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/1679497

We 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-living

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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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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/ba6c8c1448

The HIX Interview ahead of the event: https://www.hixevent.com/news/hix-co-present-hotel-bdc-purcell-x-glass-house-urban-retreat

During 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 source
2. Angel area - exploring the high pavements that were originally designed to separate pedestrians from livestock being driven to Smithfield Market
3. 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 heritage

The 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: https://www.purcelluk.com

 To read the Hotel issue visit: https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/journal-of-biophilic-design-issue-11-hotels-leisure-ebook-version

Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe and become a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/subscribe-as-a-member or purchase a copy of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon.

Watch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand here 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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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 "take-make-waste" economic model to a circular, regenerative approach. It challenges the siloed thinking that has dominated urban planning, replacing it with systems thinking that recognizes the intricate connections between human health, ecological systems, and urban infrastructure.

Luke also says that the benefits extend far beyond environmental sustainability. Research consistently shows that exposure to natural environments reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and supports overall well-being. This is true, in an age of increasing mental health challenges, this isn't just design – it's a form of collective therapy.

As our cities continue to grow and climate change intensifies, biophilic design isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. It offers a hopeful, practical pathway to creating urban environments that don't just sustain us but help us thrive.

The revolution starts small, as Luke suggests, even a plant on a windowsill, a community garden, a green roof. But its potential is limitless. We are at the pivot point to the future of urban living, where every design choice is an opportunity to reconnect, regenerate, and reimagine our relationship with the living world.

 Luke has written a brilliant article in our Journal “Biophilic Design and Ecourbanism – an example at Cannock Mill Co-housing, Colchester Winner of the 2024 SALUS Healthy City Design Award for Healthy homes & neighbourhoods”, The Journal of Biophilic Design, Issue 14, Third Age, pp. 82 -87

www.studioengleback.com

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

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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 areas

Nick'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. 

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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

In a quiet laboratory in Manchester, a quiet revolution is brewing that could dramatically reshape the construction industry's environmental impact. LAMDA, a groundbreaking wool insulation panel, promises to challenge the dominance of petrochemical-based building materials while offering a sustainable, health-conscious alternative.

Vicente Orts Mercadillo from Vector Homes and Ruth Marie Mackrodt of Wool Insulation Wales are pioneering a material that does far more than simply keep buildings warm. Their innovation tackles multiple environmental and health challenges simultaneously.

"Construction is responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions," explains Ruth, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. In the UK alone, 9% of the national carbon footprint comes from manufacturing construction materials.

The LAMDA panel's credentials are impressive. Made from Welsh mountain sheep wool, it's fire-retardant, sound-absorbing, breathable, and capable of neutralising volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Perhaps most crucially, it's fully circular - at the end of its life, the panel can be recycled to create new insulation.

Currently, between 70-90% of Europe's wool clip is buried in the ground annually - a shocking waste of a potentially revolutionary material. Vicente, a material scientist, describes wool as "a highly technical fibre" that nature has "bio-engineered" over thousands of years.

The panel's unique structure comes from wool's inherent properties. Its crimped fibres trap air pockets, providing exceptional insulation. The fibres' scaled exterior allows them to tangle, creating a network that breathes while maintaining thermal efficiency.

Critically, LAMDA addresses a significant health concern. A recent study suggested that around 4,000 childhood asthma cases in the UK are caused annually by formaldehyde inhalation from construction materials. LAMDA not only avoids using formaldehyde but can actually absorb such harmful chemicals from indoor environments.

The current insulation market is dominated by energy-intensive mineral wools and petrochemical foams. In the UK, less than 0.1% of insulation is bio-based - a statistic the LAMDA team is determined to change.

"Change doesn't have to come from the top," Ruth emphasises. "It can come from the bottom, with lots of people making the right choices."

The team is actively seeking collaboration with architects, designers, and investors. Their vision extends beyond the UK, with potential for global replication using local wool resources.

As the world grapples with climate crisis, LAMDA represents more than just an insulation product. It's a potential blueprint for reimagining how we construct our built environment - prioritising human and planetary health.

Vicente dreams of a design approach that reconnects people with local materials and their surrounding environment. Ruth advocates for a longer-term perspective that considers environmental and health costs beyond immediate economic gains.

