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Journal of Biophilic Design

Journal of Biophilic Design

By: Vanessa Champion editor Journal of Biophilic Design
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Welcome to our podcast series from the Journal of Biophilic Design, where we interview workplace consultants, futurists, interior designers, architects, urban planners and those working in healthcare, wellbeing and other industries to find out the latest on Biophilic Design. www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com

Content copyright Journal of Biophilic Design, opinions copyright the speaker. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Sleep by Design - Can your bedroom improve your health?

    Sleep by Design - Can your bedroom improve your health?
    Jun 30 2026
    Sleep is not something that simply happens. It is something our environment either supports or undermines."When we think about improving sleep, many of us immediately turn to wearable technology, sleep trackers or the latest wellness trend. Yet according to Olympic Sleep Coach Sanjay Verma and Therese Haltuff of Norwegian bedding company Norsk Dun, restorative sleep begins long before our head touches the pillow. It begins with the environments we create. Their conversation reveals a fascinating overlap with the principles of Biophilic Design. From daylight and fresh air to natural materials, sensory comfort and our innate need to feel safe, the spaces around us quietly determine how well our bodies can recover each night. As Sanjay explains, sleep is far from passive."Most of us think sleep is a passive thing... but it's a very active process. Physically, mentally and emotionally, a lot happens when we sleep." People say time is the greatest healer. But actually, if you look closely, it's sleep which is the greatest healer."Sleep is the Foundation of WellbeingFor years, nutrition and exercise have dominated conversations around health and performance. Sleep has often been treated as an afterthought. Not anymore. Sanjay argues that sleep is not simply another pillar of wellbeing—it is the foundation upon which everything else depends."It's not one of the third or fourth legs of wellbeing. It is the foundation of health and wellbeing."Without sufficient sleep, even the healthiest diet or most carefully planned exercise programme cannot deliver the benefits we expect. Muscles fail to recover properly. Learning is impaired. Creativity falls. Emotional resilience declines. In other words, sleep is where the work of the day is completed.Designing a Bedroom as Nature intendedPerhaps the strongest message throughout the discussion is that the bedroom itself should become an environment designed specifically for restoration. Sanjay offers a wonderfully simple description:"The bedroom should be like a cave: dark, cool, quiet."For anyone working in Biophilic Design, this immediately echoes the concept of prospect and refuge. Throughout human evolution we slept in places that felt protected, sheltered and secure. Our brains continue to seek those same environmental cues today.He identifies the essential ingredients for better sleep:A cool room with good temperature controlComplete darknessQuiet surroundings with minimal noise disturbanceFresh, well-ventilated airComfortable humidity levelsMinimal electronic devicesA clutter-free space that feels safeEven tiny details matter."Our eyes can sense light even when our eyes are closed."That small standby LED on a television or charger may seem insignificant, but our brains remain remarkably sensitive to light throughout the night. Likewise, even slight increases in room temperature can fragment deep sleep, reducing the quality of overnight recovery.Why Nature helps us sleep betterOne of the most compelling parts of the conversation explores how our connection with nature throughout the day influences sleep at night. Morning daylight is particularly important."If you want really good quality sleep in the night, start in the morning getting bright light."Natural morning light resets our circadian rhythm, signalling to the brain that a new day has begun. Around sixteen hours later, this helps stimulate the release of melatonin—the hormone that prepares us for sleep. Time outdoors offers even more benefits. Walking, exercising and simply spending time in natural surroundings reduces stress while increasing serotonin production."Being in nature is de-stressing."That serotonin later becomes melatonin, reinforcing the body's natural sleep cycle. Biophilic Design has long recognised these benefits. Access to daylight, views of nature and opportunities to connect with the outdoors are not aesthetic luxuries—they are essential components of healthy buildings.A Scandinavian approach to RestTherese offers a fascinating insight into Norwegian attitudes towards sleep. Rather than viewing sleep as something to squeeze into busy lives, Scandinavians tend to treat it as an essential form of recovery. Fresh air plays a central role."Fresh air, movement and light is something that we relate to as wellbeing."Bedrooms are often kept cool with windows open throughout the year. Most couples also sleep under separate duvets. "Sleep is personalised. It's not romantic at all." The idea is beautifully practical. No disturbed sleep from fighting over bedding, and no overheating from sharing one duvet! Each person creates their own ideal microclimate. It is a simple solution grounded in comfort rather than convention.Natural Materials are best..The conversation then moves beyond architecture into one of the most overlooked aspects of sleep: the materials that surround us. Therese believes that many people overcomplicate sleep."The body already knows how to do this. We just have to stop ...
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    55 mins
  • Why we need nature inside our buildings - The Future of Healthy Buildings with Biophilic Design

