22.09.2026
The inaugural NeuroPlaces exhibition at the LondonDesign Festival 2026, brought together an inspiring community of architects,designers, workplace strategists, academics, researchers and wellbeing professionals.
All were exploring how neuroscience, nature and design can helpcreate healthier, more inclusive environments. For the Oliver Heath Designteam, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionalswho share our belief that design should support human wellbeing.
In his keynote presentation, The Connectionwith Nature: A Real-World Look at the Growth of Biophilic Design, Oliverexplored how biophilic design has evolved beyond the simple introduction ofplants to become a broader, sensory-led approach to human-centred design,workplace wellbeing and neuro-inclusive environments. Drawing on research and real-world projects, the talk explored how our connection with nature influences wellbeing, focus, creativity and restoration, and why creating a diversity of spaces is essential to supporting the diverse sensory needs of modern occupants.
Drawing onresearch and real-world projects, the presentation explored how our evolutionarybased connection with nature influences our current wellbeing, focus,creativity and restoration, and why creating a diversity of spaces is essentialto supporting the diverse sensory needs of modern occupants. From natural lightand materiality to sensory zoning and neurodiversity, the message was clear:the most successful spaces embrace human diversity and provide a range ofexperiences that support different needs throughout the day.
It was equally rewarding to hear from fellow speakers and discover the innovative work being undertaken across the fields of neuroarchitecture, healthy buildings, workplace design and wellbeing-led placemaking. The event highlighted a growing recognition that the built environment has a significant role to play in supporting both people and organisational performance.
Thank you to everyone who attended the keynote, visited our stand and shared their insights. We're excited to continue these conversations and help deliver biophilic design, neuro-inclusive workplaces and human-centred environments that enable every mind to thrive.
At Oliver Heath Design, creating spaces where people thrive remains at the heart of everything we do.