LAMDA might just be the wonder that helps us build a more sustainable future - one panel at a time.

www.wulltechnologies.com

https://www.vectorhomes.co.uk

https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/6f895721-0d82-42d2-874b-3419d89f6ed8/summary

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Watch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand here www.biophilicdesignconference.com

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

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Julian Treasure gives us a stark warning emerges about humanity's growing disconnection from the natural world - and it's happening through our ears.

Julian, renowned for his TED talks, reveals how modern human-generated noise is systematically destroying ecosystems, disrupting animal communication, and fundamentally altering our relationship with the environment. From whales struggling to communicate across oceans due to shipping noise to insects experiencing shortened mating cycles near roadways, the acoustic pollution is devastating.

"We've become numb to sound," Julian explains. Humans now spend 93% of their lives indoors, sealed away from natural soundscapes of wind, water, and birdsong - sounds our ancestors evolved alongside for hundreds of thousands of years.

The consequences extend far beyond environmental damage. Our inability to truly listen is fracturing human society. Julian argues that we've lost the art of compassionate listening, creating dangerous social echo chambers where people only hear opinions that confirm their existing beliefs.

Critically, our noise-saturated world is causing serious health problems. Julian highlights that hospitals are 12 times louder than recommended levels, preventing patient recovery. Classrooms bombard children with sound levels that could increase heart attack risks. A billion young people risk hearing damage from excessive headphone use.

But there's hope. Julian advocates for radical reimagining of our sonic environments. Simple interventions like playing nature sounds, training medical staff to be quieter, and teaching children listening skills could transform societal outcomes.

His upcoming book "Sound Effects" and new online community "The Listening Society" aim to reconnect people with the wonder of sound. He suggests everyone should ask: "What beautiful, natural sounds could improve my living space?"

The solution, he believes, lies in embracing biophilia - designing every space with life's wellbeing in mind. Whether in healthcare, education, or urban planning, we must consider sound's impact.

Julian's most profound message is simple: listening is an act of respect - to nature, to each other, and to ourselves. In a world increasingly characterized by shouting and division, truly hearing one another might be our most powerful tool for understanding.

As he poignantly notes, "The sound of democracy is listening." By rediscovering our acoustic sensitivity, we might just heal our fractured planet - one sound wave at a time.

Become a member of The Listening Society which opens its doors on 1st May here: https://listen.thelisteningsociety.community/1mth Sign up to their free newsletter to learn more too.

Listen to our previous podcast with Julian https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcast-journal-of-biophilic-design/the-power-of-sound

For more information on Julian and his work and details of his new book visit https://www.juliantreasure.com

If you like this, please subscribe!

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 x

Watch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand herewww.biophilicdesignconference.com

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?

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In the urgent battle against climate change, an unexpected hero is emerging: biophilic design. Far more than a trendy architectural concept, it represents a radical reimagining of how we interact with our built environment. We speak with Tom Dolan, a senior research fellow at UCL and leading voice in sustainable infrastructure.

"We're not just adding plants to buildings," Tom explains. "We're talking about a complete transformation of how we design our cities, infrastructure, and living spaces." This approach goes beyond mere aesthetics, offering a comprehensive solution to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.

At its core, biophilic design recognizes that humans are intrinsically connected to natural systems. It's an approach that sees buildings and urban spaces not as isolated structures, but as living, breathing ecosystems that can actively contribute to environmental healing.

Take water management, for instance. Traditional urban design channels water away as quickly as possible, creating flood risks and environmental stress. Biophilic design reimagines this, using green infrastructure to slow water movement, improve quality, and create multifunctional urban spaces. "We can capture water, slow its movement through urban landscapes, and create spaces that are both functional and beautiful," Tom argues.

The potential impacts are profound. Buildings designed with biophilic principles could become self-regulating systems that require minimal external energy for heating and cooling. Imagine schools and hospitals where the building itself becomes a learning tool – demonstrating how architecture can work in harmony with natural systems.

This isn't just environmental idealism. There's a compelling economic argument too. Drawing on the "donut economics" framework, Tom highlights how biophilic design can create multiple value streams. A single tree, for example, provides services that would cost thousands to replicate artificially – from air purification to carbon sequestration, from temperature regulation to mental health benefits.