    Why we need nature inside our buildings - The Future of Healthy Buildings with Biophilic Design
    May 18 2026
    In this episode of the Journal of Biophilic Design podcast, we speak with landscape specialist Tom Palfreyman, whose work across commercial, hospitality, retail and workplace environments has focused on the principle that plants fundamentally change how people experience space. With more than twenty years’ involvement in interior and exterior landscaping, Tom has spent his career exploring how nature can improve the places where we work, rest and play, and why maintenance, care and long-term thinking are just as important as the initial design itself. As Tom reflects during the conversation, “Plants have transitioned from a nice-to-have decoration in the corner of the building to being an intrinsic essential part of any building.” It is a shift many designers are now recognising. The conversation around biophilic design has matured significantly over the past decade. What was once dismissed as aesthetic enhancement is increasingly understood as part of a much wider discussion around health, wellbeing, productivity, ecology and human resilience. The heart of biophilic design beats out that human beings are not separate from nature, we are an intrinsic part of it. “We evolved to live outside,” Tom says. “That connection with nature, sadly, I believe, has been lost.” Modern life has created increasingly artificial environments - sealed buildings, screen-based working, urban density and spaces designed more for efficiency than human experience. Yet our biology has not changed at the same pace as our architecture. Research across neuroscience, environmental psychology and workplace wellbeing continues to show that exposure to nature can reduce stress, restore attention, support cognitive performance and improve emotional wellbeing. What becomes clear in this discussion is that successful biophilic design is never simply about adding greenery into a room. It is about creating meaningful and lasting relationships between people and living systems. For Tom, this begins with understanding plants properly. “Putting the right plant in the right place so it’s happy, healthy, survives,” he explains. There is something important in that statement. Too often, planting schemes are treated as visual afterthoughts rather than living ecosystems requiring expertise, maintenance and long-term stewardship.The strongest biophilic projects understand that planting design is not decoration. It is infrastructure for wellbeing. Tom highlights his collaboration with Dr. Craig Knight, emphasising the benefits of biophilic ‘enrichment’, a word maybe more commonly associated with ecology or animal wellbeing than commercial interiors. “Enrichment is a very, very strong part of what we do, putting the right plants in the right place,” he says. “If we can have engaged enrichment, then that is far more powerful.” Tom shares an example of a project with a pharmaceutical company where biophilic enrichment was introduced, leading to significant improvements in the work environment and prompting the company to adopt a global biophilic strategy. This notion of engaged enrichment feels particularly relevant in workplaces today. Many office environments continue to struggle with issues of stress, disengagement and sensory fatigue. In contrast, spaces designed with visible natural systems, daylight, planting and moments of restoration often feel fundamentally different. They soften the intensity of modern working life and reintroduce cues of life, seasonality and care into daily experience. Even relatively small interventions can have measurable impact. “Just one plant per four square meters can make a difference,” Tom notes, pointing to research that demonstrates improvements in wellbeing and engagement through relatively modest levels of planting integration. Importantly, the placement of greenery matters as much as quantity. Tom speaks about focusing on “main areas of circulation, so entrance and exit points of the buildings, communal spaces, places where people are going to perhaps take a moment to recuperate.” These transitional spaces are psychologically significant. They shape first impressions, influence behaviour and provide opportunities for pause and recovery within otherwise fast-paced environments. Biophilic design, at its best, works subtly in the background. A staircase wrapped in planting encourages movement differently. A naturally lit communal area changes how people gather. A view towards greenery can lower stress responses almost instantaneously. These are not superficial gestures; they alter the emotional atmosphere of buildings. Tom shares the inspiring work that Square Mile Farms are doing, introducing edibles into the working environment, focusing on education, engagement, and community building. They create gardening clubs where people can harvest plants like basil, replant, and take home produce to make recipes like pesto. This initiative rekindles lost skills...
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    42 mins
  • Is Colour the Missing Link in Nature-Centric Biophilic Spaces

