How can biophilic design be used to make educational facilities more sustainable?

In the design of our new office in Salt Lake City we employed biophilic design elements. It was “the right thing to do” but to be honest, I was not completely sold. However, moving in into the new space, the light, the clean filtered air, the plants, both within our space, and within easy view from our 2nd floor vantage point, truly made a significant difference.

The strategies to incorporate biophilic design into any type of building highly depends on the climate zone and the geographical context. For instance, in tropical climates, leaving too many openings on the building envelope can create multiple long term issues, such as, pest intrusion, moisture buildup, mold growth, and high humid indoor environments. Therefore it's important to consider long term maintenance and operational consequences. However, in my experience, there are many safe methods to incorporate biophilic design into buildings. Those include, windows oriented properly to bring daylight, but not direct solar radiation, accessible rooftop gardens, windows that can provide views of natural elements, such as trees, to name few.

Biophilia is a quite recent research subject for me, but the more I develop the topic, the more I realize that in my experience as a designer I have largely used tools that are specific to biophilic design: natural light and ventilation; use of natural materials; large views on landscapes; close connections between buildings and open spaces. The thing that amazes me is discovering how certain design solutions are so effective and pleasant: because they satisfy profound human needs. It's not just about stylistic choices but about giving people what they need.

By integrating biophilic design principles into educational facilities, not only can sustainability be enhanced, but students emotional health can be improved as well. Reduction of anxiety, connection to nature and sense of belonging, and overall educational experience can also be improved, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

Colocar planta de plástico na parede N?O é Design Biofílico. Tem muita gente fazendo essa maquiagem que n?o atende os pré requisitos. Ventila??o natural, luz natural, acesso à vegeta??o e paisagem s?o aspectos cruciais para um bom projeto. E n?o esque?a, luz Artificial à noite sempre a 1800k a 2400K luz quente e indireta para n?o impactar negativamente ao meio ambiente

As adults we spent so much time indoors when compared to the days of my youth. We played outside until the sun went down. We were better off then. Replicating the outdoors indoors brings out the best in us.

Taking a class outside in the university outdoors, sitting on the grass and detaching from technology and electronics which tends to create more psychological stress and social detachment and engaging with nature specifically in classes where social interaction and creativity is required, could enhance the educational cycle where different senses are engaged. This ensures a higher levels of memorising and connecting the related teaching material to an actual enjoyable experience.

Reducing stress with biophilia features cuts absenteeism of teachers and students. Circadian lighting reduces symptoms of jetlag in teenagers.

Education for sustainability requires a long-term commitment to an evolutionary process of change. This process involves generating actions and contexts aimed at pursuing cultural and social prosperity. Biofilic design is a key tool to achieve a profound transformation in current systems of thought and practices. Biofilic ecosystems open new spaces of interaction, collaboration, respect and understanding.

There is no better ROI than the joy & vibrancy that students receive when directly interacting with Nature. "Mimicry" is not enough. Actual "outdoor rooms," teaming with life and ecosystem, are great catalysts for drawing attention, imparting holistic & systemic dynamics, and reigning in facility budgets.

In my opinion, in educational buildings, biophilic design can be seamlessly integrated into common corridors and outdoor learning spaces. By incorporating greenery in these areas, not only are fresh air and shade introduced to spaces with noisier surroundings, but the addition of plants also enhances the overall mood. Studies have shown that adding this organic touch creates an atmosphere that encourages students to pay closer attention and be in a better study mood.

Studies have shown that even having natural looking materials can have a beneficial effect on the user, softer shapes and no hard angles are also desirable features of nature.

The easiest way to incorporate biophilic elements is to provide adequate natural light and views of the outdoors. Using natural materials or bio mimicking materials is another effective method. The combination of good daylighting, natural looking materials and good indoor air quality would be most effective at supporting a good learning environment.

The use of daylighting has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood. In fact research shows that natural lighting improves student test scores by as much as 15-20%. This is easily incorporated into design by including windows in the architectural design.

There are others way besides ensuring natural ventilation and abundant natural light in all possible spaces, transit and social areas, should be thoughtfully linked with natural elements, and integrated with natural vegetation both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the design should incorporate spaces featuring inviting and organic shapes, providing a balancing flow of living and secluding areas. Explore sound, light and color, stimulating centers for pause and inspiration even indoors, with the option of evoking predefined harmonious sounds and images, allusive from nature which can contribute to a more creative, immersive and calming educational environment.

The new Bangalore airport which is made of Bamboo is an excellent example of Sustainable Biophilic Design. It uses no artificial lighting during the day, it has thousands of indoor plants which help in regulating the temperature and it also uses a drip irrigation system which saves excess use of water as well.

