Disconnection from nature is accelerating - We’re living through a long-term decline in our connection to nature, a worrying trend considering the well documented benefits for wellbeing, social and productivity outcomes.
The upside? Workplace design is a practical lever. By weaving in access to daylight, strategic planting, natural materials and micro-restoration moments, organisations can rebuild nature connection where people spend most of their week.
An interesting study by Miles Richardson, University of Derby, models nature connectedness and human-nature relationships from 1800 to 2020 and beyond. It offers insights into how urbanisation, reduced exposure to nature, lessening connection, population dynamics and intergenerational transmission have combined to shape the downward trajectory of nature connectedness. There are valuable insights that can inform initiatives in areas such as urban planning, education and conservation strategies that aim to restore the human-nature relationship. It also references how active sensory engagement with nature fosters nature connectedness more effectively than passive exposure, one of a number of areas that can be supported with biophilic design.
Why are we disconnecting from nature?
We live in an increasingly urban society that has reduced exposure to nature and lower intergenerational nature influences.
How can we reconnect with nature?
Rewild our cities, pocket parks, allotments, nature-led design, early-life education, cross-society and family nature exposure opportunities. We can also bring nature into our buildings, both at work and in our homes. Biophilic design - provides both direct connections to nature: daylight, planting, and water and indirect connections: evoking a feeling of nature with natural materials, colours, textures and technologies.
At Oliver Heath Design we deliver evidence-based biophilic strategies that help restore nature connection, improve focus, reduce stress and lift team morale. Get in touch here to explore how we can bring this to your office and buildings
Who are Oliver Heath Design?
At Oliver Heath Design we deliver evidence-based biophilic strategies that help restore nature connection, improve focus, reduce stress and lift team morale. Explore how we can bring this to your office and buildings.
🌿 Design Strategy - Robust design strategy to support occupants and organisations in the creation of healthy, thriving spaces
🌿 Spatial Design - End-to-end design services that deliver tangible occupant benefits & ROI
🌿 Thought Leadership - Translating research into accessible, implementable design insights: on paper, online, in-person
🌿 Media & Partnerships - Collaborating with brands to offer bespoke talks, marketing and partnerships to amplify and make accessible, design for wellbeing
Read the study findings here.
