This e-newsletter brings you the latest information and resources on biophilic design, the industry, and GPGB updates. 

Credits: Denver Art Museum

Biophilia: Nature Reimagined brings together more than 80 imaginative works, including architectural models and photographs, objects, fashion, digital installations, and immersive art experiences that collectively highlight the transformative power of nature.

“Biophilia” is a term popularized by American biologist and author Edward O. Wilson to describe his theory that, as humans have evolved as a species, they have been intricately intertwined with the natural world. Wilson’s hypothesis invites deep reflection and poses relevant questions for audiences to consider life in our hyper-accelerated digital and urban-centric world. Organized by Darrin Alfred, Curator of Architecture and Design, Biophilia provides a space for leading architects, artists, and designers to re-examine and reanimate our intrinsic bond with the natural world.

The exhibition features works by an international roster of designers and artists including Iris van Herpen, Studio Gang, teamLab, Joris Laarman and DRIFT, among others.

Credits: Journal of Biophilic Design

There is strong evidence that strong green environments can improve educational outcomes as well as improving focus and concentration restoration levels, and for Nicholas Artherton, a chartered Landscape Architect and qualified Urban designer, Biophilic Design is a core tenet to create connections with natural elements and outdoor spaces through diversity, movement and multi-sensory interactions.

Nick is founder of Natural Dimensions, a multi-award-winning landscape architecture and urban design practice. For Nick, Biophilic Design is: “a way of incorporating into design a balance of ecological planning and planning for mental well-being and responding to systems which encourage human health.”

One of Nick’s most celebrated designs was for Merstham Park School where, Natural Dimensions were appointed to design extensive ground around a ground-breaking new pathfinder secondary school that is a template for low carbon technology and biophilic landscape principles.

From the entrance to the school and throughout the grounds, Natural Dimensions created a beautiful space with varied spaces incorporating many different habitats, spaces and an overall feeling of the school sitting within nature.

With a rich variety of planting, and so much thought gone into choosing a mix of species that change throughout the seasons, the school is nestled in a beautiful “hug” of colour, shapes and biodiversity. But not only is the landscape beautiful, with the deciduous trees, it maximises solar heating in winter and solar cooling in summer. Nick has also optimised the use and preservation of rainwater through some clever tech under the permeable pathways and planting areas which is then used for irrigation and recycling…

Credits: Corbis Studio

By Delfina Casado, June 18, 2024

Sustainable solutions:

– McDonald’s global flagship net-zero restaurant:Presented by Ryan Giblin, AIA (Principal, Ross Barney Architects), Maximiliano Carmona, AIA (Senior Director, McDonald’s Corporation), and Mohammad Abassi, Assoc. AIA (Senior Consultant, WSP USA), this presentation delved into the design and engineering strategies behind the world’s first net-zero fast-food restaurant. We learned about biophilic design elements and renewable energy systems that aim to minimize the building’s environmental impact.

Designing for equity and well-being:

– Outdoor & work-from-home spaces, tools for environmental justice in housing: Cyrus Dahmubed, Assoc. AIA (Director of Research, Utile, Inc.) and Rachelle Ain, AIA (Associate, Utile, Inc.) discussed the importance of incorporating well-designed work-from-home spaces and outdoor areas in housing projects, particularly affordable housing. They explored how these features can address inequalities and promote resident health and well-being.

Meet our host, Jan Goodman.
Owner/President at Cityscapes and current GPGB President

Jan has an impressive four decades of experience within the horticultural industry, showcasing her expertise as the visionary founder and CEO of Cityscapes Inc, a premier plantscape provider that transforms the built environment through the power of plants. Armed with a degree in landscape design and horticultural technology from the University of New Hampshire, Jan is not only a respected authority in her field but also a registered provider for the AIA/CES (American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System) and BOMI (Building Owners Managers Institute). She extends her knowledge through educational credits and programs aimed at architectural industry professionals and commercial property experts, emphasizing the myriad advantages of incorporating greenery and biophilia into architectural designs.

