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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Unworking - A Biophilic Reinvention of the Modern Office?

    Unworking - A Biophilic Reinvention of the Modern Office?
    Jul 29 2025
    Biophilic design is not just an aesthetic choice, but a critical evolution in workplace design. As work becomes increasingly digital and flexible, the traditional office is transforming into a dynamic, nature-integrated environment. We speak with Jeremy Myerson, design writer and Professor Emeritus in the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, who argues that the future workplace must move beyond sterile, industrial spaces to create settings that support human well-being, align with natural rhythms, and enhance productivity. This means incorporating elements like natural light, green spaces, vertical gardens, and designs that connect workers with the natural world. The post-pandemic workplace is no longer about containing workers, but about creating flexible, health-affirming spaces that recognize humans as part of a living ecosystem. Biophilic design, in Jeremy's vision, is the key to reimagining work as an holistic experience that nurtures both human potential and ecological connection. He shares with us highlights from his recent book "Unworking," and traces the fascinating evolution of workplace design and champions biophilic principles as a critical solution to our modern work challenges. The journey begins with agrarian societies, where work was intimately connected to nature - tasks performed on kitchen tables, in fields, and closely aligned with natural rhythms. The industrial revolution dramatically changed this relationship, creating artificial, efficiency-driven environments that systematically separated workers from the natural world. “We created an artificial internal environment in which to work, and the idea of technology, process and industrialisation was very much about conquering nature and resisting nature and separating nature from how we work. We pushed nature back at the end of the 19th century. We kept it at bay during the 20th century. And now we're beginning to think, well, actually, more natural ways of working, outdoor space, access to natural light and clean air, closeness to plants and greenery. All of this helps working life, but we're having to kind of put in a superhuman effort to try and bring back something that was naturally part of our existence. There's a certain irony in that there.” Workplaces became sterile containers designed to maximize productivity, with little consideration for human well-being or natural connections.Jeremy identifies three distinct phases of workplace evolution: the age of efficiency, the age of community, and the age of network. Each phase represents a gradual recognition that workers are not machines, but complex beings who thrive in more holistic environments. Today, we're entering a transformative fourth phase where biophilic design isn't just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental requirement. Digital technologies have liberated work from fixed locations, allowing for more flexible, nature-integrated approaches. For Jeremy, biophilic design extends beyond mere aesthetics. It's about creating environments that support human health, productivity, and well-being. His work with the Healthy City Design Congress emphasizes reconnecting public health with urban planning - a relationship that was intrinsic during the Victorian era but was lost during industrialization. We discuss innovative workplaces like GSK's London headquarters, which features a vertical farm, sit-stand desks, and carefully managed work environments. Booking.com's Amsterdam office demonstrates how biophilic principles can create socially permeable spaces that connect with broader community needs. Biophilia in society extends beyond individual workspaces and places to entire urban landscapes. Jeremy advocates for the "15-minute city" concept, where essential services are accessible within a short walk or cycle, for example Paris design. This approach integrates nature, reduces car dependency, and creates more human-centric urban environments. "We're trying to reconnect something that industrialisation broke," Jeremy says. His magic brush of biophilia would paint cities with more vegetation, slower traffic, and spaces that prioritize human and ecological well-being. The future of work, according to Jeremy, is not about returning to traditional office models but creating diverse, flexible strategies that blend work and life. Hybrid working, technological integration, and biophilic design are key components of this transformation.For Jeremy, biophilic design represents more than an architectural trend. It's a fundamental reimagining of how we interact with our environments, recognising that human productivity and well-being are intrinsically linked to our connection with nature. If we embrace biophilic principles, we can create environments that support human potential, ecological sustainability, and a more holistic approach to work and urban living. Find out more about the Health City Awards 2025, which aim to celebrate and recognise professional...
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Roots to Renders - Sugarcane's Journey into Creative Design

