Bringing Nature Inside – The Benefits of Biophilic Design to Schools Part 2

Biophilic Design
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How to Incorporate Biophilic Design in the Classroom

Biophilic Design in the Classroom

There are three categories that serve as the foundation for biophilic design and the user experience:

 

  1. Nature in the Space

Incorporate living elements such as plants, water and animals in built environments. For example, in the classroom include potted plants, aquariums, water features, natural daylight and accessible views of nature from inside the classroom. These direct connections to nature, especially dynamic nature that incorporates movement, produce the strongest biophilic reactions.

 

  1. Natural Analogs

Design features that are reminiscent of aspects of nature. This is achieved by incorporating elements that represent nature without bringing in live elements. Examples include fabrics with organic patterns such as leaves, flowers, animals and seashells, photographs of natural scenes such as meadows, beaches or forests, natural materials such as wood, cork and stone and earth-tone color palettes (blues, greens and warm neutrals). Incorporating such representational design elements within the built environment still allows students to connect with nature in an indirect way also evoking positive effects.

 

  1. The Nature of the Space

Design features that address spatial configurations found in nature. This is a less obvious and still effective way to incorporate biophilic design in the classroom. People are naturally drawn to open spaces, such as Savanna-
like landscapes. There are schools of thought that indicate that this preference is influenced by human evolution. Implementing design that takes this idea into consideration uses open, horizontal planes with minimal vertical obstructions. For example, in a classroom this would be achieved by configuring the furniture to maximize exposure to windows, daylight and views.

 

By redesigning our built environments to include natural elements, we can begin to fulfill our primal desire to be connected with the natural world. Incorporating biophilic design elements into the classroom can help lessen the separation of nature and the classroom improving student experiences.

 

To quote John Muir, the influential American naturalist, conservationist, and founder of the Sierra Club, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.”

 

Let’s get our students walking with nature, even within the school structure.

 

 

References:

http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/the-economics-of-biophilia/#biophilia-based-design

http://www2.buildinggreen.com/article/biophilia-practice-buildings-connect-people-nature

Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J. H., Mader, M. L. (2008). Biophilic Design. Hoboken, NJ: John

Wiley & Sons, Inc.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/hpb/overview.cfm?projectid=672

 

Josi Gebhardt - Project SpecialistJosi 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.

2 Responses to Bringing Nature Inside – The Benefits of Biophilic Design to Schools Part 2

  1. There are some children who can only learn well when they are surrounded by the natural world. Your ideas on how to bring this world into the classroom are wonderful, thanks

    • Josi Gebhardt says:

      Thank you Patricia. We welcome any further comments and/or examples you may have that demonstrate how well children really do learn when surrounded by natural elements.

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