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

Credits:”The Regenerative Living System: Heatherwick and MVRDV’s Vision for a New World Wonder.” Dezeen, 4 March 2026. https://www.dezeen.com/2026/03/04/shift-world-wonder-competition-shortlist/

In a landmark feature published this March, Dezeen explores a significant shift in the architectural landscape: the move from “sustainable” design to Regenerative Design. Highlighting the latest visionary projects from firms like Heatherwick Studio and MVRDV, the article underscores a future where nature is not an ornament but the primary infrastructure of the built environment.

• Nature as Essential Infrastructure: The core shift involves moving nature-based elements—such as advanced growth lighting, integrated irrigation, and soil-based air filtration—into the category of “primary building systems.” By treating greenery with the same structural necessity as HVAC or plumbing, designers are successfully protecting these features from being “cost-engineered” out during late-stage budget reviews.

• The “Aero-Biome” and Health: Beyond visual beauty, new research highlighted in the piece focuses on the “Aero-Biome”—the microbial health of indoor air. Modern interior plantscaping is being reimagined as a tool to cultivate healthy indoor ecosystems that mimic forest air to boost occupant immune health.

• Multi-Sensory Resilience: The article introduces “Sensescapes,” where the tactile and olfactory benefits of nature—the scent of damp earth and the texture of living moss—are used to counteract the sensory overwhelm of urban life. These elements are increasingly viewed as “performance requirements” for neuroinclusive and high-productivity workspaces.

Why This Matters:

For those of us advocating for the “green” in green buildings, this shift provides a powerful new vocabulary. We are moving away from justifying plants based on aesthetics and toward proving their role as high-performance building components that support human neurological and physiological health.

The Shift Landmark Competition: A New Wonder of the World

Launched by the Dutch social venture Shift, this international architecture competition seeks to design a “New Wonder of the World”—a €240 million, 100% sustainable landmark in Rotterdam’s Waterkant district.

The goal is to move the public from climate anxiety to action through a 30,000-square-meter “regenerative living system” that blends high-concept architecture with immersive education, a conference center, and a hotel. The competition has recently narrowed down over 80 global entries to five finalists, including industry giants Heatherwick Studio and MVRDV, with the winning “World Wonder” set to be announced later this spring.

The renderings for these projects—particularly MVRDV’s ‘living rocks’—are a must-see for any biophilic design enthusiast. You can view the full gallery of the five shortlisted designs here.

Credits:  “Effects of biophilic design-based sports facilities on exercise continuation intention: mediating effects of exercise immersion and moderating effect of environmental awareness.” Journal of Exercise & Sport Science, March 2026.

A new empirical study published this month examines the psychological link between biophilic sports facilities and long-term exercise habits. Surveying 200 physical activity specialists, researchers explored how nature-based design impacts “exercise immersion”—the state of being fully engaged in a workout—and the subsequent intent to stay active.

Key Research Findings:

• The Power of Immersion: Biophilic design elements (natural light, indoor greenery, and organic materials) significantly boost both cognitive and behavioral immersion. Users don’t just “show up”; they become more focused and physically synchronized with their environment.

• A Pathway to Consistency: The study confirms that exercise immersion acts as a key psychological bridge. When a space feels natural, users reach a “flow state” more easily, which is the strongest predictor of whether they will continue their fitness routine long-term.

• Behavior Over Awareness: Interestingly, the positive effects of biophilia occurred regardless of a user’s “environmental awareness.” This suggests that the benefits of nature-based design are innate and physiological, working on the human nervous system even if the user isn’t consciously thinking about sustainability.

The Takeaway:

This research provides a powerful ROI argument for fitness and wellness center developers. Biophilic design isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it is a retention strategy. By fostering deeper exercise immersion, living walls and natural elements directly contribute to the long-term participation and loyalty of facility members.

BOMA  attendees joined Jan Goodman—founder and president of Cityscapes Boston and GPGB board president—for an inspiring session on the power of biophilic design in the built environment.

Drawing on decades of horticultural expertise, Jan showcased how living walls, interior gardens, and moss installations can transform commercial spaces into vibrant, wellness-focused environments. She highlighted the proven benefits of integrating nature into design, including reduced stress, improved cognitive performance, and enhanced tenant satisfaction.

