Imagine a classroom that feels less like a box and more like a calm, natural space. That's the basic idea behind "biophilic design." It's all about bringing elements of the outdoors – like natural light, plants, and nature-inspired patterns – into our schools. For teachers in special schools, this approach can be a fantastic way to help students feel more settled, focused, and ready to learn.
Why Does This Matter for Your Students?
We all know that a student's behaviour and their ability to learn are closely linked. When students feel calm and comfortable, they're more likely to engage, collaborate, and do well. Sometimes, though, typical classroom environments can be a bit overwhelming, especially for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. They might be sensitive to noise, bright artificial lights, or a lack of natural elements, leading to stress or difficulty concentrating.
Biophilic design offers a solution by creating spaces that naturally reduce stress and help the brain work better. Think of it as designing classrooms that work with our students' natural inclinations, rather than against them.
The Thinking Behind It (Keeping it Simple)
Even thousands of years ago, people like the Greek philosopher Aristotle knew that learning in natural, beautiful settings was a good thing. His school was in a garden with trees and streams!
Modern science backs this up. We have an inbuilt connection to nature. Being around natural elements helps us relax, focus and feel calmer, reducing stress, improving learning, leading to happier students and staff.
Practical Ways to Bring Biophilic Design into Your Classroom
You don't need a complete rebuild to make a difference. Here are some ideas:
Fresh Air, Good Sound, and Better Light
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- Ventilation: Stuffy air makes us tired. High CO2 levels (what we breathe out) can make it harder for students to think.
- Easy fix: Get a CO2 monitor and open windows when levels are high.
- Bigger fix (for refurbishments): Consider mechanical ventilation systems that keep air fresh and comfortable.
- Acoustics (Sound): Noisy classrooms are tough, especially for students with SEND. Background noise above 35 decibels (quieter than a normal conversation) can cause sensory overload for students with ASD or heightened anxiety. It also makes it harder for students with ADHD or speech and language difficulties to understand instructions. Even teachers suffer from vocal strain in noisy rooms.
- Easy fixes: Acoustic wall panels can display artwork or act as noticeboards while soaking up sound.
- Lighting: Natural light is best! It reduces stress and hyperactivity and improves focus.
- Easy fixes: Keep windows clean and sills clear. Use light-coloured paint (like satin finish) to reflect light.
- Smarter lighting: Modern systems can mimic natural daylight, with cooler light for focused tasks and warmer light for calming activities.
- Ventilation: Stuffy air makes us tired. High CO2 levels (what we breathe out) can make it harder for students to think.
Nature-Inspired Looks and Views
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- "Biomorphic Design": This just means using natural materials, patterns, colours, and textures. Our brains are wired to expect these things from our evolutionary past. When our surroundings feel "unnatural," it can trigger a low-level stress response. Adding natural elements calms this down.
- Easy fixes: Swap white walls for calming "pastoral" colours like greens, browns, and blues. Use shapes like leaves and trees in displays. Choose wood or wood-effect furniture. Add large photographic wall murals of forests or rivers. Bring in plants – even good quality artificial ones help!
- Window Views: Make the most of any green views you have. If the view isn't great (e.g., a brick wall), consider adding timber cladding to the outside of the facing building if possible, or focus on bringing more nature inside.
- "Biomorphic Design": This just means using natural materials, patterns, colours, and textures. Our brains are wired to expect these things from our evolutionary past. When our surroundings feel "unnatural," it can trigger a low-level stress response. Adding natural elements calms this down.
Get Outside!
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- Clever use of canopies can create weatherproof outdoor learning spaces. While improving the indoor environment is great, nothing beats actually being outside in nature.
Good for All, Essential for Some
Bringing biophilic design into your classroom isn't just about making it look nice. It's a research-backed way to create neuroinclusive spaces where all students, and especially those with SEND or SEMH needs, can feel calmer, focus better, and learn more effectively. By reducing sensory overload and distractions, you're removing barriers and helping every child reach their potential.
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TG Escapes Eco-Buildings is a NASS partner and gold sponsor of our 2025 NASS Conference
Interested in learning more? NASS members can find an informative download in our Member Zone under the Member Offers & Partnerships section. TG Escapes offer NASS members a free consultation and design service so members can explore how a bespoke biophilic building could enhance their educational settings. For more information call 0800 917 7726 or email info@tgescapes.co.uk.