The climate emergency demands more than incremental changes. As Tom puts it, it's a "wicked problem" requiring a transformative approach. Biophilic design offers a holistic solution, addressing not just carbon emissions, but broader issues of resilience, well-being, and sustainable development.

Real-world examples are emerging. Urban regeneration projects are increasingly incorporating green infrastructure, while innovative designers are creating buildings that blur the lines between built and natural environments. The cloud gardener in Manchester, who transformed a high-rise balcony into a thriving ecosystem, demonstrates the potential for individual action.

Yet challenges remain. Despite growing evidence of its benefits, biophilic design still struggles for mainstream acceptance. "We need to change mindsets," Tom insists. This means reimagining success metrics beyond simple economic growth and recognizing the true value of natural systems.

As we face escalating climate challenges, biophilic design offers more than hope – it offers a practical, beautiful solution. It's an approach that doesn't just mitigate environmental damage, but actively creates regenerative, life-supporting spaces.

The future is green, interconnected, and full of possibility. And it starts with how we choose to design our world.

Here are links to things he mentioned in the podcast

Tom Dolan,  2024, “Systemic Perspective on the Climate Emergency, National Infrastructure Transformation and Opportunities for Biophilic Design” Journal of Biophilic Design, Issue 12. Digital viewPrinted versionhttps://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/journal-of-biophilic-design-issue-12-retail-printed-copy-of-the-journal

Systemic Perspectives on National Infrastructure for a Sustainable, Resilient Net Zero Future

https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2021.752765

Thought Leadership Articles from COP

COP28 and The First Global Stocktake: Personal Reflections on an Affirmational, Inspirational and Disappointing Experience and an Opportunity Missed

https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10186998/7/UKCRIC%20Connected%20-%20COP%2028%20First%20gloabl%20stocktake%20DOI%20A4.pdf

Insight: COP26 - Inspirational Heartbreak: Personal reflection on an inspirational, holistic and uplifting event with an underwhelming outcome

https://www.ukcric.com/outputs/insight-cop26-inspirational-heartbreak/

Insight: Personal reflection on COP27 – Where do we go from here?

https://www.ukcric.com/outputs/insight-personal-reflection-on-cop27-where-do-we-go-from-here/

An Article from Politics Home (with Joanne Leach)

https://library.myebook.com/thehouse/greening-the-nation/4495/#page/20

UKCRIC Homepage https://www.ukcric.com/

UKCRIC National Green Infrastructure Facility

https://www.ukcric.com/how-we-can-help/facilities/national-green-infrastructure-facility/

Climate Positive Design – Pamela Conrad’s work https://climatepositivedesign.org/education

ASLA Case Studies https://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/index.html

Doughnut Economics https://doughnuteconomics.org/about-doughnut-economics

Donella Meadows Thinking in Systems

https://research.fit.edu/media/site-specific/researchfitedu/coast-climate-adaptation-library/climate-communications/psychology-amp-behavior/Meadows-2008.-Thinking-in-Systems.pdf

The Cloud Gardener https://cloudgardeneruk.co.uk/

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Catching up with some designers leading the way for workplace transformation at the Workspace Design Show in February this year, we learnt that there are more and more designers championing biophilic design as more than just a trend—it's a critical response to human well-being and environmental sustainability.

Gurvinder Khurana from M Moser Associates cuts to the heart of the matter: "We are over 70% water, and [nature] resonates with us." This sentiment echoes throughout the conversation, revealing biophilic design as a profound connection between human experience and natural environments.

The designers unanimously agree that workspaces are no longer just functional spaces, but essential ecosystems that directly impact mental health and productivity. Nikos Papapetrou from Sheppard Robson provocatively argues that sustainability isn't just about materials, but "how you make people feel."

Kael Gillam, Senior Associate for Hoare Lea, and a lighting designer, offers a radical perspective: her job is essentially to compel people outdoors. "I want you to go out at lunch. I want you to wake up in the morning and open your blinds," she explains, emphasizing that true design should reconnect humans with natural rhythms.