Through compelling real-world examples spanning hotels, office buildings, and public spaces, the session illustrated how nature-inspired design can elevate both aesthetics and performance. Attendees walked away with practical strategies to incorporate greenery as a driver of sustainability, occupant experience, and long-term value.

The session also reflected GPGB’s commitment to innovative, experiential plant design—demonstrating how green solutions can serve as a strategic asset across the commercial real estate industry.

Written by Jonah Adamcik, Commercial Project Manager, Soltech Solutions, Interview with Abigail Parr, East Market Director, Ambius 

If you’ve ever stepped into a space that just felt better—an airport lounge that invites you to linger, a healthcare facility that eases stress, or a workplace that feels alive—chances are you’ve experienced the power of biophilic design in action.

For Ambius, that feeling isn’t accidental. It’s the result of more than 60 years of interiorscaping expertise.  From green walls and moss installations to full-scale landscape design and construction projects on cruise ships, Ambius has built a reputation for transforming commercial environments into immersive, nature-connected experiences.

And sometimes, those experiences are unforgettable.

Consider the Centurion Lounge at Atlanta’s airport, where a 50-year-old olive tree was carefully relocated indoors to anchor the design. Or a cancer center in New Jersey, where plants were used to create a calming, restorative environment for patients and staff alike. These projects aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about impact.

As Abigail Parr of Ambius explains, that impact always starts with the client: “We’re helping bring that vision to life.” It’s a simple statement that reflects a major shift in the industry. Today’s clients are more informed, more plant-conscious, and more invested in the role of greenery than ever before.

“Since the pandemic, everybody knows about interior plants,” Abigail says. And that knowledge has changed the dynamic. What was once a vendor relationship has evolved into a true partnership—one where designers, clients, and interiorscapers collaborate to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but meaningful.

This is where Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) plays a critical role.

At its core, GPGB exists to “put plants in every room” by communicating the aesthetic, well-being, and economic benefits of nature in the built environment. For industry professionals, that mission is more than a tagline—it’s a roadmap for the future.

Through research, continuing education, and outreach to architects, designers, and building owners, GPGB is helping turn biophilic design from a trend into a standard. And the timing couldn’t be better. With frameworks like LEED v5 now formally recognizing “Connecting with Nature” as a core design strategy, plants are no longer seen as optional—they’re essential.

The data backs it up. Biophilic design has been shown to improve well-being, reduce stress, and increase productivity, all while supporting sustainability goals and enhancing the built environment. In other words, plants don’t just make spaces look better—they make them work better.

For companies like Ambius, supporting GPGB is a natural extension of that mission. “We are all in this industry together… trying to bring biophilia into spaces,” Abigail says. “It’s very important that we’re a part of the industry and not separate from it.”

That sense of unity is one of GPGB’s greatest strengths, and one of its greatest opportunities.

For existing supporters, GPGB provides a powerful platform to advance research, share knowledge, and elevate the entire industry. For those not yet involved, it offers something equally valuable: a way to connect your work to a larger movement that is shaping the future of design.

Because despite its growth, interiorscaping is still one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.

“I had no idea the industry existed,” Abigail admits. Today, she calls it “the coolest industry to work in.” It’s a field where creative professionals, scientists, designers, and operators come together to solve real-world challenges—and create spaces that genuinely improve people’s lives.

That’s the story worth telling. And it’s one GPGB is uniquely positioned to amplify.

So whether you’re already part of the GPGB community or just beginning to explore the role of plants in your projects, the message is clear:

This isn’t just about adding greenery.
It’s about redefining how we design, experience, and value the spaces around us.

And together with partners like Ambius and the collective voice of GPGB; it’s about growing something much bigger than plants.

It’s about growing the future of the built environment.

This spring, several key industry events offer opportunities to explore the future of biophilic design, sustainability, and the built environment.

The Living Future Conference (April 14–17, Seattle, WA) will convene global leaders to advance regenerative design, climate-positive strategies, and equitable, nature-connected spaces. Taking place alongside it, the Biophilic Institute Summit (April 14, Seattle, WA) will dive into the science and evolution of biophilia, featuring leading researchers exploring how natural and digital environments impact human health and experience.

Later in the month, the International Conference on Interior Design and Interior Decoration (ICIDID 2026) (April 30–May 1, Boston, MA) will bring together designers, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to share emerging trends, research, and innovations shaping interior environments.

