What is Biophilic Design and How Does it Benefit the Classroom?

Biophilia is humankind’s instinctive biological connection with nature. Due to the considerable amount of time people generally spend indoors, there is a need for biophilic design to connect humans to nature even when they are in man-made environments. This connection nurtures health and well-being.

Why biophilic design?

As Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings and therefore, they shape us.”

On average, people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, it is of great importance to consider this fact when designing classroom environments. Proper design will have a strong positive influence on students.

Research has shown that biophilic additions to interior spaces have an overwhelmingly constructive affect on the people occupying the space. More specifically, recent studies have shown that integrating nature within schools can make them more comfortable for students, enhancing attentiveness and productivity.

A 2005 study conducted by the California Department of Education found that students who participated in nature-immersion programs performed 27% better in science testing than students in traditional classrooms.

The University of Illinois Human-Environment Research Laboratory showed that when children with Attention Deficit Disorder are connected with nature from as young as 5 years old, their ADD symptoms are significantly reduced.

The Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture reported 20 – 26% higher test scores in classrooms with ample natural light.

The Heschong Mahone Group, Inc., in its most recent study of the importance of daylight in schools, found statistically significant evidence that access to outdoor views through windows in classrooms improved student performance by 5 – 10%.

Robin C. Moore, an international authority on the design of children’s play and learning environments states, “Natural spaces and materials stimulate children’s limitless imaginations and serves as the medium for inventiveness and creativity.”

Here are a few additional benefits of biophilic design in the classroom:

• enhanced creativity
• improved cognitive function and productivity
• enriched clarity of thought
• reduced boredom, stress and aggression 

Don’t miss Part II –  How to Incorporate Biophilic Design in the Classroom – coming soon!

Josi joined the Hertz Furniture Project Solutions team in 2014. Upon obtaining a degree in interior design, she began her career designing for Xybix, an ergonomic furniture manufacturer. Josi dedicated over eight years to creating custom furniture designs, space planning, specifying finishes, compiling proposals and managing bid responses.

Josi takes pride in providing creative solutions that exceed the expectations of the end users. She enjoys building long-lasting relationships with clients, staying on top of current interior design trends and seeing her projects through to completion.

Josi was born and raised in Colorado, where she learned to treasure the outdoors at a very early age. Josi resides in Centennial, CO where she enjoys living an active outdoor lifestyle that includes activities such as camping, hiking, 4-wheel driving, running and gardening. At home, Josi stays entertained by her three rescued dogs who always bring a smile to her face.