    Roots to Renders - Sugarcane's Journey into Creative Design
    Jul 28 2025
    "A world where materials are in harmony with nature." Wouldn’t that be amazing? I truly believe, that biophilic designers can specify this change, and also help scale innovation to make this happen.The global plastics crisis is stark: over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with a staggering 99% being fossil-based and 91% never recycled. The plastics industry contributes 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to 1.8 billion tonnes of emissions. Hao Ding, Global Marketing Director at TotalEnergies Corbion, unveils the potential of Polylactic Acid (PLA) - a bio-based material that could help how architects and designers approach sustainability. According to a new Life Cycle Assessment, PLA reduces carbon footprints up to 85% compared to conventional plastics.PLA stands for Poly Lactic Acid, a bio-based plastic material made from renewable resources like sugarcane or corn. Specifically, as Hao explained in the interview, it's produced through a process of fermenting plant sugars to create lactic acid, which is then polymerised into a plastic-like material. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, PLA is:- Made from renewable resources- Biodegradable- Reduces carbon footprint by up to 75%- Food contact approved- Usable in multiple applications like packaging, 3D printing, textiles, and medical packagingA key difference is that PLA starts from plants that absorb CO2 during growth, whereas conventional plastics are derived from oil pumped from underground. When composted, PLA breaks down completely without leaving persistent microplastics, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. PLA can reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional plastics. "PLA can replace most conventional plastics and offer similar performance." Architects and designers can leverage PLA in multiple applications.Design and Construction Applications:1. Furniture packaging materials2. Exhibition and conference temporary structures3. 3D printed decorative objects4. Cavity wall insulation5. Prototype and model making6. Textile and upholstery applicationsEnd-of-Life Solutions:- Mechanical recycling: Melting and repurposing PLA products- Chemical recycling: Low-temperature process breaking down materials- Composting: Complete degradation without microplastic residueI think there is an exciting potential for designers here looking for alternatives to plastics, and it is something that as artists, specifiers, designers we can ask our suppliers to look at for us. Let’s help them find alternatives and help scale biobased materials that have the potential to replace plastics in our environment.Hao showcased intricate 3D-printed examples, including life-sized hands holding a bowl and a detailed dragon sculpture, demonstrating PLA's capacity for complex, nature-inspired designs.Recommendations for Architects and Designers:- Explore PLA alternatives in packaging and temporary structures- Consider PLA for decorative and functional objects- Investigate textile and upholstery applications- Prioritise end-of-life solutions in material selectionHao's parting message resonates with hope: "2030 is not far away, and we all have targets to achieve." For architects and designers committed to sustainability, PLA represents an exciting pathway to more environmentally responsible design.To find out more visit: https://totalenergies-corbion.com/biobased/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
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • The School of Biophilia

    The School of Biophilia
    Jul 14 2025

    The School of Biophilia seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural environment through a comprehensive and innovative educational approach. By creating accessible, curriculum-aligned teaching resources that seamlessly integrate biophilic principles across different subjects, they aim to make nature education engaging and meaningful for children of all backgrounds. The founders of The School of Biophilia, Ann Vanner and Amelia Chasey, envision a future where biophilic principles are fundamental to education, design, and personal lifestyle choices.

    Their approach goes beyond traditional nature activities by developing interactive experiences that encourage children to explore and interact with their environment, even in urban settings. Through methods like nature scavenger hunts, storytelling, and carefully designed workshops, they help children understand not just the what, but the why of their connection to nature.

    A key aspect of their mission is making biophilic education inclusive and available to all children, regardless of their school's resources. By providing digital downloads, lesson plans, and workshops that can be easily implemented, they ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the natural world.


    They want to make biophilic principles accessible to all children, not just those in privileged schools. They highlighted a shocking statistic that current UK children spend less time outdoors than prisoners, which they see as a critical issue to address. Teaching children that humans are part of nature, not separate from it is a vital key to encouraging awareness and respect of our natural world (and each other). By breaking down educational silos and encouraging collective, community-based learning, The School of Biophilia aims to help children understand our interconnectedness with natural systems.


    The School of Biophilia also teaches children to understand why connecting with nature is beneficial - not just how to do it. They want to cultivate a generation that questions current practices and understands the deeper ecological relationships. They believe children can become mini warriors who take environmental knowledge home, influencing their families and communities. Similar to how children drove recycling awareness, they see kids as potential change agents who can shift societal attitudes towards nature.


