Held this week at Nile House in Brighton, a Building Insights LIVE round table brought together interior designers, architects, academics and supply chain leaders to share experiences and views around bringing the maximum benefits from biophilic, nature-oriented interiors to commercial settings.
The round table explored how post-Covid, biophilic workplace design methods such as natural materials, plants, and other sensory factors were increasingly employed in workplaces, hospitality, education and other settings to help users feel better, but also work better. Data from research was exchanged showing how biophilic approaches are far from a ‘nice to have,’ and can be essential to helping employees work more enjoyable and productive, thereby bolstering return on investment for employers.
The round table consisted of a range of biophilic design advocates and was sponsored by Dulux Trade, who were represented on the panel by Senior Colour Designer, Dawn Scott. She gave some compelling pointers as to why thoughtful choice of colour needed to be moved up the agenda in biophilic design, and how neurodivergent users required particular attention to ensure designs were appropriate for all.
Guest chair for the event was renowned biophilic designer Oliver Heath, who brought the discussion to life by introducing examples of successful biophilic design. He also explained how an ‘ecosystem’ approach produces results by extending far beyond planting alone, and how research into the tangible benefits can help build a compelling case to persuade more clients to invest.
James Parker, event chair and editor of ADF, commented:
“This was a fantastic, focused discussion, in a really inspiring venue which in itself demonstrated how a great space can benefit your enjoyment of whatever you’re doing in it, and therefore your effectiveness. We heard how post-Covid, staff need to be persuaded to spend long hours in an office, and so to ensure clients’ assets are maximised, biophilic approaches are not just a decorative nicety, but far more fundamental to holistic, human-centred design practices. The round table produced the evidence, both anecdotal and from research, to back this up.”
The full list of attendees was:
Jim Hart Director, Corstorphine + Wright architects
Stuart Fraser Partner, MAKE Architects
Oliver Heath Director, Oliver Heath Design
Larry Tate Projects and Communication Coordinator, Alliance for Sustainable Building Products
Kim Dixon Designer, OP Group
Jenny Edwards Creative Director, Oktra
Richard Sabin Director, Growing Revolution
Sam Taylor Owner, Bavian Design
Lisa Norton Lead Designer, Biophilic Designer
Rokshid Ghaziani Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Interiors, University of Portsmouth
Craig Jones Founder, Jones + Partners
Sponsor’s Attendee:
Dawn Scott Senior Colour Designer, Dulux Trade
A Building Insights podcast capturing highlights and recommendations from the discussion, will be available at: insights.netmagmedia.co.uk