You could argue that the hotel and leisure industry is one of the main places where Biophilic Design has been most widely embraced for years. It is natural that for places where people “escape” the rat race to, would also be havens of comfort, peace, tranquillity, beauty, harmony. Hotel rooms with views of nature are the most expensive rooms in a hotel. We all want that connection to nature when we take our holiday. “Nature” is nearly always that special “place” we describe when we are asked to close our eyes and think of a location where we feel most relaxed, at ease and inspired.

There has also been an increase globally in people taking holidays that reconnect us to the natural world, whether it is by the sea, in the mountains, backpacking, walking, cycling, canoeing, camping, luxuriating in spa hotel, beach or a hotel which has a swimming pool. As all biophilic design specifiers know, this connection to nature is important for mental health, as well of course as encouraging a healthy lifestyle. The sense of awe we enjoy when immersed in nature can be profound.

The best hotels have nailed the lure that pulls us into staying with them. It’s not the all-you-can-eat buffet (which is nice) but the thing which will help us decide on two similar hotels will be the environment, the décor, the views. No one wants to stay in a hotel which utilitarian and looks like the office they just left in the city, they want respite, beauty, harmony.  

Bill Browning in his brilliant article in this issue explains that “Biophilic design has been listed as one of the top design trends in hospitality for several years. It can improve guest experience, create more memorable hotels, and even change the way guests utilise spaces.”

The spaces and places we spend our free or leisure time can rejuvenate us, help our mind, body and soul relax, unwind, replenish. I’ll let you into a secret, these periods of respite, imagine if we could bring little moments that help you feel like this into the workplace when you got back? Ah, yes, we can, it’s called Biophilic Design. Thank you for being part of this amazing Biophilic Design movement to create places that heal and harmonise.