Essay
Nicole Craanen’s talk explored the profound relationship between humans and nature, framing biophilic design and forest therapy as essential tools for restoring well-being in contemporary life. At its core, her presentation asked a simple yet powerful question: “Where is your favorite place, and how does it make you feel? ”
This question invited reflection on personal experiences of calm, attachment, and sensory richness, all informed by nature.
Craanen began by emphasizing that humans are inherently biophilic—driven by an innate “love of life.” However, modern built environments frequently disconnect us from this fundamental relationship. Many people spend most of their time indoors, in spaces that are sterile, gray, and artificially lit, leading to sensory deprivation and emotional fatigue. In contrast, environments that integrate natural qualities—whether forests, temples, or even thoughtfully designed interiors—engage the full range of human senses and foster a sense of peace and belonging.
She outlined three key categories of biophilic design.
(1) The first involves direct engagement with natural elements, where sensory experiences (light, air, temperature, texture) can connect individuals physically to the environment.
(2) The second is the indirect experience of nature, achieved through materials, colors, patterns, and representations that mimic natural systems, such as wood textures, organic geometries, and dynamic lighting conditions.
(3) The third focuses on the experience of space and place, including spatial qualities like prospect and refuge, mystery, and wayfinding, as well as deeper cultural and ecological attachments to a place. Together, these strategies shape environments that feel alive, layered, and meaningful.
Central to her talk was the concept of forest therapy, also known as forest bathing. Drawing on research from the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby, Craanen explained how time spent in forests has measurable health benefits. Trees release compounds known as phytoncides, which humans absorb, stimulating natural killer (NK) cells that help fight disease. Beyond the physiological, forest therapy also nurtures psychological and emotional wellbeing, fostering mindfulness, presence, and a renewed sense of connection.
Forest therapy is not simply about being in nature - it is about cultivating a reciprocal relationship with it. Guided experiences use a series of, “invitations,” learners and practitioners of forest bathing are encouraged to slow down, observe, and engage deeply with their surroundings. It begins by considering what place and memory can mean for you. In this framework, the forest itself becomes the “therapist,” facilitating an individual’s awareness of their relationship with the more-than-human world. As Craanen emphasized, the stronger this sense of connection, the greater the benefits to both personal wellbeing and community relationships.
This perspective extends directly into design practice. Craanen argued that architects and designers have a responsibility to create environments that do more than function—they should enable people to thrive. Biophilic design has been shown to improve mental performance, emotional wellbeing, and overall health, making it not only a philosophical approach but also an evidence-based one with measurable returns on investment.
She illustrated these ideas through examples such as the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and the Frautschi Center, where buildings are designed not as isolated objects but as interfaces between people and landscape. Transitional spaces play a crucial role, gently guiding users from built environments into nature, encouraging curiosity and engagement. The goal is not to draw attention to the building itself, but to deepen the user’s connection to the surrounding land.
Craanen also highlighted emerging models like agrihood developments, where communities are integrated with agricultural landscapes such as orchards. These projects embody the principles of reciprocity and interconnectedness, reinforcing the idea that humans are not separate from nature but part of a shared ecological system.
Her talk framed biophilic design and forest therapy as both a design strategy and a philosophy of living. By fostering deeper relationships with the natural world—whether through a tree, a bird, or a carefully designed space—we cultivate not only personal wellbeing but also a broader sense of care and responsibility for the environment. In this way, designing with nature is not simply about aesthetics; it is about re-establishing connection, reciprocity, and balance in an increasingly disconnected world.
notes
Nicole Craanen - a sense of calm and peace
Where did you go? Where is your favourite place? - However I am attached - I am in a balcony, staring at the forests. But most people are always outside.
Imagine your favourite place in a built environment - a temple - airy temple, art deco from the 1980s