We have a climate crisis, housing shortages, and increasing urban disconnection, we need a pioneering radical approach to development that puts nature and human flourishing at its core. Human Nature, led by Joanna Yarrow, are creating living, breathing ecosystems that challenge how we normally go about urban design.

"We've boxed ourselves into a corner by having the starting point that we are separate from nature," Joanna explains. Places should not just exist alongside nature, they should be fundamentally integrated with it.

Human Nature has identified three critical place typologies that could transform how we live. These are urban neighbourhoods, rural clusters, and new settlements. Their flagship project, the Phoenix in Lewes, East Sussex, demonstrates what's possible when we reimagine development.

"Places aren't just buildings. They are infrastructure, streets, parks, alleyways, rivers – a collection of components that includes hardware like pavements and water systems, and software like community services."

The Phoenix project is a testament to this holistic approach. Spanning 7.9 hectares of former industrial land, it will become the UK's largest bio-based development, featuring 685 homes constructed primarily from natural materials like timber, hemp, and lime.

But this isn't just about sustainable construction. It's about redesigning entire lifestyles. "We want to create the optimal precondition for a better, healthy, and more sustainable way of life." This means designing neighbourhoods where car dependency becomes unnecessary, where food production is integrated, and where nature isn't an afterthought but the central organising principle.

Her background – growing up in a 64-acre working wood in Sussex – deeply influences her approach. "Nature was my playground," she recalls. This personal connection translates into a professional mission to mainstream sustainable living.

The challenge, she argues, isn't technological. "Most of this is not rocket science. Most of this has been done already. We don't need to reinvent the wheel." Instead, we need collective will and a systemic reimagining of development.

We should review the concept of “developers” to be not just extractive profit-makers, but as stewards with critical societal duty. "You are shaping people's lives for decades, generations to come. What a responsibility."

Everyone can contribute to change. "The power sits with all of us to weave this into our everyday life.” This might mean walking a different route to work, engaging with local green spaces, or challenging existing development models.

The benefits extend far beyond environmental considerations. These nature-integrated spaces promise improved mental health, community connection, and a sense of belonging that modern developments often strip away.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful, if our schools had forests instead of fences? If our walk to work included fruit trees, flowers, and bird song? If our homes and offices could breathe without us needing to open a window?"

Projects like the Phoenix prove such transformative development is possible. By demonstrating viable alternatives, Human Nature is creating blueprints for a regenerative future. We can redesign our built environment to enhance not compromise both human and natural systems.

https://humannature-places.com/

Bonus show notes: Advice for Developers to Design Better, Based on Joanna Yarrow's insights:

1. Shift Your Mindset

- Stop seeing development as unit production and profit extraction

- Become "stewards" rather than "extractors"

- Recognise that you're shaping lives for generations, not just building temporary structures 

2. Embrace Holistic Design

- Don't just design buildings, design entire "places" that include:

  * Infrastructure

  * Streets

  * Parks

  * Community services

  * Green spaces

- Consider the entire ecosystem, not just the physical structure 

3. Prioritise Collaboration

- Practice "deep collaboration" with:

  * Local communities

  * Specialist architects and designers

  * Environmental experts

  * Interest groups

- Be transparent and open-source about your learning and processes 

4. Focus on Positive Impact

- Design with three core considerations:

  * Climate positive outcomes

  * Nature enhancement

  * Human flourishing

- Create places that inspire and enable sustainable living

5. Think Beyond Traditional Boundaries

- Consider different place typologies:

  * Urban neighbourhoods

  * Rural clusters

  * New settlements

- Customise design to specific bioregional contexts

6. Integrate Nature Seamlessly

- Don't treat nature as an "other" or additional feature

- Centre nature in every design decision

- Create multi-sensory experiences that connect humans with natural systems

7. Enable Sustainable Lifestyles

- Design spaces that make sustainable living:

  * Easy

  * Attractive

  * Accessible

- Reduce car dependency

- Incorporate food production

- Create green corridors and natural infrastructure

8. Engage Communities

- Run collaborative design processes

- Host community events and design festivals

- Seek input and co-creation from local residents

- Be propositional, not oppositional

9. Think Long-Term

- Stay involved beyond initial construction

- Consider how places will be lived in and managed over decades

- Create flexible, adaptable designs

10. Be Ambitious and Brave

- Challenge existing development models

- Learn from international best practices

- Don't be afraid to pioneer new approaches

As Joanna powerfully states: "We need to both inspire and enable a healthier, positive, lower impact, more sustainable way of life."

How Shall We Live?”  - Human Nature’s research collaboration focusing on how to create new settlements with positive impacts - with Arup, Heatherwick Studio, White Arkitekter and others - Link herehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/134fqrlGzislmGF4wFJ8n3Zl3j-QI9bfC/view

Joanna Yarrow is the Chief Impact Officer at Human Nature, a sustainable placemaking company dedicated to designing, building, and operating places that make sustainable living easy and attractive.

