This e-newsletter brings you the latest information and resources on biophilic design, the industry, and GPGB updates.
Impact of Biophilic Design on Cognitive Map Performance
Credits: 7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA2024)
Previous studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between biophilic design strategies and cognitive function. However, similar effects on primary schools, the main space influencing children’s spatial perception, have yet to be explored. The study adopts qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate the impact of biophilic design attributes on children’s cognitive performance, aiming to improve wayfinding strategies in primary schools in Bahrain. While the interviews with boys and girls from different schools assisted in defining the study area and children’s gender, an expert in school design shed light on wayfinding parameters used in Bahrain. The cognitive map drawings collected from 67 girls between 9 and 11 allowed the study to determine the characteristics that influence girls’ spatial perception. The study findings demonstrate the potential of each biophilic design attribute as an opportunity to design future primary schools in Bahrain that provide healthy and sustainable spaces for children to thrive and develop.
Biophilia: Designing With Nature
Credits: Facility Executive
By Borja Iglesias
Photo Credits: RIVA Spain
The concept of biophilia dates back to 1984 when Edward O. Wilson popularized it. At its core, the term refers to the connection between humans and nature. Since then, it’s been applied to many facets of the human experience, including the architecture and design industry, where it’s been used as a buzzword in the last few years…
…For those looking for biophilic design in office spaces, the benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Studies have shown that incorporating natural elements in the workplace can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall employee well-being…
…A commitment to sustainability is essential in biophilic design. For the care of nature to ring true, the product and its manufacturers and creators need to be as invested in nature as they are in selling it. Companies that prioritize ethical sourcing and production methods play a crucial role in environmental conservation and reducing the carbon footprint. Their efforts contribute to a healthier planet and inspire others to follow suit…
Upcoming Industry Conferences
The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture is the largest gathering of landscape architects and allied professionals in the world, all coming together to learn, celebrate, build relationships, and strengthen the bonds of our professional community.
IFMA’s World Workplace® is the largest, most highly acclaimed facility management conference in the world. Established in 1995, World Workplace is the original forum for groundbreaking discussions on facility management and the wider built environment. It’s where all workplace professionals come to discover innovative FM technologies, build valuable relationships and sharpen essential skills.
CoreNet Global: Global Access, Local Engagement.Broaden your influence with a global network and a local footprint in more than 50 countries around the globe.
The theme for Greenbuild 2024 is “Built to Scale,” spotlighting the green building community’s commitment to wholesale market transformation, bringing proven solutions and strategies to global communities.
The first ever Biophilic Design Conference run by the Journal of Biophilic Design at the Barbican London. Bridging the gap between research and practice-Explore the positive impact of Biophilic Design on the mind, body, environment and economy.
Supporter Video Calls
❤️ Thank you to all who joined on the last supporter video call on July 30th. We enjoyed the open discussions and multiple perspectives from across the industry! If you missed the last supporter call, watch the recording here for insights on trends in plantscape design, products, holiday decor, and much more!
Next up: Learn how to cultivate horticulture hospitality in your business!
Join hosts, Jan Goodman and Mike Senneff, to discuss the latest takeaways of excellent and unbelievable service from industry conferences such as Cultivate, SHRM, and the Global Leadership Summit!
➡️ Join us Wednesday, September 25th at 1:00 p.m. EST via Zoom for all the latest industry expertise on Cultivating Horticulture Hospitality!
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!
Continued Education Units
New Release: Biophilic design principles and real-world applications to inspire and connect us to the natural world. Delve into the science behind biophilia and learn practical strategies for seamlessly integrating nature Into the built environment.
This presentation will explain the impact that Biophilic Design has on human health and well-being by harnessing its transformative potential. From biophilic principles to real-world applications, we will provide a roadmap for creating spaces that inspire, rejuvenate, and connect us to the natural world. This course, “Nature’s Blueprint: Unleashing the Power of Biophilic Design”, is fitting for all, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner!
Educate, Advocate, and Empower with GPGB courses!
It is increasingly well documented that biophilic elements such as live plants in buildings have measurable benefits to productivity, emotional wellbeing, stress reduction, and improved learning and healing.
The inclusion of biophilic design elements into building standards (the WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, the Living Building Challenge, LEED) is creating an even greater need for biophilic design information.
As part of GPGB’s core purpose is communicating the aesthetic, wellbeing, and economic benefits of nature in the built environment, we create courses credentialed for continuing education credit by the professional organizations listed below.
These courses contain important research-based information about the biophilic design ethic’s contributions to human health, safety, and welfare, as well as practical information about how to specify indoor nature in the built environment.
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!
- 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: Architectural Supplements
Location: Netherlands
Installation: Green Compass Solutions
A 2,260-square-foot NextGen Living wall was installed for an event in the Netherlands. This green masterpiece captures the imagination, showcasing the incredible capabilities of our living wall system. Watch the time lapse video installation.
Credits: Damian_Wolski, Everlasting Flowers
Green SPA, an increasingly chosen solution to greenery problems, is natural decorations made of moss and stabilized plants.
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.