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

Credits: npj Urban Sustainability

A recent study published in npj Urban Sustainability explores the universality of biophilic perceptions—our innate affinity for nature—across different global biomes. Researchers surveyed 400 individuals from eight cities, utilizing Google Street View imagery to identify urban features that elicit positive emotions. These insights trained a machine-learning model to detect 25 visual biophilic elements, leading to the development of metrics such as coverage, diversity, distribution, intensity, and specificity to assess biophilic perceptions. The findings reveal that individuals experience enhanced well-being when exposed to natural elements in urban environments, irrespective of their geographical location or gender. This research introduces AI-driven tools that can be applied globally to better understand and promote biophilic experiences in urban planning.

Credits: ScienceDirect

Introduction of the Biophilic Quality Matrix (BQM), a novel tool designed to assess the integration of biophilic design elements during a building’s early design phases. Biophilic design emphasizes the connection between humans and nature within built environments, offering psychological and cognitive benefits. Traditional evaluation tools have primarily focused on completed projects, leaving a gap in assessing designs still in development. The BQM addresses this by providing a structured framework with ten criteria and corresponding intervention scales to capture sensory experiences related to nature. Developed through literature and framework synthesis, along with expert input, the BQM serves as a self-assessment instrument for postgraduate students, fostering evaluative judgment in design studios. Validation studies demonstrated high agreement levels among tutors, suggesting its reliability for educational settings. Additionally, the BQM’s adaptable criteria make it suitable for application in real-world projects, both during design stages and post-completion, following systematic validation.

Join Green Plants for Green Buildings at AIA25 – Support the Future of Biophilic Design!

Support GPGB – Be Part of the Movement and get your company in front of thousands of architects.

The time to act is now. Support GPGB and help shape the future of healthier, more sustainable built environments! Join us at and become a champion of biophilic design.

Together, we can build a greener, healthier future—one plant at a time.

Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) is excited to make a powerful return to the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2025 (AIA25) in Boston, June 4–7! This marks our second consecutive year at this premier industry event, reaffirming our commitment to championing biophilic design—the movement that seamlessly integrates nature into architecture for healthier, more inspiring spaces.

Why AIA25 Matters

AIA25 is the must-attend event for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals, attracting over 15,000 attendees eager to explore cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of design.

GPGB’s Mission: Greener, Healthier Spaces

By securing a booth at AIA25, GPGB is taking bold steps to educate, inspire, and empower architects to embrace the power of plants in the built environment. Biophilic design is no longer a trend—it’s the future. Now is the time to support this movement!

How You Can Get Involved

 Advocate for Biophilic Design/Join GPGB’s Registered Trainer Program – Help spread awareness of how integrating plants into buildings improves air quality, reduces stress, and enhances creativity.

 Discover Cutting-Edge Solutions – Gain access to exclusive resources and innovative products that make it easier than ever to incorporate greenery into any project.

 Network with Sustainability Leaders – Connect with like-minded professionals and industry experts who are leading the charge in sustainable, wellness-focused design.

 Join Trusted Green Partners through GPGB’s supporter directory in which users can locate plant specialists, designers, and suppliers who can help bring biophilic visions to life.

Opportunities for Architects

Architects attending AIA25 can engage with GPGB to:

• Learn about Biophilic Design: Discover how integrating plants can improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost creativity in architectural spaces.

• Explore Innovative Solutions: Access resources and products that facilitate the incorporation of greenery into various design projects.

• Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with professionals dedicated to sustainable and health-focused design practices through engaging speaking sessions at the booth.

• Find Providers: Thousands of attendees will have the opportunity to find a provider in their area using GPGB’s supporter directory.

• Book a CEU: Architects will learn about GPGB’s nine CEU programs and access QR codes to book a CEU through GPGB’s Registered Trainer Program.

Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) was proud to, again, play a key role in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) at Colorado State University from March 19–22, 2025. As part of our mission to advance biophilic design, GPGB engaged with the next generation of professionals through a biophilic interior workshop and sponsorship of the interior plant ID competition.

Biophilic Interiors Workshop: Educating Future Designers

GPGB presented an insightful Biophilic Interiors Workshop presented by Lisa Kwiecien of Bloom & Flourish, where students explored the principles of integrating plants into interior spaces. The session highlighted the aesthetic, economic, and well-being benefits of biophilic design, equipping students with practical knowledge to apply in their future careers.

Sponsoring the Interior Plant Identification Competition

GPGB was also honored to sponsor the Interior Plant Identification Competition, challenging students to accurately identify a range of indoor plant species. This hands-on event reinforced the importance of plant selection and care in interior environments, a key aspect of sustainable and wellness-focused design. GPGB extends its gratitude to Shelby Archuleta of Bloom & Flourish for organizing and executing this successful event.

