Bringing BUas closer to nature through biophilic design

Bringing BUas closer to nature through biophilic design

04/15/2025 - 13:51

Nature is disappearing from our surroundings, with negative effects on our mental and physical well-being, among other things. We come from nature, but we move further away from it every day. How can we reconnect with our environment on campus? How can we improve the mental and physical well-being of our students and staff through nature? The answer lies in biophilic design. This environmental design approach integrates natural elements into built environments, and improves well-being by increasing our connection to nature both indoors and outdoors.
Built Environment
  • Research

The BUas campus already embraces biophilic design in various ways. The Ocean Building’s second floor features wooden tables, stools, cork-lined walls, and nature-mimicking grass flooring, fostering a natural atmosphere. Outside, curved pathways and wooden benches further enhance the connection with nature. There is even more potential to build upon these elements and create an even stronger bond with the natural world.

To further enrich our connection with nature, we could engage more of our senses. Indoors, the sound of birdsong or running water could enhance the atmosphere. Outdoors, planting tall grasses that rustle in the wind or aromatic herbs such as oregano and lavender could stimulate smell and touch. A sensory pathway could provide an immersive experience, with textured walking surfaces, fragrant plants, water features, and quiet seating areas for reflection. Or we could create a central place for people to come together in nature; a food forest, for example. A forest that not only provides food, but also acts as a living lab, where students could learn about biodiversity, sustainable food production, and ecological balance.

These initiatives would not only enrich the experience of students and staff, but would also be in line with BUas’ commitment to becoming a climate-positive organisation. Sustainability is about more than reducing carbon footprints, it’s also about fostering a deeper connection between people and (the rest of) nature.

One of the things we will be working on over the next few months is to increase the variety of flowers on campus. With an optimised mowing schedule, more flowers will appear on the campus grounds over the coming months and years. These specific flowers will improve the soil, provide nectar for insects, and enhance the overall campus experience through smell, sound and beauty.

 

These recommendations are based on the graduation thesis research of Lotta Esteban Sprong, titled Enhancing the Human-Nature Connection on Campus, Improving Overall Health: Biophilic Design Recommendations for BUas.