The spaces around us have a marked effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Humans have an inherent need to connect with nature.
Whether through exposure to natural day light, seeing trees outside the window, the sound of running water or even stroking a dog, studies show connecting with nature and the outdoors has a positive benefit for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Nature based design
With Brits spending on average 90% of their time indoors, bringing nature into the design and architecture of our buildings is more important than ever. Practice leader at architecture firm Cullinan Studio, Carol Costello, ensures nature is integrated in all her designs,
“They’ve shown in studies in healthcare settings, better recovery times for patients who just have a view of nature instead of a view of a brick wall, better attainment for school children in buildings that might have been made with timber linings and natural daylight.”
And nature-based design isn’t just beneficial for the people who use those buildings. Biodiversity is decreasing at an unprecedented rate, with urban sprawl, infrastructure projects and land use changes among some of the major causes. Considering the environment and incorporating nature in designs for buildings, cities and all the spaces where we live our lives is vital to tackling the environmental challenges society is facing.
Sustainable events and media business, Planted, was founded to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis through the lens of nature-based design. Building a community of like-minded professionals to explore how design, sustainability, food production, architecture and nature can combine to create cleaner, greener, healthier spaces.
Executive director and co-founder, Sam Peters, believes solutions will be found through design,
“We’re all looking for solutions, we’re all looking for a way out of this climate emergency. We’ve designed our way in, and the question is, can we design our way out?”
According to the RSPB, people with a greater connection to nature are more likely to behave positively towards the environment, wildlife and habitats. And the connection between people and nature may be critical for future conservation.
Carol agrees, “Getting connected to nature inspires people to take action to protect nature.”
Find out more about how design can effect positive change and become part of the Planted community.