Previously, Joanna served as the Global Head of Sustainable & Healthy Living at IKEA, where she led initiatives to make sustainable living affordable, attractive, and accessible worldwide. She has also held leadership roles at M&C Saatchi Group, co-founding M&C Saatchi LIFE, a strategic creative consultancy focused on mainstreaming sustainable living. She has also authored several books on sustainable living, and you might have seen her on TV too.

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.

Book tickets and join us in PERSON and LIVE STREAMED Biophilic Design Conference and you can watch on catch up! www.biophilicdesignconference.com

Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts. 

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Welcome to this special episode of the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast. 
We’re really excited to share this feature from our very first Biophilic Design Conference, which took place at the iconic Barbican Centre in London. It was a landmark moment — the UK’s first-ever conference dedicated entirely to biophilic design — and we were joined by an amazing lineup of experts, designers and researchers exploring how connecting people and nature through design can transform our buildings and cities. 

This year’s conference is back — bigger and better than ever — at Westminster Central Hall in London on Sunday, 17th November. https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/biophilic-design-conference  Join us for a day of inspiring talks, interactive sessions, and meaningful connections with the people who are shaping the future of design for wellbeing, sustainability and climate resilience.

This special edition of the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast is a podcast recorded by our friends at Workplace Geeks, Ian Ellison and Chris Moriarty. 

Host Ian Ellison sets out to explore a big question: Is biophilic design simply good design, or something we need to intentionally spotlight because of its unique importance to people, place and planet?

In this deep dive, Ian speaks with a host of experts and thought leaders — including Dr Nigel Oseland, Dr Sally Augustin, Oliver Heath, Prof Harriet Shortt, Mark Catchlove, Dr Vanessa Champion, Matthew Burgess, Chloe Bullock, and Prof Geoff Proffitt — to unpack the science, theory, and lived experience behind biophilic design.

You’ll hear:

The psychological and evolutionary roots of our natural affinity for nature.

Insights from the UK’s first Biophilic Design Conference and what made the Barbican such a fascinating venue.

Real-world examples of biophilic design in action — from workplaces and clinics to urban spaces and beyond.

Tune in to reflect, challenge assumptions, and join the ongoing conversation: is biophilic design just a feel-good concept, or is it the future of how we should be designing every environment?

Book tickets to the 2nd Biophilic Design Conference - join us in PERSON and ONLINE 

https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/biophilic-design-conference

Session schedule : https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/-2025-conference-sessions

Connect with the Workplace Geeks community:
Share your thoughts using #WorkplaceGeeks or email [email protected].
Follow @WorkplaceGeeks on LinkedIn and subscribe for more thought-provoking insights on workplace and design. To listen to the original visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1933353/episodes/16903582-biophilic-design-buzzword-or-big-deal-a-workplace-geeks-investigation

They also have a listener survey live at the moment, with prizes, so do the survey too, that would be superb https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WGls2025sv/

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. 

Credits: 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.

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"The way we've conceived cities for the past 100 years has been far too extractive, far too one-dimensional. We need cities that are more productive, multi-dimensional, and adaptable." Ludo Pittie leads WSP’s 75-strong UK landscape and urban design team, guiding  the company’s landscape strategy and design thinking, and is also driving a global WSP exploration of ‘the Future Ready Landscape’ which strives to anticipate future needs, and embed adaptable design practices to create sustainable places that are ready for today and tomorrow. 

Urban spaces should be biophilic interconnected systems that prioritise human and ecological wellbeing. This goes beyond traditional sustainability, we need regenerative design, an approach that doesn't just minimise harm, but actively restores and enhances natural systems.

The 15-minute city concept reimagines urban living. "It's about providing essential social needs locally," Ludo explains. "Access to schools, food production, healthcare – all within a 15-minute radius. It's about creating communities that can truly thrive."

Covid-19 unexpectedly accelerated this perspective. Locked down populations rediscovered local green spaces. At the same time our connection to nature has diminished by 60% over two centuries. The pandemic became an unexpected reset button, highlighting the critical importance of accessible, high-quality green environments.

But transforming cities requires more than good intentions. We need for innovative financial frameworks that recognise nature's intrinsic value. Natural capital approaches are emerging, attempting to quantify ecosystem services previously taken for granted. "We haven't been putting a monetary sign on what nature provides," he says. "We've just extracted and taken nature for granted." Plus, the economic benefits of more nature and biophilic placemaking helps provide equal access to high-quality green spaces, which we know can improve public health, reduce NHS pressures, mitigate climate impacts, and create more resilient, socially cohesive communities.