Jan is a sought-after speaker at national landscape conferences, including TPIE, BOMA, and Cultivate the American Hort Conference, where she shares her insights on biophilic design, living walls, interior and exterior landscaping, and holiday décor.

Cityscapes, under Jan’s exemplary leadership, was recently awarded the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award for Cultural Excellence from the Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Jan’s philanthropic endeavors extend far and wide across the Boston and South Shore area, where she supports various non-profits, including the Pine Street Inn, Friends of the Homeless, Brookview House, Breaktime, Friendship Home, and the Women’s Lunch Place. In 2020, she received a Community Service Award from Brookview House in recognition of a decade of tireless community service. In an effort to further give back to the community, Jan founded TransPLANTed, a charitable offshoot of Cityscapes. Transplanted is dedicated to raising funds for local nonprofits through the sale of plants from their mobile plant truck. With a passion for urban greenery and a commitment to giving back, TransPLANTed aims to make a positive impact on communities while cultivating a love for plants. This initiative led Janice to be recognized as one of People Magazine’s “Kindest People in America” in 2022.

Educate, Advocate, and Empower with GPGB courses!

It is increasingly well documented that biophilic elements such as live plants in buildings have measurable benefits to productivity, emotional wellbeing, stress reduction, and improved learning and healing.

The inclusion of biophilic design elements into building standards (the WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, the Living Building Challenge, LEED) is creating an even greater need for biophilic design information.

As part of GPGB’s core purpose is communicating the aesthetic, wellbeing, and economic benefits of nature in the built environment, we create courses credentialed for continuing education credit by the professional organizations listed below.

These courses contain important research-based information about the biophilic design ethic’s contributions to human health, safety, and welfare, as well as practical information about how to specify indoor nature in the built environment.

• Book a CEU
• Become a Registered Trainer
• Purchase a CEU at $225 each or bundle and save-
• Receive ALL GPGB slide decks for $495

➡️ Stay tuned for the release of the newest CEU, “Nature’s Blueprint: Unleashing the Power of Biophilic Design”. 

Biophilic design principles and real-world applications to inspire and connect us to the natural world. Delve into the science behind biophilia and learn practical strategies for seamlessly integrating nature into the built environment.

This presentation will explain the impact that Biophilic Design has on human health and well-being by harnessing its transformative potential. From biophilic principles to real-world applications, we will provide a roadmap for creating spaces that inspire, rejuvenate, and connect us to the natural world. This course is fitting for all, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner!

• Marketing & Communications
• Supporter Development
• Education & Professional Development

GPGB is making a difference and it’s all thanks to our valued supporters. Our supporter’s participation and contribution is greatly appreciated not only by us, but by everyone in the industry.

Credit:Greenworks Sweden
Location: Tekniska Museet Science Museum

Integrating moss is an easily accessible way to incorporate natural elements into interior spaces, offering the benefits of greenery without the usual maintenance and light requirements. This installation exemplifies how biophilic design can enhance indoor spaces, providing a visually appealing and stress-reducing setting for visitors.

Credit: Ambius
Location: Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club
Photo: Ashley Bearden 

Nashville’s newest hot spot just got a whole lot GREENER!

Creating great places to live, work, learn, and play begins with health. At Ambius, we believe that truly great brand experiences inspire confidence with every interaction.

By using a layered approach to integrate hygiene, health, and safety seamlessly into your brand experience, we help you create smarter, healthier spaces that earn trust. Our broad range of solutions includes air purification, plants, green walls, scenting and holiday decor – each providing a superior experience to help protect people and enhance lives.

Want to Help Keep Nature in the News?

Everything we accomplish happens because people like you are stepping forward and supporting GPGB’s focus on having conversations with the building professionals who can #BringNatureIndoors.

If the spirit moves you, please consider supporting our work by making a donation.