The biophilic school: A critical synthesis of evidence-based systematic literature reviews

Biophilic design can make schools healthier places for teaching and learning

Biophilic design integrates elements of nature into the built environment to promote human health and well-being. The efficacy of biophilic design for healing and well-being is supported by multiple studies in medical and other health-related settings. This synthesis of systematic literature reviews considered how the health and well-being factors associated with biophilic design in health-related settings might be applied to educational settings to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

From a comprehensive search of the literature, 67 articles relating to the aims of this study were identified. Of these, 47 were systematic literature reviews. The included studies were analyzed around seven themes relating to the application of biophilic school design for health and well-being: (1) psychological, cognitive and academic performance; (2) child development, early learning and forest schools; (3) greenspace and outdoors; (4) neuroarchitecture and neurodiversity; (5) higher education sector; (6) general health and well-being; and (7) residential, clinical, health and workplace.

This review found “compelling evidence of some 70 health and well-being factors being improved through biophilic design.” The biophilic elements named in the systematic literature reviews were grouped into 12 categories: (1) connection to nature; (2) biophilic features; (3) natural light and control; (4) views of nature and virtual; (5) natural materials, especially timber; (6) indoor environment quality; (7) campus green space; (8) green adjacent to campus; (9) increased tree canopy/forest; (10) architectural setting; (11) water views and sound; and (12) indoor nature. There were 44 mentions of positive human responses to these biophilic elements, including psychological, physical, emotional and mental outcomes. The most mentioned impacts related to academic performance and affect. These impacts included mention of “flourishing, joy, happiness and pleasure; health and wellness; mental health and fatigue; restoration and relaxation; social interaction, stress reduction and subjective well-being.”

This research indicates that biophilic design, if applied to schools, can make schools healthier places for teaching and learning.