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

Credits: Yanko Design

By Pooja Khanna Tyagi

Biophilic design continues to redefine how we experience interior spaces — blending nature, technology, and design innovation to improve well-being and productivity. Here are the top trends shaping the future of indoor environments:

1. Green Partitions
Living walls and plant-filled dividers combine air purification, lighting, and mobility to bring greenery and fresh air into shared spaces while maintaining flexibility and function.

2. Living Furniture
Designers are merging furniture and flora through creations, which integrate planters beneath glass surfaces for compact, modern living. These pieces turn everyday furniture into living ecosystems that calm the mind and enrich interiors.

3. Illuminated Greenery
Lighting meets biophilia with smart, self-sustaining planters, featuring integrated LEDs and self-watering systems. These elegant hybrids make it easier than ever to keep plants thriving in low-light spaces.

4. Functional Plant Solutions
Smart technology and sustainability converge in 3D-printed air-purifying sculptures made from biomaterials. Tools like self-watering pots, soil sensors, and biodegradable planters simplify plant care while enhancing décor.

5. Think Outside the Box
Experimental projects like the Chia-Chair reimagine furniture as living organisms, challenging designers to see plants as collaborators in sustainable design.

✨ Takeaway:
Biophilic design has evolved from a visual trend into a wellness-driven lifestyle, integrating nature into the core of how we live, work, and design. From intelligent green systems to artistic living furniture, these innovations signal a future where built environments and nature grow together in harmony.

Credits: Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2024, pp. 1091–1103
Authors: Ahmad Afara, Mustafa Aziz Amen, Maysan El Ayoubi, Dana Ramadhan, Jalal Alani
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120231

This study examines the psychological effects of natural versus artificial interior planting in food and beverage (F&B) spaces, emphasizing the growing use—and misuse—of “biophilia” in contemporary design. Conducted in six restaurants and coffee shops in Duhok City, Iraq, the research surveyed 120 seated customers: half experienced environments featuring natural plants, and half were surrounded by artificial greenery. Using a custom measurement tool derived from the MIND features of the WELL Building Standard (Biophilia I & II, Beauty and Design I & II), the study assessed participants’ psychological comfort and well-being through a Likert-scale survey.

Results revealed a significant difference between groups: participants in spaces with natural plants reported higher levels of comfort, mood improvement, and well-being than those exposed to faux plants. The findings underscore the importance of authentic natural elements in fostering genuine biophilic experiences and challenge the practice of using synthetic substitutes under the label of “biophilic design.”

The authors conclude that artificial representations of nature fail to replicate the emotional and sensory benefits of living plants, and that hospitality designers should prioritize real greenery to enhance guest satisfaction and psychological health. The study contributes to biophilic design scholarship by quantifying the psychological distinctions between natural and artificial plantings and highlighting their implications for well-being in commercial interior environments.

At AIA25, Corinne Courtney, founder of BioFiliate, explored how to thoughtfully specify interiorscapes that fostered human-nature connections and enhanced occupant health, well-being, and productivity. She provided a brief overview of best practices for specifying interior plants, including selecting appropriate species, placement strategies, and maintenance considerations to maximize both aesthetic and biophilic benefits.

Credits: International Plantscape Industry Alliance

The 2026 Let’s Get Tropical – Charity Soirée brings together interior plantscape professionals, suppliers, and supporters for an evening of connection, celebration, and purpose, as well, will deliver award recognition on event night through multiple digital mediums to all the 2026 International Plantscape Awards Program WINNERS. This tropical-inspired event will raise funds to support the Interior Industry Growth Fund (IIGF), managed by the National Horticulture Foundation, benefiting Green Plants for Green Buildings. Proceeds from the soirée will help advance research, education, advocacy, and sustainability initiatives that ensure long-term growth and innovation within the interior plantscape industry. Tickets are $100 (a portion of each ticket sale will be donated back to the IIGF Fund). Tickets will be available online to purchase after November 18th, 2025, this information will also be showcased on the homepage of www.I-PIA.com and details on how to purchase your tickets online for this event. Awards are important for businesses because they recognize excellence, build credibility, motivate employees, enhance reputation, attract new customers, increase brand visibility, and provide a competitive edge that drives long-term growth and success. Have your company recognized on a global stage!

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo 2025
November 4–7, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
The world’s largest green building event. With themes of sustainability, resilience, LEED, and wellness, it is a premier stage for biophilic design and plant integration.

