Background Research Around Advancements in ‘Green’ Sustainability
It can be seen through this collection of news images I have selected there are vast advancements in incorporating ‘green’ sustainability across a multitude to sectors, which are all largely due to technological advancements.
Beautiful News (2021) “Eco and Climate Daily News” Information Is Beautiful [Online] https://informationisbeautiful.net/beautifulnews/ Accessed 15/03/21
Reflection: I look to build off these technological improvements that allow sustainability to be pushed even further and tie concepts from different sectors together to create a meaningful change in how nature is incorporated into the built environment.
Biophilic Design
The concept of biophilic design fully embodies the nature of the change I wish to make, by unifying people with the natural environment.
Analysis: A study conducted by researchers from Terrapin Bright Green in New York highlighted the importance of biophilic design and connecting to nature in relation to wellbeing, especially in the built environment. The research also demonstrates how nature can be utilised for human restoration; as well as noting the 14 key patterns of biophilic design which explore the different possibilities for the use of nature in spaces. This research is extremely useful in highlighting the benefits of applying biophilic design in spaces, as well as how this application can be conducted successfully. Consequently, this study will be highly beneficial when looking at how to best utilise natural structures to apply the concept of biophilic design in spaces where food is consumed in order to maximise the possible improvements to wellbeing.
“Biophilic design can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well-being and expedite healing; as the world population continues to urbanise, these qualities are ever more important.”
Browning, W.D., Ryan, C.O., Clancy, J.O. (2014). “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design.” New York: Terrapin Bright Green, LLC.
The World’s Most Sustainable Restaurants
Azurmendi – World’s Most Sustainable Restaurant 2018
- Full integrated multifaceted sustainable restaurant experience
- 3 Michelin star
- In costal northern Spain, near bay of Biscay
- Bioclimatic structure- designed by Naia Eguino
- Works with the environment – “uses local wood, stone and recycled materials, renewable energy photovoltaic solar panels on glass roofs, storage batteries, geothermic energy, rainwater harvesting, electric charges for cars, and LEED certification for the complex’s design and construction.”
- Interior garden – edible flowers and germplasm seed bank
- Utilises quotes on walls to transport diners to consider different aspects whilst enjoying the food
- Provides customers with a book listing the local products used at the restaurant
- Business cards featuring seeds so they can be planted
- Open to ideas to improve from anywhere – staff can anonymously add feedback to a board
Azurmendi (2021) “Sustainable Restaurant” Azurmendi [Online] https://azurmendi.restaurant/en/sustainable-restaurant/ Accessed 16/03/21
Forbes (2018) “The Awesome Integrated Experience of Michelin 3-star, World’s Most Sustainable Restaurant: Azurmendi” Forbes [Online] https://www.forbes.com/sites/michellegreenwald/2018/11/29/the-awesome-integrated-experience-of-michelin-3-star-worlds-most-sustainable-restaurant-azurmendi/?sh=4b2feb7c73c1 Accessed 16/03/21
Schloss Schauenstein- World’s Most Sustainable Restaurant 2019
- 3 Michelin star
- Located in Switzerland
- Most recent winner of the award, due to the pandemic
- Sources as much food as possible from its vast grounds
- 100% renewable power
- All reusable packaging and any remaining packing is collected by a firm and transformed into renewable energy
- Looks after community with its foundation to aid young hospitality professionals
- Highly isolated location made it difficult to reach these sustainability feats, but they have proved it to be possible
Schauenstein (2021) “Schauenstein Schloss Restaurant Hotel” Schauenstein [Online] https://schauenstein.ch Accessed 16/03/21
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants (2019) “Sustainable Restaurant Award 2019”The World’s 50 Best Restaurants [Online] (https://www.theworlds50best.com/awards/sustainable-restaurant-award Accessed 16/03/21
Analysis/ Reflection: From examining the most sustainable restaurants in the world in depth, I noticed that even in the most sustainable spaces in relation to spaces where food is consumed, there is still room to incorporate nature more intrinsically into the spaces. The restaurants predominately focus upon promoting food sustainability and renewable energies to foster as close to a carbon natural ethos as possible. Therefore, there is a gap to incorporate nature into the spaces through increased Biophilic design. In particular, Azurmendi aims to utilise the astonishing view at their site to bring the outside in, but nature could be greater introduced inside the space or through natural structures.
