Where Nature Meets Nurture: A New Era for Biophilic Design

Connecting people with nature has long been a key consideration in creating spaces and places with wellbeing at the fore. The concept has indeed been around for decades, however the science of biophilia is a rapidly evolving field. 

As schools look to create more inclusive and nurturing environments, biophilic design is emerging as a powerful tool in supporting both educational achievement and emotional development.

Understanding Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is based on the principle that humans have an innate connection to nature. By integrating natural elements into buildings and landscapes, designers can create spaces that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

This can include:

• Direct access to outdoor learning environments
• Views of trees, planting, and green spaces
• The use of natural materials and textures
• Abundant natural daylight
• Sensory-rich landscape design
• Opportunities for exploration and interaction with nature

While these principles can benefit all learners, they can be particularly valuable for SEND pupils, who often thrive in environments that support sensory regulation, reduce anxiety, and encourage positive behavioural outcomes.

Biophilic Design and Department for Education Standards

The growing emphasis on biophilic design is also reflected within the Department for Education's (DfE) approach to school design. Current DfE guidance promotes learning environments that prioritise wellbeing, access to outdoor spaces, biodiversity, natural daylight, high-quality indoor air, and strong connections to the surrounding landscape. School and college design standards increasingly recognise that outdoor environments should play an active role in education, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing alongside academic achievement. Incorporating these principles helps create inclusive, healthy and sustainable learning environments that align with wider government objectives for educational excellence, environmental responsibility, and pupil wellbeing.

Biophilic design offers a holistic approach by creating environments that are calming, engaging, and inclusive. Access to natural settings can support sensory needs, provide opportunities for movement and exploration, and create quiet spaces for reflection and regulation. Natural environments also help reduce stress levels and encourage a sense of comfort and belonging.

Rather than viewing the landscape as something separate from learning, biophilic design places nature at the heart of the educational experience.

A Benchmark Project: RL Hughes Primary School

An excellent example of this approach can be found at RL Hughes Primary School a new 420-pupil place school in Wigan.

Situated within a mature forested landscape, the school's design takes direct inspiration from its natural surroundings. Every aspect of the environment has been carefully considered to strengthen the relationship between pupils and nature.

Natural materials, generous views of green spaces, and carefully integrated biophilic design principles work together to create an environment that supports wellbeing, curiosity, and a strong sense of place. The design encourages pupils to engage with the outdoors as part of their everyday learning experience, helping to create meaningful connections with the world around them.

The project demonstrates how collaboration between architects, landscape designers, educators, and stakeholders can result in learning environments that not only meet functional requirements but also enrich the lives of the young people who use them every day.

Designing for the Future

As the understanding of biophilia continues to develop, the future of educational design is increasingly focused on creating places that support both academic achievement and human wellbeing.

For pupils, the benefits can be particularly transformative. By providing environments that reduce stress, encourage exploration, support learning needs, and foster meaningful connections with nature, biophilic design has the potential to enhance both educational and personal outcomes.

The new era of biophilic design is not simply about adding greenery to a building. It is about creating schools where nature becomes an active participant in learning, helping children feel safe, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The phrase Where Nature Meets Nurture perfectly captures the promise of biophilic design in education. By blending architecture, landscape, and learning, schools can create environments that support wellbeing, improve behaviour, and inspire curiosity.

Projects like RL Hughes Primary School demonstrate how nature-centred design can transform the educational experience pupils. As more schools adopt these principles, biophilic design is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping environments where every child can flourish.