February 1, 2018
To state the obvious, 2017 was quite the unpredictable year. While sustainable business leaders and climate advocates knew there’d be inevitable changes with a new U.S. presidency, few could have anticipated just how volatile the past 12 months were. From the U.S. federal administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord to the Environmental Protection…
January 23, 2018
Over the years, Pantone’s Colour of the Year has reflected a cultural alignment with a specific colour’s meaning. Every year is pivotal, but the significance of 2017 lingers as we open 2018 with new intentions. Ultra Violet is a unique selection from the Pantone Colour Institute. It’s a manifestation of cultural, political and social elements rather…
September 29, 2017
Dead silence can be an intimidating working environment. Some sound in any workplace is generally desirable: pleasing background sounds like the gentle, indecipherable babble of colleagues speaking, one’s own choice of music or perhaps the sounds of nature coming through an open window. However, much of the sound in typical workplaces is undesirable: ringing phones,…
September 27, 2017
Today’s society is more urban, digital and fast-paced than ever before. The downside of this is the overall loss of our connection to nature and the outdoors. As designers, we have a role and an opportunity to positively affect the fundamental ways people interact with space. We can accomplish this by creating spaces to live,…
September 22, 2017
Biophilic Design as a key aspect of health and wellbeing is moving up the built environment agenda fast – and for good reason. With high rates of urbanisation, a rise in stress related illness and an increasing level of technological proliferation – it seems that we are moving ever further from the natural elements that…
September 8, 2017
Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) might well be the most biophilic hospital in Asia. In no other healthcare institution of this scale are elements of form, space and landscape so explicitly tied to the goal of human well-being—the very definition of biophilic design. The KTPH competition brief, from the onset, asked that the new…
August 30, 2017
Just two years ago, Interface released a third-party verified research report titled “The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace,” now known as the Human Spaces report. Our research results were astonishing. With over 7,500 people surveyed across the world, there was a reported 15% increase in perceived wellbeing and creativity and a 6%…
June 18, 2017
I had the pleasure to visit ASID’s new HQ, the first space to receive both the WELL Platinum and LEED Platinum certifications. Becoming the first space to receive both the WELL Platinum and LEED Platinum certifications makes it truly one of a kind. ASID and Perkins+Will partnered to create an exceptional space that speaks to…
May 10, 2017
Being a new parent is hard. When the time comes for your little darling to spread their wings and start off on the long path of education, the shift between the comforts of home and a brand new learning environment can be scary – both for parents and kids. Explore & Develop on Epping Road…
March 20, 2017
The landscape of the hospitality industry is shifting. Designers and architects need to consider the remit of hospitality spaces beyond the usual, eat, sleep, drink, and repeat. Read on to find out what concepts are breaking ground in hospitality. 1. Lobbies as Workspaces In 2017, the workspace is no longer confined to the office. With…
As a leading figure in biophilic design, Oliver is working with global modular flooring manufacturer Interface to raise the awareness of the benefits of design inspired by nature. A prominent thinker in the architecture industry and owner of Heath Design Ltd, Oliver is also a writer and TV presenter.
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Christine Needles 
Gretchen Wagner 
Julian Treasure 
Lorraine Francis 
Nirmal Kishnani 
Interface 
David Gerson