This e-newsletter brings you the latest information and resources on biophilic design, the industry, and GPGB updates.
How Biophilic Design Enhances Construction Project Health in the UK and US
Credits: Buildertrend
By Matt Chambers • Published Aug 15, 2024, updated Aug 12, 2024
The construction industry on both sides of the Atlantic is experiencing a welcome shift – a move toward prioritising human well-being within new builds. Biophilic design, the practice of incorporating nature into architecture, is at the forefront of this movement. This approach offers a range of benefits for building occupants, making it a valuable consideration for UK and U.S. construction projects alike.
Studies conducted in the U.S., Canada and various other countries have revealed that people experience a natural sense of relaxation when immersed in environments featuring elements from the natural world.
What is biophilic design?
How can biophilic design be used in construction projects?
The benefits of biophilic design…
3 stunning examples of biophilic design…
Taking the next step with biophilic design…
‘Bio-spaces’ Exhibition at Roca London Gallery
Credits: Wallpaper.com, Easyhome Huanggang by Stefano Boeri
(Image credit: Courtesy Stefano Boeri)
The ‘Bio-Spaces’ show is ‘a call to action to stop designing nature out and start to usher it back into our spaces’, says Deborah Spencer. Co-founder of environmentally focused media and events platform Planted, Spencer curated the show with Oliver Heath Design, which has specialised in biophilic design for 20 years.
‘Bio-spaces: regenerative, resilient futures’ draws on nature
The 70 exhibits are laid out on six ‘islands’ that sit on a modular grid system in the curvaceous, white, Zaha Hadid-designed space. There’s multisensory input from smells and sounds from the natural world, plus video, tactile material samples and plenty of planting.
Each island introduces a different aspect of biodesign. ‘These strands have often been thought of in isolation, with designers aligning themselves with one specialism or another,’ Spencer says. But she’s now seeing a consolidation of these approaches, leading to ‘a more holistic, bio-inspired view of the built environment’…
Upcoming Industry Conferences
The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture is the largest gathering of landscape architects and allied professionals in the world, all coming together to learn, celebrate, build relationships, and strengthen the bonds of our professional community.
IFMA’s World Workplace® is the largest, most highly acclaimed facility management conference in the world. Established in 1995, World Workplace is the original forum for groundbreaking discussions on facility management and the wider built environment. It’s where all workplace professionals come to discover innovative FM technologies, build valuable relationships and sharpen essential skills.
CoreNet Global: Global Access, Local Engagement.Broaden your influence with a global network and a local footprint in more than 50 countries around the globe.
The theme for Greenbuild 2024 is “Built to Scale,” spotlighting the green building community’s commitment to wholesale market transformation, bringing proven solutions and strategies to global communities.
The first ever Biophilic Design Conference run by the Journal of Biophilic Design at the Barbican London. Bridging the gap between research and practice-Explore the positive impact of Biophilic Design on the mind, body, environment and economy.
Supporter Video Calls
❤️ Thank you to all who joined on the last supporter video call on July 30th. We enjoyed the open discussions and multiple perspectives from across the industry! If you missed the last supporter call, watch the recording here for insights on trends in plantscape design, products, holiday decor, and much more!
Next up: Learn how to cultivate horticulture hospitality in your business!
Join hosts, Jan Goodman and Mike Senneff, to discuss the latest takeaways of excellent and unbelievable service from industry conferences such as Cultivate, SHRM, and the Global Leadership Summit!
➡️ Join us Wednesday, September 25th at 1:00 p.m. EST via Zoom for all the latest industry expertise on Cultivating Horticulture Hospitality!
Call to Action: Support and/or “Level-Up” with GPGB
Our purpose is to communicate the aesthetic, wellbeing, and economic benefits of nature in the built environment. The target audience is the commercial specifier, building owner, facility manager and related decision makers.
Thanks to our supporters, we have been extremely successful in reaching our audience. There is unparalleled awareness of the economic benefits of interior plants and more plants are being specified in building projects than ever. The industry has never been stronger! We want to capitalize on our momentum and assure plants become a permanent element in commercial design.
GPGB is asking for increased support. GPGB has just completed an overhaul of our supporter tiers and added new benefits at each level. As important as the benefits are, the primary reason to support is to help us influence more decision makers on the benefits of plants, and ultimately grow the industry, and grow your business.
❤️ Thank you to our Top Level Supporters:
–Foliage Concepts, BIOPHILIC HERO
–Ambius, BIOPHILIC HERO
–NewPro Containers, BIOPHILIC HERO
–Planterra Corporation, BIOPHILIC CHAMPION
–True Vines, BIOPHILIC STAR
–Always in Season, Inc., BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Amlings Interior Landscape, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Austin Moss Creations LLC, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Autograph Foliages, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Bloom and Flourish, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Foliage Design Systems-Orlando, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Frida’s, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Good Earth Plants, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Greenworks, Inc., BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Habitat Horticulture, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Khloros LLC, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–McCaren Designs, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Metro Tropical Plant, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–National Interiorscape Network, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Plantasia Design Inc., BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Plantz, A Natura Company, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Seattle Plant Company LLC, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–Sedgefield Interior Landscapes-Marietta, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
–The Emerald City, BIOPHILIC ADVOCATE
Support Expired or haven’t increased support?
➡️ Click here to renew and/or “level-up” TODAY!
Continued Education Units
New Release: 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, “Nature’s Blueprint: Unleashing the Power of Biophilic Design”, is fitting for all, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner!
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.
Volunteers Wanted for Committees and Board of Directors
GPGB depends on the work of volunteers to carry out our strategic initiatives and fulfill our mission. Serving on a committee or as a GPGB board member is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. If you can make a minimum two-year commitment, the industry needs people like YOU!
- Marketing & Communications
- Supporter Development
- Education & Professional Development
Thank You to Our Supporters!
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.
Thank you for continuing to add your voice to the hundreds of other industry professionals committed to integrating plants into our built environments. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to “Level-Up” this year!
Continued Supporter Call To Action: Please continue to add your reels, shorts, stories, and all other 15-30 second videos related to biophilia here in order to be featured on GPGB social media.
Biophilic Gallery
Credit: GPGB YouTube
Location: Denver Art Museum
Experience the breathtaking fusion of art and nature in this stunning slideshow from GPGB’s visit to the Denver Art Museum’s exhibit, Biophilia: Nature Reimagined. This collection of photos and videos captures the essence of biophilic design—a harmonious blend of natural elements with creative human expression. Dive into a world where architecture, art, and plant life converge, transforming the traditional museum space into a living, breathing environment. Witness how the exhibit redefines our connection to nature, inspiring sustainable design practices and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone passionate about sustainable living, this visual journey is sure to ignite your imagination and leave you inspired. Watch now!
Credit: BestBees
Location: 1 Hotel Nashville: Tennessee, USA
Photo: Frawley Photography, BestBees
Right in the heart of the city, the 1 Hotel Nashville sits behind an 880-foot curtain of living greenery – 56,000 draped Hedera helix ivy plants. The hotel’s interior design takes inspiration from the range of landmarks and landscapes found just outside the city, incorporating reclaimed wood, water-worn boulders, and various homages to the area’s history and local culture.
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.