At The Workspace Design Show at the Business Design Centre in London this year, I had the privilege of chairing a dynamic panel featuring industry leaders Nicola Tomkins Head of Design for Major Projects at Overbury, Lidia Johansen Associate Environmental Consultant at chapmanbdsp and Paulo Ribeiro Head of Interior Design at Aecom. It was a lively and dynamic discussion to a full house at the show. We looked at how we could reframe Biophilia, moving from Aesthetic to a Performance System. We explored how through collaboration, sourcing and configuring the brief early we can accelerate biophilic design specification. After the panel I took my camera and mic and interviews other biophilic design experts visiting the show to ask them to share their insights on the show and biophilic design, emphasising its critical role in modern architecture and interior spaces. Biophilic Design reconnects us back to nature, to our roots, to what makes us truly human. If you've ever wondered why natural elements in our spaces feel so vital, or how design can heal and inspire us, here’s what you’ll discover: how biophilic design transforms spaces, the science proving its benefits, and the urgent need to rethink our environments for mental, physical, and planetary health. Biophilic Design transforms spaces from mere workplaces into living ecosystems.As Katrina Dalley from Plant Designs puts it, “bringing nature inside makes a massive difference. It’s not just visual—it's psychological, emotional, and physiological.” Emi Melin of Plus Creatives, has been spending a lot of time researching about the impact of Biophilic and multi-sensory design as a layer over conventional interior design, looking at intangible elements like light, smell, humidity or human emotions. Plants, water features, natural textures—they all trigger our senses, grounding us, reducing stress, and boosting creativity. Moreover, as Nicola Tomkins, Head of Design for Major Projects atOverbury notes, “there’s a growing awareness of sensory elements, not just greenery, but all the layers of nature that help us feel more connected and well.” When we surround ourselves with the natural, we foster a sense of belonging that’s essential for mental health and resilience. Visitors like architect, biophilic designer and environmental psychology consultant Lucilla Malara who was visiting from Italy, emphasise the importance of how biophilic elements impact our physiology. Light, especially circadian lighting, influences our body clocks, improving sleep and alertness. Infrared light, with its deep cellular reach, even supports mitochondrial energy production, our cellular powerhouses. Diving deeper, Ulysse Dormoy CEO of Atrium, explains that “light enters our bodies beyond just vision, influencing every cell.” Our planet’s energy, derived from sun, light energy, sustains all life. Modern design must tap into this natural energy flow, not block or distort it. On a personal note, Nicola reflects, “I’m an advocate of evidence-based solutions. When you can prove that biophilic design improves wellbeing and productivity, it’s impossible to ignore.” From reduced stress and better focus to even improving conditions for those with dementia or mental health challenges, the data is compelling. The future is clearly calling for spaces that harmonise with nature, not oppose it. Think: facades punctured with green patches, windows that mimic daylight rhythms, water features inside and out, and materials that echo organic textures. More trees as Loulou Elliott of Plant Designs also advocates. Ulysse’s vision: “We need to design environments that entice people outdoors, spaces that make stepping outside the conscious choice, not a necessity.” We have the power to reimagine cities and workplaces that invite nature in, rather than keep it out. Take it from Nicola: “We’re shifting toward products that integrate greenery and biomaterials, aligning with our modern need for sustainability and wellbeing.” It’s a transformation led by awareness, innovation, and a sense of responsibility. But it’s not just aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that support human health, emotional balance, and even planetary recovery. As Katrina states, “Biophilic design makes spaces more restorative, not just functional. It’s a holistic approach to wellbeing.” As Ulysse warns, “We are increasingly disconnected from nature, and that’s dangerous. We need to act now — for our health, our planet, and future generations.” A vision of 2100 could show a world where cities are alive with plants, and indoor-outdoor boundaries blur, enabling us to be outside more often and reconnect deeply. In the words of Lucilla: "Nature isn't just plants; it’s sounds, smells, materials, the mystery of complexity. We need to harness all of this to heal and inspire." So, do we continue down a path of disconnection or embrace a ...
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