Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Nature's Classroom - The Biophilic approach to Learning Spaces
Garden designer Lisa Norton has been pushing forward a beautiful biophilic approach to learning spaces that puts nature at the heart of education. For her, biophilic design is proving that our built environments can profoundly impact children's well-being and learning potential. Her journey from corporate sales to garden design was driven by a deep-rooted connection to nature, inspired by childhood days spent in her father's vegetable garden. Now, she's transforming schools into living, breathing environments that support children's mental and physical health.
"We are doing our children a disservice right now," Lisa says passionately. We need a change in the way we design schools. In a recent project at a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, Lisa demonstrated the transformative power of biophilic design. By incorporating natural materials, organic shapes, and abundant greenery, she created spaces that fundamentally changed how children experience learning. The results were remarkable. "Some children came off medication," she reveals. "One child told me, 'I can think more clearly and breathe more deeply.'"
The design went far beyond aesthetic considerations. A massive tree trunk became a focal point in a "nature immersive space", creating what Lisa describes as a moment of "awe and wonder". Local timber, tree screens, and carefully considered acoustics transformed a standard classroom into a nurturing environment.
Lisa's approach recognizes that children are increasingly disconnected from nature. "They're fighting technology addictions," she explains. "We're allowing them to be addicted to devices without giving them tools to connect with what they innately need."
Her vision extends beyond individual schools. She advocates for creating green community spaces where multi-generational families can reconnect with nature and each other. "We need to encourage society to step out of busyness and just sit on a bench with some nice planting and have basic, lovely conversations," she says.
The scientific principles behind her work are compelling. Biophilic design isn't just about making spaces look pretty – it's about creating environments that fundamentally support human well-being. Water features, natural light, organic shapes, and locally sourced materials all play crucial roles in designing spaces that help people feel calm, focused, and connected.
For Lisa, sustainability is intrinsically linked to design. She sources materials locally, encourages composting, and creates gardens that function as mini-ecosystems. "It's about creating spaces where we're living from the land, rather than relying on artificial, man-made solutions," she explains.
Her most powerful motivation comes from personal experience. With a son who has ADHD and struggled in traditional educational environments, Lisa understands firsthand how critical supportive spaces are for children's development.
"If we can make a difference to children who are struggling with anxiety or learning challenges, then we really owe it to our kids to do that," she says.
As technology continues to dominate our lives, Lisa Norton's work offers a compelling alternative – a reminder that our fundamental connection to nature is not a luxury, but a necessity. Her biophilic designs are more than just beautiful spaces; they are a blue
Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago