Exploring the Roots and Future of Biophilia – Biophilic Institute Summit
Hosted by The Biophilic Institute

📍 Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle, Seattle, WA
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 14
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Join leading researchers and practitioners for a special summit exploring both the foundations and future directions of biophilic design. Hosted by the Biophilic Institute, this session brings together influential voices whose work has helped shape our understanding of how nature influences human health, comfort, and wellbeing in the built environment.

The program begins by examining the roots of biophilia, highlighting foundational research from pioneers Gail Brager and Kathleen Wolf, whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of how natural elements impact the human experience of space.

Bill Browning will guide participants through an interactive group exercise designed to encourage attendees to share current research insights and identify emerging questions related to biophilic design projects.

The session then turns toward the future of biophilic environments, exploring the evolving relationship between real and simulated nature. Peter Kahn will discuss how people respond to digital and mediated experiences of nature, while Richard Taylor will present research on the psychological and physiological impacts of fractal patterns found in nature.

Together, these perspectives trace the evolution of biophilic design—from its early scientific foundations to emerging possibilities that blend physical and digital nature in the spaces we design.

Featured Speakers

• Gail Brager – Professor, UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment

• Kathleen Wolf – Research Social Scientist, University of Washington

• Richard Taylor – Director, Fractals Research Laboratory, University of Oregon

• Peter Kahn – Professor, University of Washington; Director, Human Interaction with Nature and Technological Systems Lab

• Bill Browning – Co-Founder, Terrapin Bright Green; Biophilic Design Thought Leader