EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES NATURE’S INFLUENCE Axis House, building and office refurbishment specialist, shares the findings


from its recent whitepaper on biophilic design and explains how specifiers and designers can incorporate this within educational facilities.


Biophilia itself is ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life’, and it’s that urge which drives humankind to crave a deeper connection with nature in their day to day lives. That craving is particularly prevalent in school children, with studies suggesting that 96% of school children would prefer to learn in an outdoor environment than indoors.


At Axis House, our recent whitepaper on The Effects of Biophilic Design on Wellbeing provided us with some fascinating insight into biophilic design and the effects it can have on children’s performance in school. One of the findings discovered that children learn 20-26% faster in natural daylight and test scores are 7-18% higher than students learning in non-daylight environments. Not only that, but children learning in day-lit environments had an increase in attendance of 3.2 – 3.8 days more per year than those learning in non-day-lit environments.


Embracing the Surroundings


Non-visual stimuli can be incorporated, including the smell, sounds and feel of nature. Using herb gardens and running water can cover the smell and sound, with the addition of plant life near working environments incorporating the feel of nature.


A Breath of Fresh Air


A natural airflow will help to replicate the outdoors, so by varying temperatures and encouraging a breeze to enter certain spaces within the design can positively impact comfort and concentration.


Creative and Calm


Whether it be through a water fountain or a more natural source, the presence of water can have a real calming effect on the environment. The optimum flow rate would be a gentle flow so as not to overstimulate the children within the learning environment.


”NATURAL TILE AND STONE PATTERNS ARE AN IDEAL ADDITION TO A


BIOPHILIC DESIGN.”


Biophilic design is so much more than just incorporating natural daylight into the working environment, and educational facilities across the world are already reaping the benefits of a biophilic design. So, what exactly makes a building’s design biophilic?


In order to make the most out of all the connections to nature available within a space, there are seven main elements of biophilic design to be considered.


A Room with a View


A view of nature can be created through large, full length windows or balconies looking out onto a natural environment. Of course, this won’t always be possible, depending on location, so creating a garden space can allow for that view of nature.


— 20 — Dynamic Lighting


Daylit educational facilities have a great effect on attendance and learning, so it’s important to try and encourage natural light throughout the building. The intensity of light throughout the building can change, just as natural daylight does throughout the day.


Biomorphic Shapes and Patterns


Shapes, patterns and contours which represent a more natural flow provide a symbolic reference to the natural world. These patterns are known to improve concentration levels.


Spatial Hierarchy


The layout of each room will be key to the success of a biophilic design, with more natural spacing of elements creating a sense of free movement within the space.


How can tile and stone be incorporated into


biophilic design? Natural tile and stone patterns are an ideal addition to a biophilic design. Split face mosaic tiles can be used on walls to create those biomorphic shapes and patterns which represent a more natural formation within the building and colour infused slate tiles can be used on the floors to provide a more natural looking view throughout each room. Biophilic design represents a real opportunity within the tile and stone industry, especially within the education sector, to encourage more efficient learning environments.


Download the full whitepaper here. www.axis-house.com


https://www.axis-house.com/biophilic-design.php www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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