    Is Colour the Missing Link in Nature-Centric Biophilic Spaces
    Apr 24 2026
    Ever wondered why some spaces instantly relax you, while others energise or even irritate? The secret might lie in the colour! Karen Haller, is an expert in applied colour psychology, and reveals how understanding the emotional dance of colours can transform our built environments into havens of well-being and productivity. Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or simply a lover of nature-inspired spaces, this podcast dives deep into the unseen forces of colour. You’ll learn how colour influences behaviour, how to select the perfect hues for different environments, and why true biophilic design demands more than green and brown, it's about the symphony of natural colours that heal and energise us. Colour Psychology seems to be a bit of a missing link in biophilic Design. Not a lot of people are talking about it but it is vitally important. We’ve all seen it—spaces drenched in beige, sterile white corridors, or overly vibrant hues that overpower instead of soothe. Spaces, especially healthcare environments, often neglect the impact colour can have on users of the space. Karen shatters the myth of “neutral” colours being emotionally neutral altogether. Every colour triggers a response, whether it is positive or negative, each is embedded in our personal memories, cultural beliefs, and innate responses. For example, red energises or stimulates physical reactions, but excess can overwhelm. Blue can be calming or stimulating, depending on its shade and context. Recognising this nuanced language of colours allows designers to craft environments that truly support human health and behaviour. Whether it's selecting hues for a hospital or designing a peaceful workspace, understanding the emotional implications of colour creates spaces that nurture rather than numb. 3 ways we relate to Colour – and how to use them! Karen’s theory identifies three distinct ways we connect with colour:Personal Associations:Colours evoke memories and feelings unique to each individual. A bright yellow might remind someone of their childhood joy or a dull green might trigger childhood discomfort. These associations drive our preferences and aversions—so understanding clients’ personal ties to colours is key.Cultural Meanings:Deep-rooted beliefs shape cultural responses—red for luck in China, white as a symbol of death elsewhere. Ignoring these can cause disconnect in design choices for diverse spaces.Colour Psychology:Each hue has a spectrum of responses aligned with nature’s endless diversity.Recognising these layers allows designers to create intentionally harmonious spaces—be it a calming hospital room or an energetic collaborative zone. Nature's palette can guide authentic Biophilic DesignNature’s colours can be perceived almost like a blueprint for emotional well-being. Karen emphasises the importance of sticking to true natural colours, no artificial greens or overly saturated hues. These colours, like the rust reds of autumn leaves or the soft lavender of seasonal blooms, carry intrinsic harmony and emotional resonance. When designing with nature in mind, identify the desired outcome, calm, energy, focus and select natural hues that support these goals. For a high-energy space like a bustling office, vibrant reds or energizing oranges may work. In contrast, serene blues and gentle greens foster calm in healthcare or relaxation zones. But please avoid the cliché of “green and brown”, these are just two colours among many. True biophilic design encompasses the entire spectrum of natural colours, creating an ecosystem of shades that balance, connect, and heal. Good biophilic design comes complete with a understanding of emotional language of colours. Genuine biophilic design is rooted in understanding this language, aligning space with human innate responses, and collaborating across disciplines. Whether it’s a hospital, office, or school, the goal is harmony, balancing energy levels, fostering comfort, encouraging productivity. This is achieved by starting from the outcomes and working backwards, what behaviours must be supported? What emotions should be evoked? Then, select colours accordingly. Remember, every space is an ecosystem, and our role is to nurture human-nature connection through thoughtful colour choices, never just following trends but listening to what nature and our psychology say. When you understand the true language of colour, you wield a tool you can use to shape environments that heal, energise, and sustain us. Dive deeper with Karen Haller’s courses or consult her for tailored strategies. Start viewing spaces as living ecosystems filled with the colours of nature, inspired by human psychology, and crafted for well-being. Because colour can also help restore our innate connection to the natural world. To find out more about Karen please connect with her:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_haller_colour Facebook: ...
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    57 mins
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