This year, the Biophilic Design Conference will take place on the 12th November at London’s Barbican Centre. With the countdown officially on, we sit down with the Journal of Biophilic Design’s founder, Vanessa Champion, to chat about the specifics of biophilia and what we can expect from the conference itself.
Whether it’s an urban office block with green views, a residential build with rammed earth walls, a garden sanctuary in the heart of a city, a nature-inspired rug or an air purifier, it’s safe to say that biophilic design principles can inspire projects of all shapes and sizes. But beyond the opportunities to inject a little bit of green into our everyday spaces, biophilic design also has a significant place in the conversation around building a more sustainable future.
One expert in the world of biophilic is Vanessa Champion, Editor and Founder of the Journal of Biophilic Design. The brand, which first started as a conversational podcast, has since developed into a series of printed (and digitally available) publications that celebrate stories of biophilic design from around the world. Adding another string to their bow, this year Vanessa and her team are also hosting the very first Biophilic Design Conference.
With the conference now on the horizon (12th of November), we sat down with Vanessa to learn how biophilic design can enhance the health and wellbeing of not only humans, but rather the planet as a whole. And of course to hear all about what guests can expect from the Biophilic Design Conference.
What is biophilic design? Why is it important now?
“Biophilia (“bio” – life and “philia” love), is the term coined by sociobiologists to refer to our innate connection to the natural world. We have cut ourselves off from nature’s systems in most workplaces and cities, meaning us and the planet are not flourishing the way we should. Biophilic design reverses this separation and is the most evidenced-based and scientifically researched practice. It brings this connection into our built environment, improving wellbeing, mental health, sustainability, reducing carbon and increasing real estate and business value.”
What inspired you to launch the Journal of Biophilic Design?
“It was after witnessing first hand the impact that a view of nature had on my mother’s recovery in hospital that inspired me to research what the “biophilia” effect was. I was originally an academic at UCL, so my natural inclination was that I had to share the research I was finding beyond just my head! So, I started the podcast series, The Journal of Biophilic Design to broadcast interviews with thought leaders, designers, architects, planners, visionaries, psychologists, academics, sustainability advisors, forest walkers and medical practitioners to get to the bottom of what biophilic design was, and how it was positively impacting people and place.”
“Fast forward a couple of years, I produced the first printed and digital edition of the Journal itself to collate all the evidence in order to disseminate it on a different platform to try and accelerate the change that I was already seeing happen. It is now referred to as an Encyclopaedia of Biophilic Design because every issue has a different theme, so people collect it like a series. I’ve been humbled by the response of practitioners, interior designers and architects in particular, as well as environmentalists and sustainability advisors.”
What are some of the trends in biophilic design right now?
“Sustainability is a key trend. Regenerative design in particular and using the patterns of biophilic design to help bring about this change in specifying furniture, lighting, paints etc in the built environment. For instance, using natural bio-based materials like linen, cotton and wood, rather than petrol-based materials like polyester and plastics which not only take their toll on the planet, but also release gas VOCs into our homes and workplaces (schools and hospitals included).”
“Biophilic design supports the mental and physical health of people, so we know, just to build on this example, that wood grain is better for our brains. If we have a real wood desk (like oak), we add up better, are more creative and can focus better. Bringing in natural materials is also good from a “haptic” and sensory point of view, the touch and smell of wood is good for our brains. Biophilic design is all about sensory experience, creating spaces that are better for us, which essentially is the same as it was 10,000 years ago. That is why patterns from nature (aka biophilic design) make our brains happy essentially!”
“Another trend is the realisation that biophilic design is more than just a plant in the corner. Wider use of natural light, circadian rhythm lighting, better acoustics, colours from nature, views of nature (real, photographic or art based) and scents. Also “landscaping” offices and homes, creating “zones” for people to be in. Such as quiet places for focus and more open places for socialising.”
Why is biophilic design becoming part of the solution for net zero?
“I think it is the realisation that we can build and design with nature as a guide. Biophilic design essentially sits above all the other design trends. By its very nature (excuse the pun) biophilic design encourages the specification of more natural bio-based materials which are better for our mental and physical health from a psychological and physiological point of view, but also reduce the impact on the environment, and so help businesses reach net zero.”
“For example, Biophilic Design encourages more natural light. Often this can just be rearranging desks or beds to be nearer the windows. This of course means that we need to use less electricity for artificial lighting. Also, natural air flow is really important, and plants for cleaning the air. Just with these two examples, energy use is reduced on HVAC systems and cooling fans.”
How does biophilic design mitigate climate change?
“Biophilic design specifies that we use more trees, plants and nature in spaces. Inside and out. Planting more trees and green spaces not only create more positive neighbourhoods with less anti-social behaviour, but also more trees equals more canopy cover, which equals cooler cities and reduces the heat island effect of climate change.”
“Plus, if you put a green wall on the side of a building, not only do you need to turn on the air conditioning less because the building inside is cooler, but in the winter the building is warmer and so you use less heating (or at least turned down a few degrees). Biophilic design helps reduce your energy use in both instances. Have a look at our Environment issue for more ideas.”
What about the benefits on our health and wellbeing?
“A seamless connection to nature is one of the most important things we can do to help out physical and mental health. When trying to describe how to incorporate biophilic design into a space, we explain that we want to bring in the feeling that resembles a spring day. A day which makes all our senses happy. The perfect temperature felt on a warm (not hot) day, a gentle breeze (creating humidity variation), natural sunlight, views of thriving nature, plants, and even water sounds if possible!”
“Biophilic design helps our cognitive function flourish, because we are essentially the same “creature” we were 10,000 years ago when we were foraging for food, shelter and trying to avoid being eaten. According to evolutionary anthropology and neuroscience, our brains are still “foraging” for these things. So while we are now moved into white walls and no views in the workplace and some homes, our brains are still constantly looking for those elements of nature that nourish us.”
What can we expect from the Biophilic Design Conference?
“All of the above and more. We have experts speaking on how biophilic design improves our wellbeing, the Dept of Education, the NHS, Wildlife Trusts, Maggie Cancer Care Centres, British Institute of Biophilic Design, various councils and more all showing lots of visual examples.”
“The full day conference is split into three; in the morning, we look at how we are using Biophilic Design now. After lunch, we’ll explore how we can future proof workplaces, homes and cities with Biophilic Design, looking at the Architecture of Life, Kindship, Sensory Design and more.”
“In the evening, we’ll move into the Barbican conservatory, filled with magical lights, for the opportunity for networking, socialising and a premiere by Spanish composer and musician Javier Rodriguez. We commissioned him to write “The Green Book: The Biophilic Suite.” Combine all this with a wonderful exhibition of innovators in the Garden Room, where designers and artists, Walls of Eden, Virtual Nature Walls, Herman Miller and more are showcasing their new products.”
Tickets for the Biophilic Design Conference start at £75, secure yours here.
Click here to discover more about the Journal of Biophilic Design.
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