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Journal of Biophilic Design

Journal of Biophilic Design

By: Vanessa Champion editor Journal of Biophilic Design
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Welcome to our podcast series from the Journal of Biophilic Design, where we interview workplace consultants, futurists, interior designers, architects, urban planners and those working in healthcare, wellbeing and other industries to find out the latest on Biophilic Design. www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com

Content copyright Journal of Biophilic Design, opinions copyright the speaker. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • How to Design a Biophilic Community

    How to Design a Biophilic Community
    Aug 11 2025
    Nestled in the Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, is Serenbe, the biophilic community leading the wellness real estate and agrihood movements. It is a neighbourhood focused on wellbeing, full of fresh food and fresh air. This community is set among acres of preserved forests and meadows with miles of nature trails that connect homes and restaurants with arts and businesses.Importantly it is a real-world example of Biophilic Design in a community development that can help us reimagine urban and town planning. We speak with Steve Nygren, Founder and CEO who shares with us his love of biophilia and how this is woven through Serenbe, a beautiful and practical reimagining of how we can live in harmony with nature. More than just a development, Serenbe is a living, breathing testament to Biophilic Design and the profound connection between human well-being and the natural world.When Steve purchased a farm near Atlanta with his family, they discovered that this close connection to nature fundamentally changed their lives. "I saw how we all responded when we connected back to nature," he reflects. With 1,200 residents, Serenbe demonstrates that sustainable, nature-integrated communities aren't just possible—they're desirable, and this goes beyond architecture, it's about creating living systems that nurture human potential.Serenbe continues to evolve, with plans for an expanded educational campus. Plus, and watch out for updates in the press, an aging-in-place community promoting intergenerational living.Steve bridges scientific understanding with emotional experience. While research increasingly validates biophilic design's benefits, he emphasises that the heart understands what science is only beginning to measure. "We are innately connected to nature," he says, and highlights how our intuitive feelings are confirmed by rigorous scientific research.Start in your own backyard.Steve's upcoming book, "Start in Your Own Backyard," extends this philosophy, encouraging individuals to create change in their immediate environments.For those wanting to apply Serenbe's principles globally, Steve offers simple advice. Start where you have influence. Whether it's redesigning a neighbourhood, creating community gardens, or advocating for nature-integrated urban planning, every action matters. His book is out in October. https://stevenygren.com As Paul Hawken (author of Carbon) said of the book: “This is an extraordinary true-life story of transformation with worldwide implications.”And designing communities with Biophilic Design on a global scale… Intentional design with carefully planned communities can transform neighbourhoods, communities, cities and dare I say it, even countries. If you are a designer, planner, real estate owner, influencer of any of these, by following the Serenbe pattern some of the things you will be looking at incorporating will be integrating nature within 450 feet of every home, create walkable, interconnected spaces, promote multi-generational living and support local agriculture and food systems.All of this will create Holistic Well-being. The Serenbe Biophilic community proves that design can naturally improve health. Residents report losing weight, feeling more connected, and experiencing enhanced mental well-being—simply by living in a nature-integrated environment.Plus, there’s the Community Connection. The simple design elements like communal mailboxes create spontaneous social interactions, demonstrating how physical spaces can foster human connections.When asked to paint the world with a biophilic brush, Steve envisions a landscape that embraces nature—not separate from civilisation but woven into human experience.Serenbe isn't just a community, it's a living blueprint for how humans can reimagine their relationship with the natural world. It proves that when we design with nature, we design for human flourishing.Steve will be speaking at our Biophilic Design Conference 17 November 2025 Westminster London www.biophilicdesignconference.com please come!https://www.serenbe.comTo find our more and pre-order the book visit https://stevenygren.comIf 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.comCredits: 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/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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    48 mins
  • Architecture, Epigenetics, Biophilia and Human Health

