Biophilia is the theory that human beings are innately connected to nature and living organisms. It is a universally human reaction to feel relaxed and more sensory aware in natural spaces. Through evolutionary adaption we now find beauty and calmness in the natural elements that once nourished and protected our remote ancestors. Biophilic design applies cues from nature to the build environment to achieve an enhanced sense of well-being and improved performance. Decades of research studies have proven biophilic design has produced significant user benefits; for example, shorter hospital stays for patients, improved cognition in children and restored attention.

Biophilic design has never been assessed in learning spaces, until now. Craig Gaulden Davis Architects assembled a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, educators and designers in an AIA-funded study to determine the contribution of biophilic design to student stress reduction and academic performance in a 6th grade Math class at a Baltimore City charter school.

1.0 LU HSW AIA approved

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