Practical examples are already emerging. Projects like Manchester's Greater Manchester Environment Fund and initiatives in Copenhagen and New York demonstrate how cities can integrate nature-based solutions. In New York, green infrastructure plans showed returns ten times higher than traditional engineering approaches, at a third of the cost.

The future of urban design isn't about uniformity, but about "hyper-local solutions to global system change". Each city, each neighbourhood needs its own nuanced approach, respecting local ecology and cultural distinctiveness. In addition, we should be designing public spaces that balance people, planet, and place; continuing interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with ecologists and water engineers; and maintaining a spirit of continuous innovation and learning. Community engagement is paramount. Successful urban restoration isn't imposed from above but co-created with local residents. Emerging stewardship models, like community interest companies managing green spaces, show promising alternatives to traditional top-down management. 

Looking towards 2050, we have cause to be optimistic. "We've never had so many mechanisms at our disposal," he says. Regenerative design could be the bridge connecting different disciplines, creating holistic solutions to complex urban challenges. Just imagine a world where everyone has a view of nature from where they live, with high-quality green spaces within a 10-minute walk. This would fundamentally reshape our relationship with urban environments.

Ludo will be speaking at the Biophilic Design Conference on 17 November, Click here to find out more and book your online and in person tickets (plus watch on catch up!): https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/biophilic-design-conference

To find out more about some of the project that Ludo was speaking about in the podcast look at:  

https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/hubs/future-ready-landscapes

https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/projects/islington-council-and-wsp-explore-pathways-to-finance-nature-in-cities

https://www.wsp.com/-/media/insights/uk/documents/wsp-biodiversity-in-the-city.pdf

https://www.tcpa.org.uk/areas-of-work/new-towns/long-term-stewardship/

https://barkingriverside.london/

https://commonland.com/4-returns-framework/

https://naturetownsandcities.org.uk/

https://mayfieldpark.com/

https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/projects/earls-court-development

https://www.c40.org/case-studies/c40-good-practice-guides-copenhagen-cloudburst-management-plan/

https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/environment/cloudburst.page

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/water/stormwater/green-infrastructure/nyc-green-infrastructure-plan-2010.pdf - key take away: “the overall cost of the Green Infrastructure Plan would be approximately $5.3 billion, $1.5 billion less than the $6.8 billion required for the Grey Strategy”.

“After a 20-year period, DEP estimates that New Yorkers would receive between $139 million and $418 million in additional benefits through reduced energy bills, increased property values, and improved health”

SUGi creates pocket forests that breathe life into urban spaces. Founded in London and now operating in over 50 cities worldwide, SUGi uses the innovative Miyawaki method to transform small urban areas into thriving, biodiverse ecosystems.

In a space the size of a tennis court, they can plant approximately 600 trees that grow rapidly, creating a mature forest in just a fraction of the time nature would typically require. Adrian Wong, UK Forest Lead, explains, "If nature did it naturally, it usually takes 150 to 500 years for a forest to mature. We supercharge that process."

At the heart of SUGi's success is soil restoration. "Without a living, healthy soil, we can't do what we're doing," Adrian emphasises. They meticulously prepare urban sites by aerating the ground, introducing beneficial organisms like mycelium and worms, and creating a nutrient-rich environment that supports rapid growth and biodiversity. For me, as Adrian was telling us this, I felt this emphasis on creating a healthy environment for life to thrive, is similar to what we are trying to do with Biophilic Design inside our homes, hospitals, workplaces, creating healthy environments that enable all life to flourish.

The impact is remarkable. Even in seemingly inhospitable urban locations, these micro forests attract diverse wildlife. At their South Bank forest, they've recorded an incredible range of species, including blue tits, green finches, and surprisingly, even tawny owls and peregrine falcons.

Research is increasingly demonstrating the mental health benefits of these urban forests. A study with Oxford University is exploring how the volatile organic compounds released by trees can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. As Adrian puts it, "We're learning how to quantify the benefits that we know exist."

Contrary to expectations, these forests require minimal maintenance. After initial care in the first three to four years, the forests become self-sustaining ecosystems. "Beyond that point, the forest looks after itself," Adrian explains. Adrian himself looks after over 30 forests on his own, which just proves that the method of planting is self-sustaining, affordable and there is no economic downside to scaling these across cities too. Just benefits.

SUGi's approach addresses urban inequity by bringing green spaces to areas traditionally lacking natural environments. Their forests provide access to nature in communities that have been concrete bound, offering mental health benefits, educational opportunities, and a sense of community ownership. Everything which the Biophilia hypothesis encourages, and Biophilic Designers are aiming to create.

"I would love to see a city that's part of nature, a city that's in nature," Adrian says at the end. This means integrating green spaces seamlessly into urban landscapes – from moss-covered walls to green roofs that provide habitat and food-growing opportunities.

SUGi is always seeking collaborators. "Finding land is our biggest challenge," Adrian notes. Architects, city planners, and community leaders are invited to explore how micro forests can transform urban spaces.