Biophilic Design in Restaurants
From my research into the benefits of biophilic design when applied to the spaces of restaurants, I uncovered that primary biophilic design helps customers to feel at ease and relax in the space and to make connections with others; thus helping to improve wellbeing. I discovered the following features that encourage the beneficial attributes of biophilic design to be aroused:
- Application of plants, tall trees and pampas grass
- Plants utilised to create partition walls – this can aid social distancing in Covid-19 times
- Natural materials and textures
- Help to engage the senses and create features in spaces
- Organic Shapes
- Flowing shapes replicating organic forms
- Outdoor View
- Highlight a view wherever possible or attempt to create a view
- Water
- Focal point – or can replicate the feeling of water through light and material, if utilising physical water isn’t appropriate
- Mystery and Refuge
- Creating cosy nooks or an alternative mysterious mood to a space utilising nature eg: blackened room with green planting utilised to bring intrigue
- Risk
- Add playful elements that help guest to remember the space
D for Design (2020) “How to Bring Biophilic Design into Restaurants” D for Design [Online] https://dfordesign.style/blog/how-to-bring-biophilic-design-into-restaurants Accessed 17/03/21
Reflection: It will be very useful to keep these features in mind when looking at the different natural structures that could be utilised to evoke social interaction in spaces where food is consumed. Especially, when deciding upon the characteristics natural structures need to successfully apply biophilic design.
How Biophilic Design Drives Social Interaction
Several studies have highlighted that biophilic design can actually help to promote social interactions in spaces which in turn improve personal wellbeing through the benefits of the interactions. Such benefits include the release of oxytocin in to the brain when social interaction occur, which creates strong anti stress physiological effects. Socialising is also linked to longer life expectancy, reduced depression and anxiety; all benefits massively impacting wellbeing.
Terrami (2021) “Socialising, Collaboration, and Physical Activity – What do they have to do with biophilic Design? ” Terrami [Online] https://www.terramai.com/blog/biophilic-design-supports-human-needs/ Accessed 18/03/21
Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (1998). “Oxytocin may mediate the benefits of positive social interaction and emotions.” Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23(8), pp.819-835.
The New York Times (2017) “Social Interaction is Critical for Mental and Physical Health” The New York Times [Online] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/well/live/having-friends-is-good-for-you.html Accessed 18/03/21
Humans crave nature just as socialising is a natural and essential aspect of society
One study showcased how social interactions in an old persons assisted living home were increased when the plastic products were substituted for wooden products.
Anme, T., Watanabe, T., Tokutake, K., Tomisaki, E., Mochizuki, H., Tanaka, E., Wu, B., Shinohara, R., Sugisawa, Y., Tada, C. and Matsui, T. (2012) “Behaviour Changes in Older Persons Caused by Using Wood Products in Assisted Living.” Public Health Research, 2(4), pp.106-109.
Reflection: Therefore, highlighting how natural products can help to evoke social interactions; a principle I aim to apply and build upon in my work.
Another study conducted by Terrapin Bright Green, highlights how biophilic spaces can allow social interactions to occur more spontaneously.
Salingaros, N. A. (2015) “Biophilia & Healing Environments: Healthy Principles For Designing the Built Environment.” New York: Terrapin Bright Green LLC.
Reflection: Trying to formulate spontaneous social interactions is something I am interested in exploring further with my work. I believe spontaneous, naturally formed social interactions are the most beneficial types of interaction to wellbeing, as they are not forced or awkward. Such interactions are therefore most important to try to create, in my opinion. So, the focus becomes about prompting these interactions through nature in a way that people aren’t aware they are being encouraged into this way of acting the space.
Nature In Structures/ Natural Structures
Ellison, M.S. (2013) Engineered Biomimicry: Chapter 10. Biomimetic Textiles. Elsevier Inc. Chapters.
Analysis and Reflection: The principle of biomimetics involves mimicking aspects of nature to develop new materials and solutions, as outlined in the definition above. When looking to incorporate the natural world through natural structures into spaces where food is consumed to evoke social interactions, biomimetics will be paramount. I will look to incorporate biomimetics in developing natural sustainable structures themselves; but also keeping an open mind as to how this principle could be utilised to tackle other issues that may arise in my examination of developing social interactions to improve wellbeing in spaces where food is consumed.