Contemporary Flowers, plants and trees of micro to macro environment to be used inside and outside of the per-designed structures according to their behavior and utilization. For examples, shrubs and flowers to be designed near visual vistas while shady trees on the squares or besides the buildings to feel the natural shade and oxygenation in the sun.

Other simple example, panoramic glass windows can help in reducing the lighting power cost and negative consequences on the environment

(Proper) study of technology - especially for younger kids - While children are advancing in the world of tech (and classrooms are being outfit to include equipment), exposing them to a balance of "screen time" and "outdoor time" is crucial. For example, incorporating living walls into study spaces (like the recent add at Washington University in St. Louis' architecture studios) can encourage students to get needed exercise, replenish their energy, and better their overall health by not being on the screen *all day*.

The biggest challenges (incorporating plant material) we face are selecting the right types of plant material and lighting. Interior plants will require both natural light and supplemental artificial light. So designing to control and maximize day light as well as working with a lighting designer experienced in lighting plant material is critical. Clients also need to be educated on maintenance and care for interior plantings, which can be a deal breaker if there is not the willingness to take on this type of program.

The benefits of biophilic design are real and substantial to the success of an effective education facility. Still many obstacles lessen the real world impact of the approach. Major ones are inconsistent design and operations. The first generally results from the excessive implementation of prescriptive approach. The second is associated with the budget and operation expertise required to maintain living systems, life-supporting media like water, that’s all require substantial attention during the facility cycle. These practices are not always fully embedded in the budget of organizations that struggle to provide the best education possible at the lowest overall costs.

Getting community and end user buy-in is key to some of the more intense biophilic design opportunities in educational facilities. Without summer maintenance, outdoor areas will fail. Without consistent use during the school year, the "garden as a teaching tool" concept will cause more issues for groundskeepers and nearby property owners than it teaches the kids about plants and planting concepts.

Most of the institutes may suffer for the provision of short term species growing and their watering procedures that might be acquired from mechanical ways. So, its important to design a biophilic approach on the natural gravity and easy accessibility.

One of the most exciting integrations I've been a part of was at a montessori school where each classroom would have a garden space to learn how to plant and take care of different plant types. The idea was some kids would learn to grow food, some flowering plants, etc. and the upkeep would be maintained by the students and teacher within that class. Due to various issues, however, after a few years the gardens were turned into extra porch space and the greenery removed. That is why end user buy-in and logistics of care for incorporating actual plants is so important.

A wise professor of Landscape architecture used to take the whole class outside at least for 2 lectures, where we would have a theme for the landscape class. Usually when we had a lecture about landcover we would sit on the grass, and agree on a colour themed clothes of greens, and drink green coloured soda. You could smell the grass and engage into the material. She would engage the 5 senses into the class somewhat, this was 12 years ago and it is engraved in my memory... it is so important to have biophilic design across campus spaces where it would be possible to have an actual class outside, not just for kids but for university students as well. Everybody needs that.

Biophilic design can be considered seriously or mandatorily as a policy for impementation in education institutions, particularly in primary and secondary schools (i. e.upto grade 10). Mind of a child of this age group is an clear/ open canvas to paint on. Introducing such minds in a biophilic environment and making them accompany with nature whilst studying can itself be a value-imparting excercise that can imbibe affection and respect towards nature, and can compliment to their academic curriculum simultaneously. Budding minds thus can be shaped up or trained as eco-sensitive human beings on this planet. Thanks.

Tendrá un impacto importante en el futuro una vez que se involucre el cuidado desde esas etapas iniciales (ense?anza) para el cuidado de nuestra casa mayor que es la tierra. Seguro que habrá desafíos como en todo pero hay que tener la convicción que peque?as acciones pueden tener un cambio importante es nuestra vidas si hablamos de jóvenes que mejor incluir el dise?o biofílico para sientan esa libertad de vivir rodeado de naturaleza que le trae diferentes beneficios en cuanto a la salud a conectar con otros a ser FELIZ.

Basándome en mi experiencia, siempre he contemplado la idea de incorporar un invernadero en algún espacio arquitectónico interior, especialmente en zonas con temperaturas más bajas, para observar su influencia en las condiciones climáticas internas. Esta iniciativa podría contribuir a disminuir el gasto energético asociado con los sistemas que mantienen el confort térmico en el interior, potencialmente resultando en una reducción considerable de los consumos generales de los edificios. La implementación de un invernadero en el dise?o arquitectónico podría, por tanto, no solo ofrecer beneficios ambientales, sino también generar ahorros significativos en términos de energía.