    Ultimately, children are our future leaders, policymakers, designers, and community builders and we hope that those who engage in teaching like this from The School of Biophilia will embed a sense of reciprocity and care for the natural environment in their professional and personal lives. Empowering children to become nature advocates and teaching them to observe, appreciate, and understand their environment, they are cultivating a generation of future leaders who will prioritise environmental stewardship.

    Read their article in The Biophilic Design and Light edition, Issue 15 of The Journal of Biophilic Design herehttps://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/journal-of-biophilic-design-issue-15-light-ebook-version

    To find out more, join up, download resources from The School of Biophilia visit:

    Website https://biophiliaschool.create.net/

    Shop https://theschoolofbiophilia.shop/

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/The-School-of-Biophilia/61567861830109/

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theschoolofbiophilia/

    Substack https://substack.com/@theschoolofbiophilia

    Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/biophiliaschool?trk=public_post_follow-view-profile
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Light, Play and Possibility - in conversation with Frankie Boyle, experiential light artist

    Light, Play and Possibility - in conversation with Frankie Boyle, experiential light artist
    Jul 14 2025
    Light profoundly impacts our neurological and biological systems through its connection to our evolutionary history. Our brains are fundamentally programmed to respond to moving, dynamic light sources - which is why we're instinctively transfixed by a candle flame. Artificial light, by contrast, has only existed for 180 years, which is essentially nothing in evolutionary time. This means static white lights do little to support our relaxation or psychological connectivity. We speak with Frankie Boyle, light artist extraordinaire who fuses physics, psychology, neuroscience and art.Frankie’s work is beautiful, a manifestation of the fusion of biophilia and creativity. I love the gorgeous fluidity, the colours, the dance of light and dark, for me experiencing her installations even through the screen feels like you are walking into a song.As Frankie explains, humans have been interacting with light for 4 billion years, primarily through natural sources like sunlight and fire. From a neurological perspective, light triggers specific responses in our nervous system that are deeply rooted in survival mechanisms. Our brains are programmed to detect movement because it signals potential hunting opportunities or threats. Different colours and light intensities activate different neurological responses - for instance, vibrant blues are energising and motivating, while sunset tones with yellows and oranges signal relaxation and the end of the day. These light interactions influence our brain's energy allocation. If we design lighting intentionally, we can help encourage the neural resources of anyone experiencing the space to focus on specific tasks, ultimately improving their cognitive performance and emotional well-being.Some key take-awaysThere are many highlights from our conversation, but here are some key pointers she shares with us. In designing spaces with light, prioritise mimicking natural light patterns by using dynamic, moving sources that change throughout the day, avoiding static, bright white overhead lighting. Focus on colour and intensity, utilizing blue tones for energizing spaces and warm yellows and oranges for relaxation, always matching light colours to the intended mood and function of the environment. The goal is to create lighting that reflects our natural circadian rhythms and supports our biological needs.Texture, movement, and sensory experience are crucial in light design. Integrate materials that interact beautifully with light, like wool, and create subtle, gentle light movements that highlight natural surfaces and create immersive experiences. Approach light design as a collaborative and experimental process, working with experts from different disciplines and being open to unexpected ideas. Remember that light is not just functional, but a powerful tool for storytelling, evoking emotions, and creating spaces that connect deeply with our psychological and biological responses. Frankie transforms light from a simple functional element into a profound medium of emotional and psychological connection. When asked how she would paint the world with a magic brush of biophilia, Boyle's vision was wonderfully radical: a world without white walls and straight lines, replaced instead by spaces that invite play, exploration, and connection - environments with trees to climb, slides to descend, and cocoon-like spaces that nurture our innate need for sensory engagement.As our conversation reveals, the future of design lies not in rigid structures and static spaces, but in dynamic, playful experiences that honour our biological heritage. Frankie’s approach challenges us to break free from conventional thinking, to embrace creativity, and to understand that truly innovative design speaks to our deepest neurological rhythms. To find out more about Frankie Boyle’s work, visit her website and maybe sign up to her newsletter to be the first to know about her new installations and work: https://www.frankieboylestudio.comhttps://www.instagram.com/frankie_boyle_studio/https://www.tiktok.com/@frankieboylestudio 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
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Learning to let Nature in and design spaces that breathe

