Have you heard of Biophilic Design?
Biophilic Design is most commonly used in architecture and construction. It refers to the practice of using natural resources to create a sense of harmony between modern architecture and the natural world.
But, did you know that Biophilic Design is also used by schools?
In fact, the team at Putney High School have spent the past few years applying this practice to their classroom. And the results make for powerful reading.
Biophilic Design for pupil wellbeing
According to the charity Mind, “Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression”.
So we know that the outdoors is a key to improving wellbeing. But how does that help in your learning environment?
Many schools are bringing the outdoors in!
For example, Putney High School’s BREATHE programme has implemented Biophilic Design to improve wellbeing and reduce their carbon footprint. They’re also showing how, as a school community, they can reduce pollution levels and unnecessary waste. Science Wall Art can help to achieve this.
The study
Putney High School’s Headmistress, Suzie Longstaff, worked with Clare Bowman at RCZM Architects to carry out extensive studies, applying this practice to classrooms and shared spaces.
Promote Your School proudly played a part in Putney High School’s BREATHE project. We designed a large mural, using stunning nature photography by Matthew Cattel. Then, we printed the design and installed it in the test classroom at Putney High School.
The study began with the transformation of three otherwise similar Sixth Form classrooms.
- First, they modified a maths classroom with an extensive array of indoor plants,
- Then, they introduced a full-size photographic wall mural of a woodland to the English classroom,
- and last, left a Psychology classroom unchanged.
The results
The results showed that during the heating seasons the biophilic classroom provides improved air quality and comfort by an average of 10% and humidity was found to be 8% above the English classroom.
68% of students liked the wall mural in the English classroom.
In 2021, this research and the Biophilic Classroom Exhibit was awarded a Gold Medal by
RHS Chelsea Judges. They described the study and results as ‘ Ground breaking’.
“It’s not rocket Science but we did get our research from Nasa” – Clare Bowman, Architect at RCZM Architects and Lecturer DeMontfort University.
“The impact of the photographic mural demonstrated change through a more animated environment, whereby students choose to move to a seat with a view of the mural, and the teacher expressed ‘I love teaching in this room’ while facing the mural to address the students” – Clare Bowman, Sustainability Advisor at RCZM Sustainable Design.
Nature Wall Art
This isn’t the first time we’ve designed nature Wall Art for a school. In fact, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for nature Wall Art and Geography Wall Art over the past few years.
There’s no doubt that this has coincided with an increased focus on pupil wellbeing and mental health – especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re certainly delighted that many schools are exploring the benefits of Biophilic Design and introducing its principles into their learning environments.
Here’s a selection of indoor and outdoor nature based Wall Art projects we’ve completed for schools recently;
Get in touch
Want to know more about our bespoke Wall Art for schools? Contact us!
You can also get inspiration on your next Wall Art project by browsing our Ideas Book.
