Architectural engineer Daan Bruggink about Biophilic architecture in educational establishments

In the Green Talk series from Mobilane, experts get the opportunity to talk about their expertise. This time, Daan Bruggink from ORGA Architect talks about biophilic architecture and its importance in educational establishments.

“It is remarkable that school buildings are amongst the poorest quality buildings: old, uninsulated, too cold, too hot and too much CO2”. According to Daan, a lot can be gained from school development. In our children’s built world, classrooms and outbuildings, biophilic design should be self-evident. Our brains, and therefore also the developing brains of our children, have evolved by discovering and exploring our natural environment. Instinctive responses to the natural world are deeply rooted in the human psyche. We are all psychologically programmed to react to materials, surfaces, animals, greenery, shapes, temperature, humidity, air, sound, light, shadow, weather, sun, seasons, daily routine, etc.

Biophilic principles to improve performance and well-being

Biophilic design principles should be self-evident in educational buildings. Schools should consider biophilic principles as a simple means of improving the academic performance of the children as well as improving the well-being of its employees. Daily exposure to natural elements is one of the important factors in the quality of a learning or working environment and an effective and holistic way to make children and adults function better. An environment that improves well-being and morale, whilst reducing staff turnover and increasing productivity results in higher levels of satisfaction and therefore better retention of staff and students. Costs for absenteeism, recruitment, extra staff and support will be lower.

Biophilic design principles

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that connects the users of the building more closely  to nature. These buildings incorporate natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements to create a more productive and healthier built environment.