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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
  • 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
  • The Future of Material Innovation and Biophilic Design

    The Future of Material Innovation and Biophilic Design
    Apr 14 2026
    Have you ever wondered how materials shape our environment? What happens when design meets nature? If you’re craving a fresh perspective on sustainable, regenerative design, dive deep with us into the world of materials, creativity, and a future where biophilic principles transform every building, every product, and every space. William Knight, co-founder of Material Matters, is a passionate advocate for a future where materials tell stories, innovate endlessly, and reconnect us to nature. His journey from politics to design might surprise you, but his journey has driven him to demystify material innovation that truly inspires. In this post, you’ll discover how materials are pushing boundaries, why understanding them is critical, and how a shift in industry mindset can accelerate regenerative, biophilic environments. Living Materials and Regenerative Design Will emphasises that many materials we overlook have rich stories. Think about timber, agricultural waste, natural extracts, all of these can inspire radically different design solutions. For example, his work with companies using tree sap, algae-based bioplastics, or recycled aluminium demonstrates that every material is an opportunity. This perspective challenges the traditional sourcing black book, pushing designers to explore alternatives that are biophilic, regenerative, and resourceful. Yes, natural waste and renewable sources are eco-friendly but they can also create compelling products that challenge our assumptions and expand design possibilities. Will’s own story began unconventionally, with his early career in the House of Commons. From navigating politics to working with the UK Design Council, his journey reflects a passion for shaping perceptions and pushing creative boundaries. His work has spanned exhibitions, festivals, and major design events, with a focus on how materials are the foundation of design innovation. Today, Material Matters is a platform for exploring the pulse of material intelligence. Its an accessible, open conversation about process, resourcefulness, and ecological mindfulness. It’s about bringing transparency and democratising knowledge so everyone, from designers to end consumers, can make smarter, sustainable choices. Designing for a Biophilic Future One of the most exciting areas Will touches on is the role of biophilic design principles, the integration of natural elements into environments to foster wellbeing and sustainability. He reminds us that design is inherently reactive, it responds to market demand, manufacturing capabilities, and cultural shifts. But the real game-changer? Materials that mimic or derive directly from nature, like bio-based concrete infused with moss, or fungi-based textiles, enable us to create living buildings and products. William highlights an inspiring example: materials with embedded bio-growth, which grow, adapt, and even repair themselves. They embody nature’s resilience and regenerative capacity, leading us toward healthier, more adaptable spaces. Designers can act as catalysts, demonstrating and advocating for natural, sustainable materials. Success hinges on collaborating across sectors. Supply chains, manufacturing, regulation—each influences whether innovations reach the mainstream. We need inclusive platforms and storytelling, engaging property developers, clients, and end users in the process. When supply chains embrace natural waste, local resources, and regenerative practices, scale becomes feasible, collaborative, cross-sector thinking is key. Regenerative and biophilic materials must be supported by resilient supply chains and more succinct regulation, a collective effort fuelled by shared knowledge and a willingness to challenge orthodoxies. Your challenge: Think beyond the usual. Dive into local resources, embrace natural waste, and collaborate across disciplines to create environments that resonate deeply with human nature. The future of architecture and design is rooted in materials that are alive, local, and regenerative. To find out more about Will and Material Matters check out these links below: Material Matters: materialmatters.designPodcast (Apple Podcasts) - Material Matters with Grant Gibson: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/material-matters-with-grant-gibson/id1450375359Bookshop: https://shop.materialmatters.design/ What is Biophilic Design? https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/what-is-biophilic-design Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle. Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts. Listen to our podcast on Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and all the RSS feeds.https://www.facebook.com/...
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    40 mins
  • The Biophilic Imperative - From Sustainability to Regeneration

    The Biophilic Imperative - From Sustainability to Regeneration
    Apr 10 2026
    Biophilic Regenerative DesignIs it Utopian thinking to imagine a world architected not just to sustain, but to regenerate. A space where every brick, every plant, every human interaction pushes us closer to harmony with nature? Enrique Soler, is Design Director for Major Projects at Area, where he leads a multidisciplinary team of designers. Formerly Head of Design for Willmott Dixon Interiors, Enrique is a design visionary and passionate advocate of biophilic and regenerative spaces. In this podcast interview he takes us on a journey beyond eco-friendly clichés to uncover how biophilic design can fundamentally transform our relationship with the planet and each other.Sustainability alone is no longer enough. It’s become a hollow badge; a marketing tab on products. We have to be specifying with regeneration as a fundamental baseline. We have to aim to be net positive, to give back to the earth, and nurture all life through design. If we want to thrive, we must shift from mere mitigation to conscious creation of spaces that actively enhance biodiversity, air quality, and human well-being.Enrique’s practice extends deep into the core of biophilic philosophy. "It’s not about just having a plant here or there, it’s systems thinking, connecting everything: natural materials, community involvement, local art, and the web of life. Design must be holistic." He illustrates that interior environments capable of reducing noise, improving sleep, and fostering healthy ecosystems are essential. He shares the surprising outcome of how circadian lighting actually also reduced the sound levels in an office environment, as people were calmer. It’s amazing how biophilic elements can have a far-ranging effect on human health and productivity.We also discuss urgency. Without Biophilic Design, we're simply continuing a path of destruction. The materials we would otherwise turn to: plastic, synthetic, cheap, are the very things that threaten our future. Through Biophilic Design we’re correcting course now, returning to natural, renewable resources like hemp, timber, and even innovative composites like mycelium. We have to respect nature’s way, we have to design with circularity in mind, with long-term thinking. Modular systems, lifespan-aware biophilic materials, community-centred projects are practical strategies to future-proof spaces while healing our planet.Enrique urges designers and clients alike to rethink their priorities: "It’s not just about what looks good. It’s about systems, life cycles, interconnectedness. Our spaces should give back, support biodiversity, and reflect the complex web we’re part of." He reminds us that each choice, from material to layout, matters. "The butterfly effect is real," he says. "A simple plant, a thoughtfully designed community space, can ripple into broader ecological and social benefits."I think more and more of us are ready to build responsibly, mindfully, regeneratively. Whether you’re a designer, a business leader, or just someone who cares about planet and people, Enrique’s insights challenge you to see your role differently. Not just as someone working in design or build, but as a steward of life. Each one of us can shape the environment to support thriving communities and ecosystems for generations to come.Are we ready to change the way we create, to heal what’s broken, and to embrace a truly regenerative future? We have a collective future. For anyone committed to redefining purpose in design, this episode is an essential listen. Because the truth is, we have no other option but to build a world that regenerates, not just sustains.To find out more about the places Enrique talks about in this podcast visit:Case studies for Area’s offices in both London and Windsor, where you can read a bit about the design approach and sustainability aspects:https://area.co.uk/case-studies/area-londonhttps://area.co.uk/case-studies/area-windsorAnd the plasterboard alternative that his client suggested for a project:https://adaptavate.com/products/breathaboardIse Shrine in Japan:https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/about/index.html#historyYou can see what Enrique talked about in terms of preserving the craft as opposed to the original materials, as well as the forest surrounding the shrine, here:https://www.worldhistory.org/Ise_Grand_Shrine/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-japanese-shrine-has-been-torn-down-and-rebuilt-every-20-years-for-the-past-millennium-575558/Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe as a member of the Journal of Biophilic Design or purchase a gorgeous coffee table reference copy or PDF download of the Journal journalofbiophilicdesign.comor Amazon and Kindle. Book tickets and join us in PERSON and LIVE STREAMED Biophilic Design Conferencewww.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts. Listen to our ...
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    44 mins
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