Together, these events highlight the growing momentum around nature-driven design and provide valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and industry advancement.

Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) invites interiorscape professionals, foliage growers, industry suppliers, and all those who support the growth and success of our industry to take part in an open, ongoing conversation.

Each month on the last Wednesday of the month at 12pm EST, GPGB hosts a collaborative forum where participants can exchange insights, ask questions, and learn from one another. These sessions are intentionally informal—not webinars or formal presentations—but real-world discussions designed to strengthen professional knowledge and foster meaningful connections across our community.

Check your emails and calendar invitation for the next sessions’ details.

Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and belief in our mission. Your engagement fuels our ability to elevate green building practices and expand the role of nature in the built environment. Because of you, we are able to advocate, educate, and innovate in meaningful ways that impact both people and planet.

We’re excited to share a few highlights made possible through your support:

• Supporting the Next Generation: GPGB is proud to sponsor the Interior Plant Identification and Biophilic Interiors Learning Sessions at the NALP National Collegiate Landscape Competition—helping inspire and educate future industry leaders.
• AIA Conference on Architecture 2026: We look forward to connecting with many of you at our upcoming booth at AIA2026, where we’ll continue conversations around sustainable, human-centered design.
• NeoCon 2026 CEU Presentation: GPGB will be presenting “Wellness-Driven Interiorscapes for Sustainable Design,” exploring how integrated plant design enhances occupant health, productivity, and environmental performance.
• Advancing Inclusive Design: We are also preparing an upcoming CEU on Designing Neuroinclusive Spaces, further expanding the conversation around wellness, accessibility, and the power of biophilic environments.

Your support makes these initiatives possible. Together, we are shaping healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive spaces.

Partner With Trusted Interiorscape Experts 

Creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments begins with the right partners. The GPGB Provider Directory connects you with experienced interiorscape professionals, industry suppliers, and foliage growers who specialize in biophilic design and the thoughtful integration of plants into the built environment.

These experts go far beyond simply placing plants. They collaborate across the supply chain to design, source, install, and maintain dynamic living environments that enhance well-being, improve air quality, and support productivity—all while aligning with your design vision and organizational goals. From custom installations and innovative containers to high-quality plant material and ongoing care, GPGB’s network delivers meaningful, lasting results.

As you plan your next project, explore the GPGB Provider Directory to discover how nature can be integrated into your spaces—beautifully, strategically, and sustainably—with the support of trusted industry professionals.

Photo Credit: Jasper Fry
Credit: Wallpaper.com

A newly completed project in London highlights how biophilic design is transforming workplace interiors. Conductor, a co-working space in East London, features a light-filled atrium, integrated greenery, and nature-inspired materials that create a calm, hospitality-driven environment. Designed to support both collaboration and focus, the space moves beyond traditional office design—demonstrating how thoughtfully integrated plant systems and natural elements can enhance well-being, productivity, and the overall workplace experience.

Credits: “Newhouse Replacement Building: High-Performance Biophilia on the Capitol Campus.” The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP, March 26, 2026. https://millerhull.com/project/newhouse-building-replacement/

Completed in March 2026 on the Washington State Capitol Campus, the Newhouse Replacement Building by The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP is a 59,000-square-foot LEED Platinum-targeted landmark. It demonstrates how nature-based design serves as critical “operational infrastructure” for high-stress civic environments.

Key Innovations for Specifiers:

• The “Mixing Chamber”: A four-story skylit atrium that drives natural light deep into the floor plates, supporting human circadian rhythms and interior plant health.

• Healthy Mass Timber: Uses Acoustic Dowel Laminated Timber (ADLT) to provide a biophilic wood aesthetic while eliminating “red-list” chemicals and glues.

• Nature as Air: Features operable windows in every office, contributing to a 75% energy reduction by treating natural ventilation as a primary building system.

• Biomorphic Storytelling: A sculptural timber wall representing Washington’s “Five Landscapes” acts as a sensory refuge, reducing physiological stress through natural patterns.

The Newhouse Building is a premier case study for “un-cuttable” greenery. By integrating daylighting and timber into core performance metrics, the architects ensured these biophilic elements were protected from budget cuts, proving they are architectural necessities, not just decor.

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.