Shaping the Future of Green Design

By participating in NCLC, GPGB reaffirmed its commitment to educating and inspiring future landscape and interior plant professionals.

A Milestone for Green Building and a Vision for the Future

This month marks 25 years since the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) publicly launched the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program, setting a bold vision for buildings that enhance both human and environmental well-being.

Thanks to widespread support from architects, designers, and sustainability advocates, LEED has transformed the built environment, redefining high-performance design, construction, and operations across 180 countries and territories.Together, we’ve driven the adoption of green building practices, advanced sustainable technologies and materials, and cultivated a global sustainability workforce.

A New Chapter: LEED v5 is Here

This spring, USGBC will launch LEED v5, the latest evolution of the program aimed at:
✅ Reducing building-sector emissions
✅ Enhancing quality of life
✅ Protecting and restoring ecosystems

Excitingly, USGBC members overwhelmingly ratified the LEED v5 BD+C, ID+C, and O+M rating systems last week—marking the successful culmination of a multi-year development process shaped by industry leaders and stakeholder input.

As we reflect on 25 years of progress, GPGB remains committed to advancing biophilic design principles within the green building movement. We look forward to seeing how LEED v5 continues to push sustainability forward—creating healthier, more resilient spaces for all.

• 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: Forme D’Acqua

For the creation of the new Sushi Zero Restaurant in Novara, LENDstudio maintained the concept that distinguishes the restaurant chain already present in various Italian locations and for which Forme d’Acqua collaborated on the units present in San Martino di Siccomario (PV), and Asti (AT), through MEP design and the creation of two fountains, a reflection and a water wall.
The design and furnishings of Novara propose the now characterizing and unique mood of the Sushi Zero brand: the characteristic stilts, the nests, and the other settings and seats intersect in the network of bridges and islets suspended on the water of an enormous floor-level mirror fountain. The water element reflects and amplifies the sense of relaxation and well-being infused by the welcoming tones of the environment, by the natural materials used – such as iron and wood – and by the important presence of plants, projecting the guest into a small urban jungle, an oasis suspended in time where you can spend an evening in company.
The waterfall at the entrance forms the backdrop to the Conciergerie and welcomes guests with its light curtain of water, behind which the large floor basin opens up and transforms the restaurant room into a stage. The water wall rises to a height of 290cm by 180cm in width, from the top of which a light jet of water descends from 37 nozzles, which uniformly covers the entire surface of the crystal-coloured technical glass personalized with the logo of the restaurant. The water of the waterfall is the same as that of the mirror fountain, which is sent to the top of the wall via a collector.
The water accompanies guests from the entrance to the tables, where the large mirrored fountain flush with the floor opens up a characterizing element of the location, which covers an oval-shaped surface of 105.5m2, 20cm deep. Overlooking the fountain, we find the famous houses and stilts, while suspended over the water the 20 tables enclosed in full-height nest-shaped elements in iron and wood alternate in a geometric play.
The entire MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) parts were designed and built to guarantee sustainable management of water and electrical resources, through the creation of a water filtration and recirculation system, which is connected to an automatic panel with control for measuring and balancing pH and Redox. The panel is a complete integrated system for water treatment, produced by the specialized Italian company Emec, and allows you to reuse the same water, which is constantly cleaned and balanced in values, thanks to two dedicated probes that guarantee its crystallinity and healthiness.
Thanks to the automatic filling with a level sensor and solenoid valve, the water is replenished in the right quantities only when needed, keeping the level in the pool constant.
Photo credit: Andrea Pucci

Credits: Azulik

Nestled within the lush jungles of Tulum, Elixik stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of nature and design.Located in the heart of SFER IK Museion, this unique establishment offers guests an immersive experience that seamlessly blends culinary artistry with the natural environment.

Design and Atmosphere

Elixik’s architecture is a celebration of biophilic design principles. The space features suspended nets and organic structures that evoke the interconnectedness of life, fostering a deep sense of unity with the surrounding jungle. This thoughtful design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes well-being by creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere. ​Home | Enchanting Experiences at AZULIK

A Sanctuary for Creativity and Reconnection

Beyond its culinary delights, Elixik serves as a sanctuary for those seeking balance of body and spirit. Set within a coworking woven space in the jungle, it invites guests to create, inspired and uplifted by nature’s healing elixirs. ​

Elixik Tulum exemplifies the essence of biophilic design by seamlessly integrating natural elements into its architecture and culinary offerings, providing a holistic experience that nurtures both the body and soul.​

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.

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