How Biophilic Design Boosts Exam Performance

Since it was first defined in the 1970s, biophilic design has only grown in popularity, thanks to its many observable benefits to both the users of a building and the environment. Within a school building, the integration of natural elements can minimise certain mental health difficulties, increase engagement, and boost overall well-being, collectively contributing to better academic outcomes. 

There is now a growing body of evidence showing how biophilic design positively impacts students, which is one of the many reasons our team utilises biophilic design principles across our educational buildings. 

What is Biophilic Design and How is it Implemented?

Biophilic design is an architectural approach that seeks to connect building occupants with nature, promoting well-being, health, and productivity. At TG Escapes, we’ve built hundreds of educational buildings over the last 15 years, implementing biophilic principles through abundant natural light, high-quality ventilation systems, and the use of sustainable materials like timber. Water elements, living roofs, and green walls can also bring nature into a building, further benefiting users. 

The goal of biophilic design is to foster a direct connection to nature, which is why we build our frames and panelling from natural timber. We also incorporate images of nature, organic shapes, and natural colours to maintain an indirect connection to the natural world. Through these principles, our team creates positive environments that support the mental and physical well-being of students and staff.

How Can Biophilic Design Boost Exam Results?

The observable spike in academic performance seen within studies on biophilia is likely the result of several factors working in combination. Biophilic design fosters a better environment for learning, one that helps to calm users, limit certain mental health difficulties, and create a sense of focus for students.

Mental Health Improvements

Integrating natural elements such as abundant greenery, natural light, and organic materials into classrooms reduces stress and promotes psychological well-being. Studies show that exposure to nature lowers blood pressure, stress hormone levels, and anxiety while increasing mood and self-esteem. In addition, the use of natural fractal patterns was shown in a study to reduce eye strain, headaches, and stress.

By creating environments that mimic natural settings, biophilic design fosters a calming and supportive atmosphere, helping students manage stress more effectively. Mental health issues are at a crisis level within schooling, and that makes practical interventions necessary. With new school buildings needed across the country, investing in a biophilic solution will give students so much more than just a usable space, creating a positive, calming environment.

Engagement Improvements

Biophilic design also works to improve student engagement, a vital aspect of academic performance. Natural light, a core element of biophilic design, significantly boosts mood and performance. Studies indicate that classrooms with ample daylight are linked to higher test scores and improved student mood. Our team works around this by designing each building to maximise sunlight within learning spaces.

Exposure to natural imagery and patterns also improves attention and memory. Visual stimuli in traditional classrooms can fatigue the brain, leading to distraction, while natural imagery allows the brain to recharge, enhancing focus and learning. This can be incorporated through views of nature, easy access to the outdoors, outdoor learning, plants, and even images of natural elements. In an overstimulated age, it’s crucial to look for ways to boost focus and engagement within schools.

The Evidence For Improved Grades

There is a wealth of studies demonstrating the power of biophilic design within education:

• The Economics of Biophilia: This study by Terrapin Bright Green looked over a variety of economic factors, showcasing how biophilic design elements could pay for themselves through increased productivity. Within it, they show how natural light in classrooms can improve test scores by 7-18% and accelerate learning rates by 20-26%, underscoring the powerful impact of biophilia on student performance.
• The Impact of Biophilic Learning Spaces on Student Success: This 2019 study looked at how biophilic design could affect student stress levels and learning outcomes in physical learning spaces. It compares a traditional classroom with a biophilic classroom enhanced with views of nature, dynamic daylight, and biomorphic patterns. Using heart rate variation (HRV) to measure stress and the i-Ready diagnostic test to assess maths comprehension, the study found significant improvements. Students in the biophilic classroom showed an average maths test score gain of 18.45, over three times the 5.48 gain in the control classroom, demonstrating the powerful impact of biophilic design on academic performance.
• A Narrative and Systematic Review of the Behavioural, Cognitive, and Emotional Effects of Passive Nature Exposure on Young People: This study looked at the impact of passive nature exposure on young people's behaviour, cognitive abilities, and emotional development. Assessing thousands of other studies, it found that passive exposure to nature led to positive changes in attention, memory, and mood. It also indicated that incorporating natural elements into school environments and commuting routes could benefit cognitive development and emotional well-being. When considering the overall evidence, it argued that academic performance grew due to the improved attention spans and mental health of students.

Can You Add Biophilic Elements to an Existing Building?

Incorporating biophilic elements into an existing building can be a great way to enhance the well-being of its occupants. Simple additions like potted plants, green walls, and improved ventilation systems can introduce elements of nature indoors, improving air quality and providing a sense of calm. Installing images of nature, such as murals or photographs, can also help create a connection to the natural world, offering visual stimuli that enhance mood and cognitive function. 

However, some biophilic features, such as views of nature, abundant natural light, and easy access to outdoor spaces are challenging to implement in existing structures. While additions to existing buildings can provide some benefits, creating truly biophilic spaces is more effectively achieved through new building designs that integrate these elements from the outset. TG Escapes specialises in designing and constructing new buildings that fully embrace biophilic principles, offering amazing environments for learning and well-being.

How Biophilic Design Principles Underpin Our Work

At TG Escapes, biophilic design is at the core of our architectural philosophy. We prioritise natural elements in all of our projects, integrating features like abundant natural light, sustainable timber frames and panels, and easy access to the outdoors.

By creating environments that mimic natural settings, we ensure our buildings support mental and physical health. This commitment to biophilia not only benefits the occupants but also aligns with our sustainability goals, creating eco-friendly, inspiring spaces for students.

Some of Our Biophilic Designs

Every building we produce is built upon our sustainable modular system, using timber frames and panelling to offer a truly bespoke solution tailored to the needs and locations of our clients. Across 21 years and nearly 800 buildings, we’ve created some beautiful biophilic spaces, and our forward-thinking team is ready for the next step, designing fully biophilic schools from the ground up. 

Mountfield Heath SEMH building

In 2022, we completed an eco-building tailored around SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs for Mountfield Heath School. This bespoke design included classrooms, a sensory room, intervention spaces, and a kitchen. The key biophilic elements included ample natural light, views of the surrounding woodland, and an adaptive ventilation system. The building's natural materials and high ceilings create a bright, airy environment, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. With excellent acoustics and insulation, the space is both welcoming and functional, supporting the complex needs of its students while seamlessly blending with the natural landscape.

Out Award-Winning Net Zero School Concept

In 2022, our team worked on this design concept for a Net-Zero Biophilic Primary School, showcasing the direction we believe new school construction should be moving. This design would fully integrate natural elements at every level to create a healthy, stimulating learning environment for 300 children aged 0-11. Built around separate pavilions connected by covered walkways, surrounding a central landscaped area including an outdoor classroom, the design includes large windows for natural light, exposed timber, sedum roofs, and facilities to support biodiversity, like bird and bat boxes. 

This design embodies our vision for future educational spaces that are sustainable, engaging, and promote well-being, demonstrating the potential of biophilic design in creating optimal learning environments. We were thrilled to see the traction it had within the construction community, including a win for “Public Sector Innovator of the Year” at the 2023 MMC Awards.

Want to Find Out More About Our Biophilic Modular Buildings?

We work with schools across the UK on a range of buildings, from specialist SEND classrooms to larger blocks, all built through our fast modular process. Clients benefit from a turnkey service, with design, manufacture, installation and finishing all handled through one team, at a great upfront price.

If you want to find out more about what makes our biophilic classrooms special or start our free design service, speak to a member of our team today.