it comes from, and what it can do, your designs become richer, more authentic, and more sustainable. Also there is the sustainability aspect of Stone. Imagine a world where buildings are seen as part of a living, breathing ecosystem, where materials cycle and recycle with grace. That’s the promise of stone. Its longevity is legendary think of Edinburgh’s historic streets or the enduring facades of ancient temples. Stone can be carefully dismantled, catalogued, and reimagined in future projects. The challenge? Building the infrastructure to support this reuse. But progress is happening. Architect-led networks and heritage specialists are leading the charge, turning old buildings into treasure troves of reconditioned stone. Consider this: If the entire 8 billion-strong human population built with stone, the required quarry would be just a tiny pinprick in the Earth’s crust no scars, only stories. Yes, quarrying involves extracting from the earth, but the narrative isn’t black and white. Modern practices focus on minimising impact, returning sites to nature, and enhancing biodiversity. UK quarries, for instance, often serve as reclaimed habitats and even public spaces. Stone has a 74% lower global warming potential than ceramics, and UK-produced bricks made from quarry offcuts boast 75% lower embodied carbon than traditional clay. Plus, with proper design, stone’s durability means it outlives many materials—cutting long-term waste and carbon footprints. &nb
- Mar 25, 202617 min
Interview Special - Workspace Design Show 2026 London
At The Workspace Design Show at the Business Design Centre in London this year, I had the privilege of chairing a dynamic panel featuring industry leaders Nicola Tomkins Head of Design for Major Projects at Overbury, Lidia Johansen Associate Environmental Consultant at chapmanbdsp and Paulo Ribeiro Head of Interior Design at Aecom. It was a lively and dynamic discussion to a full house at the show. We looked at how we could reframe Biophilia, moving from Aesthetic to a Performance System. We explored how through collaboration, sourcing and configuring the brief early we can accelerate biophilic design specification. After the panel I took my camera and mic and interviews other biophilic design experts visiting the show to ask them to share their insights on the show and biophilic design, emphasising its critical role in modern architecture and interior spaces. Biophilic Design reconnects us back to nature, to our roots, to what makes us truly human. If you've ever wondered why natural elements in our spaces feel so vital, or how design can heal and inspire us, here’s what you’ll discover: how biophilic design transforms spaces, the science proving its benefits, and the urgent need to rethink our environments for mental, physical, and planetary health. Biophilic Design transforms spaces from mere workplaces into living ecosystems.As Katrina Dalley from Plant Designs puts it, “bringing nature inside makes a massive difference. It’s not just visual—it's psychological, emotional, and physiological.” Emi Melin of Plus Creatives, has been spending a lot of time researching about the impact of Biophilic and multi-sensory design as a layer over conventional interior design, looking at intangible elements like light, smell, humidity or human emotions. Plants, water features, natural textures—they all trigger our senses, grounding us, reducing stress, and boosting creativity. Moreover, as Nicola Tomkins, Head of Design for Major Projects atOverbury notes, “there’s a growing awareness of sensory elements, not just greenery, but all the layers of nature that help us feel more connected and well.” When we surround ourselves with the natural, we foster a sense of belonging that’s essential for mental health and resilience. Visitors like architect, biophilic designer and environmental psychology consultant Lucilla Malara who was visiting from Italy, emphasise the importance of how biophilic elements impact our physiology. Light, especially circadian lighting, influences our body clocks, improving sleep and alertness. Infrared light, with its deep cellular reach, even supports mitochondrial energy production, our cellular powerhouses. Diving deeper, Ulysse Dormoy CEO of Atrium, explains that “light enters our bodies beyond just vision, influencing every cell.” Our planet’s energy, derived from sun, light energy, sustains all life. Modern design must tap into this natural energy flow, not block or distort it. On a personal note, Nicola reflects, “I’m an advocate of evidence-based solutions. When you can prove that biophilic design improves wellbeing and productivity, it’s impossible to ignore.” From reduced stress and better focus to even improving conditions for those with dementia or mental health challenges, the data is compelling. The future is clearly calling for spaces that harmonise with nature, not oppose it. Think: facades punctured with green patches, windows that mimic daylight rhythms, water features inside and
- Mar 8, 202640 min
How to Fast-track a Regenerative Future