    Architecture, Epigenetics, Biophilia and Human Health
    Aug 5 2025
    Architects are increasingly recognising that our built environments do more than shelter us—they fundamentally shape our physical and mental wellbeing. Dr Tuwanda Green, a leading expert in biophilic design, an architect, and who sits on the board of the Biophilic Institute, has over 32 years of architectural experience including working for government design projects, and holds a doctorate in architecture from Virginia Tech. She argues that thoughtfully designed spaces using the principles of Biophilia can actually alter our genetic expression and improve generational health.Tuwanda is an expert on Epigenetics—a field of genetic research. In our conversation she explains how environmental factors can switch genes on and off without changing DNA sequences. Think of epigenetic markers like "gumballs" stuck to our genetic code, potentially influencing everything from stress responses to disease susceptibility."These markers can be passed down through generations," explains Tuwanda. "A stressful, nature-deprived environment could potentially transmit negative genetic expressions to our children, while nurturing, nature-connected spaces might help reverse these markers."Recent scientific studies support this perspective. Research has consistently demonstrated that exposure to green spaces correlates with significant health improvements:- Reduced cardiovascular disease risks- Lower blood pressure- Decreased stress hormone levels- Improved cognitive function- Enhanced mental health and emotional regulationIn our Journal of Biophilic Design podcast and the articles in the Journal itself, we often talk about how green spaces aren't just aesthetic additions—they're critical health interventions. Tuwanda here, shares that by incorporating natural elements like water features, organic shapes, natural lighting, and plant life, architects can create environments that actively support human physiological and psychological functioning.The principles of biophilic design extend beyond mere decoration. They're rooted in understanding human evolutionary biology. Our bodies are fundamentally designed for natural environments, with sensory systems finely tuned to detect subtle environmental cues. Modern buildings often disconnect us from these innate biological rhythms."We've existed as homo sapiens for millennia in natural settings," Tuwanda emphasises. "Our brains are still processing environmental information subconsciously, seeking safety, resources, and connection."Practical biophilic design strategies include:- Maximising natural light exposure- Creating visual connections with nature- Incorporating water features and natural sounds- Using organic, textured materials- Designing spaces that encourage movement and social interactionTuwanda's own community at Serenbe (where the Biophilic Institute is based) exemplifies these principles. Curved streets, clustered housing, centralized communal spaces, and abundant green trails naturally encourage neighbourly interactions and physical activity.The potential societal implications are profound. By redesigning our environments with human biology in mind, we could potentially:- Reduce chronic stress- Improve community cohesion- Support mental health- Mitigate intergenerational trauma- Create more resilient, adaptive human populationsAs climate change and urbanisation accelerate, biophilic design offers a holistic approach to human-centred architecture. It's not just about creating beautiful spaces, but about understanding and supporting our fundamental biological needs."Design creates communities. Well-designed environments can foster connection, support health, and potentially even contribute to world peace."Our built environments are powerful determinants of human health. By embracing biophilic design principles, we can create spaces that don't just house us, but actively heal and nurture us.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 Conferencewww.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: 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/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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    54 mins
  • The Biophilic approach to Learning Spaces

    The Biophilic approach to Learning Spaces
    Aug 4 2025
    Garden designer Lisa Norton has been pushing forward a beautiful biophilic approach to learning spaces that puts nature at the heart of education. For her, biophilic design is proving that our built environments can profoundly impact children's well-being and learning potential. Her journey from corporate sales to garden design was driven by a deep-rooted connection to nature, inspired by childhood days spent in her father's vegetable garden. Now, she's transforming schools into living, breathing environments that support children's mental and physical health."We are doing our children a disservice right now," Lisa says passionately. We need a change in the way we design schools. In a recent project at a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, Lisa demonstrated the transformative power of biophilic design. By incorporating natural materials, organic shapes, and abundant greenery, she created spaces that fundamentally changed how children experience learning. The results were remarkable. "Some children came off medication," she reveals. "One child told me, 'I can think more clearly and breathe more deeply.'"The design went far beyond aesthetic considerations. A massive tree trunk became a focal point in a "nature immersive space", creating what Lisa describes as a moment of "awe and wonder". Local timber, tree screens, and carefully considered acoustics transformed a standard classroom into a nurturing environment.Lisa's approach recognizes that children are increasingly disconnected from nature. "They're fighting technology addictions," she explains. "We're allowing them to be addicted to devices without giving them tools to connect with what they innately need."Her vision extends beyond individual schools. She advocates for creating green community spaces where multi-generational families can reconnect with nature and each other. "We need to encourage society to step out of busyness and just sit on a bench with some nice planting and have basic, lovely conversations," she says.The scientific principles behind her work are compelling. Biophilic design isn't just about making spaces look pretty – it's about creating environments that fundamentally support human well-being. Water features, natural light, organic shapes, and locally sourced materials all play crucial roles in designing spaces that help people feel calm, focused, and connected.For Lisa, sustainability is intrinsically linked to design. She sources materials locally, encourages composting, and creates gardens that function as mini-ecosystems. "It's about creating spaces where we're living from the land, rather than relying on artificial, man-made solutions," she explains.Her most powerful motivation comes from personal experience. With a son who has ADHD and struggled in traditional educational environments, Lisa understands firsthand how critical supportive spaces are for children's development."If we can make a difference to children who are struggling with anxiety or learning challenges, then we really owe it to our kids to do that," she says.As technology continues to dominate our lives, Lisa Norton's work offers a compelling alternative – a reminder that our fundamental connection to nature is not a luxury, but a necessity. Her biophilic designs are more than just beautiful spaces; they are a blueprint for a more holistic, compassionate approach to education and human development.In a world that often feels disconnected and overwhelming, her work offers hope – one garden, one classroom at a time.Do check the Neurodiversity issue, where Lisa has written a beautiful article on Biophilic SEN schools https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/journal-of-biophilic-design-issue-9-neurodiversity-ebook-version 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.comCredits: 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/JofBiophilicDsnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign
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    43 mins
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