Biophilic Design Conference 2025
November 17, 2025 | Westminster Central Hall, London, UK
The 2nd Biophilic Design Conference unites international leaders in architecture, design, ecology, health, and policy to explore how biophilic principles can shape healthier cities, workplaces, and communities. Featuring 30+ speakers, interactive exhibits, soundscaping, and immersive experiences, this one-day event focuses on transforming ideas into action for a sustainable and thriving future.

Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) 2026
January 21–23, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
The Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) is the premier trade event showcasing the latest trends in foliage, floral, and tropicals. Held annually at the Broward County Convention Center, TPIE brings together professionals from over 50 countries to explore innovative plant varieties, network with industry leaders, and discover cutting-edge products. Attendees can expect a vibrant marketplace with over 1,000 exhibit spaces, offering a comprehensive look at the diverse world of tropical plants.

International Plantscape Awards LIVE 2026
January 22, 2026 (During TPIE) | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Celebrate excellence in the interior plantscape industry at the 2026 International Plantscape Awards LIVE event, held during TPIE. The Let’s Get Tropical – Charity Soirée recognizes the year’s top projects and professionals through live and digital presentations. This tropical-themed evening also raises funds for the Interior Industry Growth Fund (IIGF), supporting Green Plants for Green Buildings through research, education, and sustainability initiatives that advance the future of the plantscape profession.

Grow Your Network. Share Your Knowledge. Inspire Change.

At Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB), we know innovation blooms when the community comes together. Our Monthly Supporter Open Forum Calls provide a dynamic space to exchange experiences, uncover new strategies, and explore the latest innovations shaping the interiorscape industry.

These calls aren’t just conversations—they’re a chance to learn from peers and industry leaders who know the unique challenges and opportunities of working with plants in the built environment.

Why Participate?

• Collaborate with fellow interiorscape professionals tackling similar challenges

• Discover practical solutions and creative ideas you can apply immediately

• Stay informed on trends driving interiorscape and green building design

• Access recordings anytime to revisit past insights and discussions

When: Every last Wednesday of the month at 12 PM EST
Your perspective is what makes these forums thrive. Join the conversation and help shape the future of interiorscapes. Opt-in today!

Not a supporter yet? Join today!

Grow with GPGB: Volunteer and Make an Impact

Volunteers are the driving force behind Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB)—advancing biophilic design, fostering education, and highlighting the essential role of plants in the built environment. Joining a GPGB committee or board is more than volunteer work; it’s an opportunity to influence the future of green building while expanding your skills and professional network.

We’re inviting passionate individuals to commit to a two-year volunteer term, gaining access to exclusive resources, collaborative projects, and a community of innovators shaping architecture and design.

Current Opportunities:

• Marketing & Communications

• Supporter Development

• Education & Professional Development

Each committee plays a key role in GPGB’s Strategic Plan, ensuring your time and expertise create a lasting impact.

Ready to help transform spaces where people and plants thrive? Join a GPGB committee and grow with us today!

Thank You for Growing With GPGB!

At Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB), your support makes everything possible. Every action you take helps bring plants into the spaces where we work, learn, and gather—strengthening the impact of biophilic design and creating healthier, more inspiring environments.

We’re grateful to have you as part of our community. Together, we’re not just adding greenery—we’re shaping spaces where people and nature thrive.

Get Involved:
Show us biophilia in action! Share your 15–30 second videos, reels, stories, or shorts highlighting plants in the built environment here , and your content could be featured on GPGB’s social media.

Connect with Trusted Interiorscape Professionals Through GPGB

Creating healthier, more sustainable indoor spaces begins with the right expertise. The GPGB Provider Directoryconnects you with interiorscape professionals skilled in biophilic design, helping bring nature indoors in ways that support well-being and elevate your environment.

These experts do more than place plants—they design living spaces that improve air quality, enhance occupant wellness, and align with your design vision and organizational goals. From custom installations to ongoing care, GPGB’s directory links you with professionals delivering lasting, measurable impact.

Explore the GPGB Provider Directory today and discover how nature can thrive in your spaces—beautifully, strategically, and sustainably.

Credits: GSKY

Featured Green Wall: Birkenstock, Miami Florida

Photos courtesy of Gilbane, Inc.

The Upland Apartments (Belmont Crossing Phase 1) in Washington, DC, have come to life! The installation features Sempergreen Group sedum blankets, needled mineral wool for enhanced water retention, and their ballasted fall-protection system, all working together to support a resilient and beautiful green roof.

Credits to Adaptive Green for the exceptional installation and Hamel Builders, Gilbane Development, Columbia Green Technologies, and Michael Graves Architecture & Design to bring this vision to completion.

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.