This e-newsletter brings you the latest information and resources on biophilic design, the industry, and GPGB updates.
Biophilic Design Trends in Sustainable Architecture
Credits: Studio C Architecture & Interiors
By dataperk | Nov 11, 2024 | Architect in Birmingham AL
Biophilic design is reshaping urban spaces by incorporating natural elements like light, plants, and eco-friendly materials to enhance well-being and sustainability. This design trend focuses on creating environments that not only beautify but also promote biodiversity and resilience. Through features such as living walls, water features, and natural materials, spaces are transformed into ecosystems that improve air quality, reduce stress, and support wildlife. The integration of these elements into homes and urban settings fosters a more harmonious connection to nature, offering long-term environmental and psychological benefits while helping to combat the challenges of urbanization
What is Biophilic Design? Trends & Examples in 2024
Credits: gb&d Magazine
By ANDREW BIRO OCTOBER 8, 2024
Photo by Ekansh Goel, Studio Recall
- What is Biophilic Design?
- A Brief History of Biophilic Design
- Biophilic Design in the 20th Century
- Biophilic Design in the 21st Century
- Why is Biophilic Design so important? Environmental Consciousness, Improves Mental & Physical Health, Increases Productivity & Retention Rates, Bolsters Resiliency
- How to Incorporate Biophilic Design-Direct Experiences, Passive Ventilation, Add Plants or a Living Wall, Water Features, Maximize Daylighting, Add a Green Roof, Indirect Experiences, Use of Natural Materials, Nature Imagery & Graphics, Organic Shapes & Patterns, Natural Color Palettes, Spatial Relationships-Refuge, Prospect, Mystery, Risk/Peril
- 12 Projects that Incorporate Biophilic Design
Les Love, Foliage Concepts
Les Love, the founder and president of Foliage Concepts, is a well-regarded figure in the interior landscaping industry, with over three decades of experience. He started Foliage Concepts in 1985, specializing in placing tropical plants in high-end office spaces. His passion for plants is evident not only in his professional work but also in his community contributions. For example, he has helped organize the popular annual Spring Social event at the NC Arboretum, which grew out of a casual birthday celebration.
Les has a strong connection to the outdoors, a love fostered from childhood, and a professional background in forestry. His career is a blend of his love for nature and a desire to positively impact others. Beyond his work at Foliage Concepts, Les is involved in local trail maintenance and preservation projects, such as his work with the North Carolina Trails Committee and the rehabilitation of Snowball Trail near Craggy Gardens. His efforts highlight his dedication to environmental stewardship and community service.
Les Love is also a treasured supporter of GPGB. In addition to his active support, he contributes annually through a very generous donation, further reinforcing his commitment to environmental sustainability and the integration of biophilic design principles into architectural practices.
Supporter Video Calls
Registered Trainer Program
Host, Sean Campbell of Grundy’s Plantscaping joins Rebecca Bakke of Bloom & Flourish to discuss the Registered Trainer Program. Learn how the program works, course information, best practices, and how to utilize the program to benefit your business!
GPGB welcomes all to join and participate in the industry calls!
Free Registered Trainer Seminar at TPIE
Become a Registered Trainer: Thursday, January 23 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, AND EMPOWER: No prior teaching or speaking experience is required – only a passion for plants!
GPGB is bringing an AMAZING opportunity to join the Registered Trainer Program. We are offering our Registered Trainer Seminar at no charge to share how the program works, best practices, and why you NEED to be a Registered Trainer to GROW YOUR BUSINESS!
This in-person event will take place at The Tropical Plant International Expo.
Registered Trainer Seminar Info:
GPGB Registered Trainers have the authority to give CEU credit to designers, architects and building professionals.
REGISTERED TRAINER SELF-STUDY PROGRAMS:
- Moss Walls: A Biophilic Design Solution
- Authentically Green Interiors
- Economics of Biophilic Design
- Advanced Living Walls w/Case Studies
- Living Walls: An Introduction
- Green Roofs
- Biophilic Design in Fitwel, the WELL Building Standard, & the Living Building Challenge
- How to Specify Living Walls
- Nature’s Blueprint: Unleashing the Power of Biophilic Design
Courses include:
-A Trainer’s Guide
-PowerPoints with compelling photographs and Speakers’ Notes
-White Papers
-All the forms for your CEU presentations
-Public speaking tips
-Ongoing, year-long support
Our self-study courses will give you the necessary credentials, training, and authority to get in front of architects, landscape architects, designers, building owners and managers, and LEED APs to educate them about the many health and productivity benefits of plants in our built environments.
Your organization must be a GPGB Supporter for you to become a Registered Trainer. An annual fee of $250 per Registered Trainer is required to present GPGB programs for continued education credits. This fee is used to develop additional presentation material on existing and additional topics. Our self-study courses may be purchased for $225 each or $495 for the entire bundle! Supporters at a Biophilic Enthusiast level or higher receive unlimited access to GPGB slide decks and free Registered Trainer(s). View Supporter Level Summary.
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.
Support Expired or haven’t increased support?
➡️ Click here to renew and/or “level-up” TODAY!
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!
We are actively looking for committee members and board members who are passionate about biophilia.
Volunteering with GPGB is about becoming part of a movement that integrates nature into our everyday spaces for better health, productivity, and sustainability. With exclusive tools, education, and networking opportunities, GPGB helps you stay ahead in the evolving A+D landscape and opens doors for both professional and personal growth.
🌱 Elevate your career and your impact—volunteer with GPGB today!
- 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: Landmark Pinnacle Sky Garden
Location: London, View East over Canary Wharf
With over 3,500 plants and breathtaking views, Landmark Pinnacle’s Panoramic Sky Gardens offer a vibrant tropical retreat in the sky.
Located across the entire 27th Floor, and taking inspiration from the world-famous Kew Botanical Gardens, the private park and London Square garden are like nothing London has ever seen before.
Featuring paths that wind their way through a curated collection of hundreds of trees and plants, against a backdrop of spectacular London and Canary Wharf views. These are the perfect spaces in which to take a sunrise stroll, or to relax and enjoy the changing colours of sunset.
Credits: Swiss Bureau Interior Design
Location: Property Finder, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photography: Sergei Nekrasov
Swiss Bureau Interior Design & Build developed Property Finder’s new office extension in Dubai, blending brand identity and creative elements to create a modern, sophisticated space with a warm, welcoming atmosphere incorporating natural materials.
Swiss Bureau Interior Design (SBID) undertook the design of Property Finder’s new office extension with a focus on maintaining the identity of the brand while introducing creative elements to foster a contemporary and inspiring atmosphere. Building on our successful design for a previous Property Finder office, SBID incorporated the latest design knowledge and expertise to enhance the new office space and aligning it with the company’s evolving needs and expansion.
The design ethos emphasizes on echoing, inversion, and growth, symbolizing the company’s journey from a start-up to a prestigious company which spread around the design through various aspects of the space. The design favors open spaces with a purposeful space planning.
The office features a modern contemporary concept, a design style that emphasizes on clean lines and curved details, along with natural materials with strong contrast & special decorative elements. Incorporating natural elements in the office design such as wood and greenery creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, while sophisticated touches like bronze finishes and accent colors deployed in various spaces help define each area visually whilst adding to a cozy, yet elegant ambiance.
The design of Property Finder’s new office embodies SBID’s commitment to combining innovation with the company’s evolving identity of the client, creating a space that reflects growth, sophistication and a welcoming atmosphere for employees and visitors alike.
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.