In just six years, SUGi has planted over 200 forests worldwide, proving that small spaces can create significant environmental and social change. If you have land which is calling out for a mini forest, please reach out directly to SUGi to collaborate. These pocket forests are more than just trees they are essential in our healing and connection in our urban landscapes.

https://www.instagram.com/sugiproject/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sugiproject/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.sugiproject.com/

https://cdn.sanity.io/files/oyzyxja8/v2/913f3ee130ed408e418cd2b76a3e7bddf562c550.pdf

He will be speaking at the  biophilic design conference on: . A passion developed from his time travelling and observing how society benefits most when nature and humanity can coexist. He will be speaking about:

Biodiversity & Belonging: why wild urban spaces matter.

Every citizen deserves access to thriving, biodiverse nature. SUGi is a model of urban renewal rooted in ownership, pride, and shared responsibility. We transform urban spaces through hyper-local pocket forests. From climate resilience to improving mental health, we’ll explore how wild urban spaces and nature connectedness can restore our sense of belonging — and how this, in turn, supports biodiversity and human well-being.

To book your ticket visit www.biophilicdesignconference.com

This is the factory in the forest Adrian mentioned: https://medium.com/@dinushi.urbanforests/factory-in-the-forest-adcdd18f7f9c

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. 

Book tickets and join us in PERSON and LIVE STREAMED Biophilic Design Conferencewww.biophilicdesignconference.com

Credits: 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/

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US Modernist architecture and Biophilic Design share a philosophical alignment, both fundamentally committed to creating human-centric spaces that celebrate our intrinsic connection to nature. By prioritising natural light, material authenticity, and design that responds to human behavioural patterns, these approaches transform buildings from mere shelters into living, breathing environments. 

Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra were pioneering biophilia decades before the term existed as a design principle, strategically integrating large windows, natural materials, and designs that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. Their work demonstrates that truly great architecture isn't about imposing human structures on the landscape, but about creating harmonious spaces that enhance human well-being by maintaining a deep, sensory dialogue with the natural world. This shared vision sees buildings not as static objects, but as dynamic systems that support physical, psychological, and emotional health through thoughtful, nature-inspired design.

What if your home could be more than just a container for living? What if it could enhance your wellbeing, sync with natural rhythms, and make you feel truly alive?

Imagine a house that breathes with the landscape, where windows frame nature like living paintings and every design choice connects you to the world outside We speak with George Smart, founder of US Modernist the award-winning archive and podcast dedicated to preserving and celebrating Modernist design. 

We chat about Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater house perched over a waterfall and how architect Richard Neutra would spend entire weekends with families, observing their daily routines to design homes that perfectly supported their lifestyle. We also explore how technological innovations like air conditioning and steel construction opened up radical new possibilities for design.

Technology played a crucial role in the US Modernist movement. The advent of air conditioning, steel construction, and large glass panels allowed architects to create open, light-filled spaces that blurred indoor and outdoor boundaries. California, with its stunning landscapes and consistent climate, became a laboratory for these experimental designs.

For anyone curious about design, architecture, or how our surroundings impact our wellbeing, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, get inspired, and discover how great design can transform our connection to the world around us.

Want to dive deeper? Visit US Modernist's website or check out their podcast for more architectural adventures.

https://www.usmodernist.org

 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.com

Credits: 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.

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Did you know 10 million people watched the first episode of Planet Earth III – the same number who visit the Peak District 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.com

https://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 Conferencewww.biophilicdesignconference.com

Credits: 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.

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"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 Evaluations

Companies 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 Design

Recognising 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 Standards

While 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.com

Design a Healthy Home: https://www.oliverheathdesign.com/our-projects/book-design-a-healthy-home

Biophilic 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 Conference www.biophilicdesignconference.com

Credits: 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/JofBiophilicDsn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/

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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.com

https://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

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Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts. 

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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 develop and improve over years, with plants establishing and becoming more robust over time. This approach is inherently climate-resilient, as it focuses on creating adaptable, living systems rather than static, rigid designs.

As the next generation of designers emerges – armed with natural history education and a deep ecological consciousness – we hope we can anticipate even more transformative approaches to landscape design.

The message is clear. Design is not about creating spaces for humans but creating spaces with humans as PART of a complex, interconnected ecological system. Biophilic landscape architecture is a powerful tool for healing our disconnection from the natural world.

RHS Back to Nature - Design Engagement - https://www.davieswhite.co.uk/nature-play-workshop

Davies White Ltd Landscape Architects - https://www.davieswhite.co.uk/

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.com

Credits: 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.

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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 Initiatives

Let’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/S266679162500003X

Edge 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 canopy cover can be measured at a site scale and approaches that can be taken to project canopy spread over decades, which is useful in the planning context. http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4397/