Efforts to tackle the climate and nature crisis often focus on policy, science and activism. But according to Will Hayler, founder and CEO of The Blue Earth Summit, real transformation will only happen when entrepreneurs and investors are fully part of the conversation. Speaking about the philosophy behind the Blue Earth Summit, Will argues that innovation and enterprise are essential if environmental solutions are to move beyond ideas and into the real economy. “If you're really serious about solving problems, you need entrepreneurs in the room,” he says. Scaling solutions requires capital, markets and commercial incentives. While science and policy define the problem, entrepreneurs are often the ones who turn ideas into practical products and services. For architects, planners and designers, this represents an opportunity. Across the UK alone, plans to build 1.5 million homes in the coming years will shape the nation’s landscape for decades. Decisions made today about materials, planning and urban design will define the health and sustainability of future communities. Will believes the design industry should see this not as a burden, but as a privilege.“People working in climate and sustainability sometimes expect sympathy,” he says. “But I see it differently. It’s lucky you. You’re working at the cutting edge of what the world needs.” Designers, he argues, have the chance to rethink how humanity lives — creating cities that are cleaner, healthier and more connected to nature. Will is also clear-eyed about the motivations that drive the private sector. “Businesses will only do the right thing if it benefits them,” he says, pointing to the reality that return on investment and competitive advantage ultimately shape corporate decisions. Rather than criticise that system, the summit aims to work within it. One of its core goals has been to bring together groups that have historically operated in separate spheres. “We wanted to create that connection between third sector and private sector,” Will explains, arguing that NGOs, scientists and businesses must collaborate if environmental progress is to accelerate. Central to this approach is reframing the narrative around sustainability. Instead of presenting environmental action as a burden, Will believes it should be positioned as an opportunity. In his view, sustainability needs to be understood as a form of upgrade — delivering healthier environments, smarter materials and more resilient systems. “The sustainability movement is best framed around wellbeing for everyone, forever,” he says. This shift is particularly relevant in the built environment, where designers, architects and developers are shaping the places where people spend most of their lives. Integrating nature into buildings and cities can have profound health benefits. As Will puts it: “People that spend more time in nature are healthier than those that don't. So how can you bring that into your design and sell it as an upgrade?”<p class="MsoNormal" data-
- Mar 3, 202657 min
We spend 90% of our time indoors. Here’s how Biophilic Design can make that healthier.
We spend about 90% of our lives indoors, yet our cities, offices and homes are rarely designed with the biological reality of that fact in mind. That disconnect between humans and the natural systems we evolved within is becoming harder to ignore. Biophilic Design is a growing movement in architecture and planning, which argues that bringing nature back into the built environment is not a luxury or aesthetic flourish but a public-health, economic and social necessity. Alexandra Bowen, founder of the Biophilic Design Community on LinkedIn, puts it bluntly: “Our minds and bodies evolved over thousands of years to thrive in nature. If we’re indoors almost all the time, we have to be deliberate about reconnecting with it.”Her argument echoes a growing body of research suggesting that the benefits are measurable. Studies cited by designers show that access to daylight and views of nature can improve cognitive performance and memory recall by around 15%, while hospitals with natural light have reported 41% shorter patient stays. In schools, improved ventilation has been linked to 14% better maths scores and significantly reduced sickness absence. 00:00 Introduction to Biophilic Design and Community Engagement03:47 Alex's Journey into Biophilic Design06:11 The Holistic Approach to Biophilic Design12:46 Understanding the Science Behind Biophilic Design18:03 The Importance of Authentic Biophilic Design21:17 Moving Beyond Aesthetics in Biophilic Design27:31 Overcoming Barriers to Implementing Biophilic Design39:24 Biophilic Design Across Different Scales51:59 The Future of Cities and Biophilic Design Yet despite the data, the messaging around biophilic design is often muddled and sometimes even contradictory. On the one hand, the concept is gaining traction in sustainability frameworks and workplace strategies. On the other, it is frequently reduced to a checklist: a plant in the corner, a “green wall”, or a scattering of faux foliage. Alex calls out the “Frankenstein approach”, where offices and restaurants install plastic plants to simulate nature. “We’re bringing petroleum-based materials indoors to try to feel closer to nature. It misses the point,” she says. “True biophilic design is rooted in living systems and science, not just visual symbols.” The stakes go beyond aesthetics. Poor indoor environments carry enormous economic costs. In the United States alone, the annual cost of poor indoor air quality has been estimated at $75bn. Meanwhile, nature-based infrastructure such as urban green spaces, wetlands or tree canopies, can be 42% cheaper than traditional “grey” infrastructure and deliver 36% more value when broader benefits such as air quality, biodiversity and public wellbeing are taken into account. Still, many planners and developers remain wary. The first barrier is
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About Journal of Biophilic Design
Welcome to our podcast series from the Journal of Biophilic Design, where we interview workplace consultants, futurists, interior designers, architects, urban planners and those working in healthcare, wellbeing and other industries to find out the latest on Biophilic Design. www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com
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