Biophilic Design

Biophilic design uses the human connection to nature (“biophilia”) to connect people more closely to nature in buildings including homes, workplaces, businesses, public facilities, schools, hospitals, and more. Biophilic-designed buildings incorporate indoor plants, interior landscaping, natural lighting, fresh air ventilation, and other elements to create a healthier environment to support human health and wellbeing.

There are 24 individual qualities of biophilic design. They include:

  • Direct experience: contact with green elements such as plants, views of nature, water, and natural airflow.
  • Indirect experience: the use of natural materials such as wood or natural fabrics like cotton and wool; exposure to images of nature in artwork; and the use of natural shapes and forms.
  • Experience of space and place: How is your own cultural and ecological attachment to a particular indoor area affected?

Multiple studies show a positive relationship between the presence of nature in the workplace and employee wellness and productivity. The design think tank Human Spaces reports employees working in environments with natural elements like plants and sunlight have a 15 percent higher level of well-being. This translates into a six percent increase in productivity and a 15 percent increase in creativity.

Think about what a six percent efficiency increase would mean in your business. Imagine one creative idea that turns into the next Tesla, Bitcoin, or even Scrub Daddy (look it up). What would you be willing to invest in getting there?

There are several simple design changes easily made in workspaces. The easiest and most cost-efficient way is the addition of plants into your environment. This action also gets building owners and facilities managers thinking big picture about the amount of space people have to work in or the best way to make buildings safer and healthier. Safety, health, and worker productivity all go together.

Natural light, plants and vegetation, living walls, natural textures and materials, and views of nature will all provide the positive impact employers need to hire and keep their employees. And it can all be done for less than the cost of a cup of coffee per employee daily.

What Nature Teaches Us About Gratitude

| November 25, 2024 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Blog, Good Earth Plant Company, Newsletters
As Thanksgiving approaches, we reflect on the people, opportunities, and experiences that fill our lives with gratitude. At Good Earth Plant Company, working with plants every day reminds us that nature has so much to teach us about thankfulness and balance. 1. The Gift of Patience Nature operates on its own timeline, and it teaches us to slow down and trust the process. A tiny seed doesn’t become a tree overnight; growth takes time, care, and consistency. Plants remind us that good things are worth the wait and that small, steady efforts often lead to the most rewarding outcomes. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the value of patience.… Read More

Embracing Fauxliage: The Benefits of Artificial Plants

| October 2, 2024 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Blog, Good Earth Plant Company, Moss Walls, Plantscaping
Good Earth Plant Company has once again caught the spotlight, earning recognition in an article by The San Diego Union Tribune titled “Decorating with Fauxliage”. The article explores the low-maintenance, hassle-free benefits of artificial plants, highlighting our commitment to enriching lives through the beauty of greenery.  Our president and owner, Jim Mumford, first connected with the article’s author, Caren Golden, years ago when we were first creating edible living walls for restaurants across the nation. While designing and maintaining living walls remains a vital part of our business, we’ve increasingly embraced projects that utilize replica plants and preserved moss.  As technology evolves, so does the quality of replica plants.… Read More

Drought-Resistant Plants: Green Solutions for Busy Lives

| September 10, 2024 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Blog, Good Earth Plant Company Tips, Plantscaping
Woman watering houseplant at home, closeup By Pixel-Shot
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining lush, thriving plants can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping up with watering schedules. If you’re looking for a way to add greenery to your space without the stress of frequent watering, drought-resistant plants are the perfect solution. These hardy plants not only look great but also thrive with minimal care, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.   Why Choose Drought-Resistant Plants?  Drought-resistant plants are designed to withstand dry conditions, which means they can survive and thrive with less water compared to other plants. These resilient plants are perfect for those who may not have a green thumb or for anyone who’s simply looking to reduce the time spent on care.… Read More

Peach Fuzz is Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year

| January 23, 2024 | Categories: Architecture and Design, Biophilic Design
Since 2017, Good Earth Plant Company has been keenly following Pantone’s Color of the Year. We keep current with design trends including color, so our projects fit current tastes and times, especially as we embrace the vibrancy of spring.  Forward-thinking businesses need to stay current with design trends to create the best possible experience for their customers. This is the reason so many companies are incorporating the principles of biophilic design into their buildings, and why they’re keeping us busy at Good Earth Plant Company by adding workplace plants, living walls, and other natural design elements. This trend is particularly pertinent during spring when the essence of growth and renewal is celebrated, making it a perfect time for businesses to rejuvenate their spaces. … Read More

Trending Tropical Plants and Biophilic Designs

| January 9, 2024 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Indoor Plants
A green wall designed by Good Earth Plant Company.
Good Earth Plant Company has once again caught the spotlight, earning recognition in two influential articles that delve into trending tropical plants and how to incorporate biophilic design into your indoor spaces. 1. “Why Tropical Plants Are On the Rise” – Greenhouse Grower In a recent feature by Greenhouse Grower, Good Earth Plant Company’s Operations Manager, Joe Benedetti, shares his insights into the surging popularity of house plants. The article explores the reasons behind the escalating demand for these lush and vibrant specimens, shedding light on the unique qualities that make tropical flora a favorite among plant enthusiasts and interior decorators alike.… Read More

Sweet Sounds of Nature: Sound & Biophilic Design

| June 15, 2023 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Nature and Wellbeing
Let’s dive into a world you may never have heard of, but you hear it all the time. Pause for a minute. What sounds do you hear? Maybe the distant buzz of an airplane, the chirp of a bird, the rustle of leaves in a tree. Sound is a component of our natural and manmade world, but it’s an entire world unto itself. As humans, we hear only part of what’s making sound in the greater acoustic environment. The sounds we perceive are called the soundscape, just like outdoor greenery is called the landscape, and indoor plants are used to create a plantscape.… Read More

Stone as Biophilic Design: Why You Need It

| May 9, 2023 | Categories: Architecture and Design, Biophilic Design, Plantscaping
Using stone as a biophilic design element
Everybody Must Get Stones Last post, we took a look at wood as a biophilic element. In case you missed it, it’s not too late to check out some interesting pictures & facts on wood as a biophilic element. This week, our focus has turned to stone. As humans, we are innately connected to the natural world around us. Our affinity for nature is even reflected in the built environment, as we seek to bring elements of the natural world into our homes and workplaces. This sentiment is at the heart of biophilic design – a design trend that emphasizes the importance of incorporating elements of nature into the man-made environment, with the goal of enhancing our wellbeing.… Read More

Biophilic Elements: Thinking Outside the Wood Box

| April 21, 2023 | Categories: Architecture and Design, Biophilic Design
Is Wood Having a Moment (again)? Ready, name that decade: Wood paneling Parquet flooring Wagon wheel décor Wood siding If you guessed 1970s, 1530s, 1940s & 1980s, you’re correct. But since design is cyclical, there were many more years that those things surged in popularity. Take wood flooring. That saw a rebirth just a short time ago in the late 20th century and early 2000s. There was a little break as modern industrial morphed into farmhouse industrial and farmhouse, but the cement flooring and painted cabinets of the last few years are now trending back to natural wood. As interior plantscapers, we use wood as a biophilic design element – we use planters made from wood, attach plants to slabs of wood and put them on the wall and use driftwood in our designs.… Read More

Breathe Life Into Your Workspace with Plants

| April 10, 2023 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Office Design, Plantscaping
Office plant designs
Wouldn’t it be nice to escape the sea of bland grayscale cubicles and walk through a splash of color and nature-inspired elements? A positive work environment can be as much about the surroundings as the people. Fostering teamwork, the sharing of ideas, personal space and comfort are among the considerations of an office designer. If the office or workspace is already designed, some easy updates, like the soothing touch of nature, or a few vibrant colors placed here & there, can contribute to a positive workplace ambiance. Whether you’re a property manager, an office manager, a facility manager or you just have an office you want to liven up, here are a few ideas to add color & nature to your office environment to get the workflow going.… Read More

The Plantscape Hall of Fame Inducts Jim Mumford

| March 9, 2023 | Categories: Awards & Achievements, Biophilic Design, Green Roofs
We may all endure a lifetime of work, but very few of us are recognized for a lifetime of achievement. The people that stand out prove that passion and persistence are the keys to success. When other people ask, “why?” they ask, “why not?” Jim Mumford is one of these people with passion and persistence – and a love of plants. In his own words, “If I hear “no” or “that can’t be done” it means I try harder. I don’t give up easily.”  In the span of 45 years, Jim has gone from plant & flower seller, to plant expert, to interior plantscaper to global biophilic design thought leader, mentor and educator.… Read More