Emma Douglas from Ryder Interiors highlights the nuanced approach, noting that biophilic design isn't just about adding plants, but creating "smooth forms" and calm environments that inherently make people feel better.

The most compelling narrative emerges around workplace evolution. As Martina Bazzoni, also of M Moser Associates, passionately states, good design is about "investigating how people feel in the space" and creating environments where employees don't want to leave their company.

Ashton Holmes from Peldon Rose shares a delightful anecdote about designing a client’s bathroom with a moss "jungle" ceiling and a disco ball—proving that biophilic design can be both functional and playfully innovative.

The designers unanimously view their work as a critical intervention. As Govinder succinctly puts it, "If you want to be a profitable business, you need to invest in your people and the space they're in."

The interview reveals biophilic design as an holistic approach addressing mental health, sustainability, and human-centric workplace experiences. It's not just about aesthetics, but about creating spaces that nurture, inspire, and reconnect humans with the natural world.

In an era of increasing disconnection, these designers are painting a hopeful picture—quite literally. When asked what they'd do with a "magic paintbrush," their responses ranged from reforesting the Amazon to recreating community spaces and designing immersive, nature-integrated environments.

As workplaces continue to evolve post-pandemic, this conversation suggests a profound shift: design is no longer about creating spaces, but about crafting experiences that fundamentally support human potential.

The future of work, it seems, is green, thoughtful, and wonderfully alive.

For more information on Workspace Design Show, visit https://workspaceshow.co.uk

Maybe we’ll see you at their Amsterdam show? https://workspaceshow.nl

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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 x

Watch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand here www.biophilicdesignconference.com

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?

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In a world increasingly dominated by sterile, lifeless buildings, one architect is on a mission to reawaken our innate connection to the natural world. Amanda, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute, is a passionate advocate for biophilic design - the practice of incorporating elements of nature into the built environment to enhance human health, wellbeing and productivity. 

"Many of our buildings today are like barren tombs, where people's souls and creativity go to die," Amanda laments. Her own experiences working in windowless offices, devoid of natural light, fresh air and sensory stimuli, left her feeling disconnected and uninspired. This personal frustration fuelled her determination to transform the way we design the spaces we inhabit. 

Amanda's journey began with her childhood in a small English village, where she spent endless hours immersed in the outdoors. Travelling through Australia and Southeast Asia as a young adult further opened her eyes to the profound relationship between architecture, culture and the natural environment. "I saw buildings that were so in tune with the climate, responding to it in a way I'd never witnessed before," she recalls. 

This epiphany set Amanda on a path to redefine the role of the architect, moving away from the "hero on a horse" mentality of individual, ego-driven design towards a more holistic, place-based approach. 

Biophilic design, she believes, is not about simply adding a few plants or water features to a building, but rather deeply understanding the unique ecology, climate and community of a site, and weaving those elements seamlessly into the fabric of the structure. 

Amanda points to the humble termite mound as a prime example of biomimicry in action - traditional architecture that mimics the natural ventilation systems of these industrious insects. "It's the same principle we see in biophilic design, creating buildings that are climatically responsible and connected to place," she explains. The benefits of this approach are well-documented. 

Studies have shown that access to natural light, views of greenery and sensory connections to the outdoors can significantly improve health outcomes, productivity and learning. Yet, Amanda laments, the majority of our schools, hospitals and workplaces remain stubbornly disconnected from the natural world. "We've created this separation between humans and nature, which has allowed us to destroy ecosystems and indigenous cultures without remorse," she says. "Now, we need a revolution in the way we design and think about the built environment." 

 Amanda envisions a future where forests and green spaces reclaim the urban landscape, where buildings are designed to support not just human inhabitants, but all living systems. It's an ambitious vision, but one she believes is essential if we are to address the pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to biodiversity loss. "We have the knowledge and the tools to create buildings that are truly in harmony with nature," Amanda says. "What we need now is the collective will to make it happen." 

Amanda has an unwavering passion and a lifetime of experience in the field, and encourages us all to create a biophilic, biomimetic future, one that reconnects us to the natural world and, in doing so, restores our own sense of purpose and belonging. 

https://amandasturgeon.com.au

If you like this, please subscribe!

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 x

Watch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand here www.biophilicdesignconference.com

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/

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