Articles
Green Roofs, Your Health and The Challenge of Managing Plastics
An overview of the health and environmental impacts of rapidly increasing plastic production and the current legislative, technical and individual efforts to address it.
How the Health Sector Can Benefit from Embracing the Power of Nature
Explore how hospitals can embrace biophilic design and nature-based solutions to improve patient recovery, staff well-being, and community health.
UC Berkeley’s Enormous Green Walls at the New Helen Diller Anchor House
The Helen Diller Anchor House living walls and rooftop farm exemplify biophilic design and provide students with restorative experiences whereby they can flourish at Berkeley University.
Podcast | Exploring the Healing Power of Nature with Clare Cooper Marcus
This episode features the powerful impact the natural world can have on our physical and mental wellbeing, and how design can affect and influence how we live, work, play, and grow.
Planting Rooftop “Tree Places”
When nature is absent from the environments we live, work, and play, we suffer. However, intensive green roofs like rooftop gardens can bring the healing benefits of nature into urban environments. This article explores how to make “tree places’ on rooftop gardens.
Podcast: Growing Children’s Connections with Nature with Laura Mylan
Join us for a conversation on the powerful impact nature has on our and our children’s development and mentality, and what Laura’s organization is doing to support citizens and educators in new and interesting ways to facilitate connections with the natural world.
Accounting for Health: The Business Case for Green Space
Providing estimates of the monetary benefits of improved health outcomes contributes to better decision making on resource allocation using multiple examples from Ontario municipalities.
Nature, Mental Health, and Inequity: Rethinking Access in Our Cities
Discover how access to nature impacts mental health and wellbeing, and why green infrastructure in cities is a public health necessity. Explore the benefits of green spaces, the inequalities in access, and ways communities can take action.
Podcast | Addressing Urban Heat Islands with Grace Wickerson
This episode of Sustainable Futures Designing Green Communities and Buildings sits down with science communicator, policy advocate, and scientist Grace Wickerson of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Join for a conversation on extreme heat, the importance of science communication, and ways in which FAS is trying to improve our communities.
Intersecting Ecological and Human Health with Kathleen Wolf
This episode of Sustainable Futures, features Dr. Kathleen Wolf, a social scientist insert who has spent 3 decades exploring how urban nature impacts human health. She shares insights on integrating nature’s benefits into design, enhancing well-being through green spaces.
Ten Tips to Help You Take Advantage of the Healing Powers of Living Architecture and Nature
Explore ways you may receive the most health and well-being benefits of your time in living architecture and natural green spaces, and learn about outstanding projects that can deliver these health benefits.
A Review of The Science of Biophilia, Biophilic Design and Human Health Impacts
Explore how biophilic design reduces stress, improves recovery times, and enhances well-being. Studies reveal that exposure to real or simulated nature benefits patients, workers, and students by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and enhancing cognitive function.
Cities Play a Key Role in Advancing Green Infrastructure Implementation – A Look at Innovative Policies and Capital Projects in the City of Toronto
Toronto is leading the way in green infrastructure, integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning. From green roofs to the Green Streets Program, the city’s innovative policies enhance climate resilience and improve community well-being, setting a model for sustainable urban development.
Intersecting Ecological and Human Health with Kathleen Wolf
In this episode of Sustainable Futures, we feature Dr. Kathleen Wolf, a social scientist insert who has spent 3 decades exploring how urban nature impacts human health. She shares insights on integrating nature’s benefits into design, enhancing well-being through green spaces.
Adopting AIA Resolution #1: Prioritizing Human Wellness in Architectural Design
The recent AIA resolution emphasizes integrating human health into architectural design, advocating for biophilic principles. This shift aims to enhance well-being and address global health challenges through nature-focused, human-centered environments.
Living Walls in Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Recovery and Well-Being
Discover the healing power of living walls in healthcare. Learn how these green walls improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance recovery times, creating sustainable and therapeutic environments for both patients and staff.
Nature Prescriptions: The Growing Trend of Doctors Prescribing Time Outdoors
Doctors are increasingly prescribing time in nature as a natural remedy to improve mental and physical well-being, supported by evidence-based programs like PaRx. This preventative approach promotes accessible outdoor experiences for healthier lives.
Will’s Garden: A Place for Healing at Carle Foundation Hospital
Will's Garden at Carle Foundation Hospital is a therapeutic rooftop garden, offering a tranquil space for healing. Utilizing innovative lightweight growth media, it supports native plants, stormwater management, and provides year-round beauty for patients and staff.
Planting Rooftops for Therapeutic Environments
Plants have long supported human health, with modern medicine using them in over half of pharmaceuticals. Recently, their biophilic benefits, like reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, have gained recognition in hospitals. This article explores a case study of an outdated medical center transformed with plants, including rooftop greenery, for therapeutic effects.
Accounting for Health: The Business Case for Green Space
Providing estimates of the monetary benefits of improved health outcomes contributes to better decision making on resource allocation using multiple examples from Ontario municipalities.