    Learning to let Nature in and design spaces that breathe
    Jun 27 2025
    Interior spaces can become sanctuaries that nurture human health, well-being, and our fundamental connection to the living systems around us when we adopt Biophilic Design principles. We speak with Nuria Munoz, interior designer and founder of the Habitarmonia Academy, who shares her experience and offers an inspiring perspective on this transformative power of Biophilic Design. "Buildings would breathe, cities would heal, and nature would be woven into every space we touch," Munoz envisions. Her approach goes beyond aesthetic decoration, representing an holistic reimagining of how we interact with our built environments. At its core, biophilic design is about creating deep, meaningful connections. "The more you are connected to biophilia, you slow down and connect with your client on a deeper level," Nuria explains. This approach transforms design from a mechanical process to an empathetic journey of understanding human needs and experiences. The design process becomes a collaborative exploration. She uses innovative techniques like nature connection surveys and playful card games to understand clients' relationships with their environment. "We ask how often they go to nature, how connected they are," she shares, highlighting the importance of personal connection in design. Biophilic design engages all senses, creating spaces that nurture well-being. From carefully selected materials to lighting and spatial experiences, every element is considered. Nuria’s's approach incorporates meditation, embodiment exercises, and deep understanding of neuroscience to create truly transformative spaces. The design world is witnessing exciting developments. Cities are becoming greener, with innovative approaches like free rainwater collection systems and street transformation projects. Technology like VR and AI are also creating new possibilities for connecting people with nature-inspired experiences. "People are fed up with the old way," Nuria observes. "There's a lot of stress and anxiety, and people are starting to understand we can live differently."The Broader Impact Biophilic design extends beyond individual spaces. It's about planetary health, regenerative leadership, and creating environments that enhance life. "We should be asking with every decision: Is it going to enhance life?" Munoz challenges designers and individuals alike. Her Habitarmonia Academy takes this philosophy further, offering comprehensive courses that transform designers into advocates for holistic, nature-connected design. The upcoming One Earth symposium in Barcelona will bring together experts to bridge neuroscience, environmental psychology, and design. Nuria is co-organizing a five-day symposium in Barcelona from June 30th to July 4th, bringing together neuroscience and environmental psychology experts like Ty Farrow and Bill Browning, which includes keynote speakers, workshops, city visits, and immersive experiences designed to bridge scientific understanding with practical biophilic design applications. For Nuria, biophilic design is more than a trend—it's a necessary paradigm shift. "Little changes have a massive ripple effect," she emphasizes. It's about taking responsibility, making conscious choices, and recognizing our fundamental connection to the natural world. As cities evolve and design practices transform, biophilic principles offer a beacon of hope—a way to create spaces that not only shelter us but truly nurture our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.Follow and connect with Nuria and try the Habitarmonia academy, plus get your hands on the New Earth One Symposium in Barcelona:Habitarmonia Ecosystem: A global community platform connecting professionals in biophilic and well-being design to collaborate, learn, and co-create regenerative solutions.https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/habitarmonia-ecosystemHabitarmonia Academy: An educational branch offering specialized courses and certifications in biophilic and well-being design, integrating neuroscience, sustainability, and regenerative practices.https://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/Our State-of-the-Art Biophilic and Well-being Design Course: A flagship 12-week program that empowers participants to master biophilic design principles, tools, and applications for transformative, health-centered spaces.Englishhttps://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/designing-spaces-heal-inspire-uplift-livesSpanishhttps://www.habitarmonia-academy.com/curso-diseno-biofilico-y-bienestar-habitarmonia-esHabitarmonia Studio: A consultancy and creative design studio delivering expert services in biophilic, well-being, and regenerative design projects across sectors.https://www.habitarmonia.eu/New Project: HEAL (Human Environment Architectural Laboratory)- In preparation of Website: An innovation hub and collective focused on designing life-centric, regenerative spaces that heal people and ecosystems through research-based, nature-integrated approaches.https://...
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins