FEATURE
Left : St Oswald ’ s Hospice , Newcastle upon Tyne Right : Prudhoe Hall
the best results , reaching a beautiful alignment between the natural and built environment .
Connecting humans and environment
Some architectural innovations become iconic of their decade as achievements in biophilic and biomorphic design . The Barbican Centre in London is a landmark example of these principles in use . Built as part of the Brutalist movement in the 1970 ’ s , the Barbican is exemplary of biophilic design in an urban setting . In contrast with its striking concrete exterior , the interior of the Barbican features lakes , ponds , flora and its famous conservatory which is home to exotic fish and over 1,500 species of plants , that bring the city centre 4,000 residents the benefits of being close to nature and wildlife without leaving Central London . While it is inspiring to look to iconic examples of biophilic design principles in use , striking integration of nature into the built environment is not reserved for once-in-a-lifetime briefs .
The Old Post Office , Newcastle upon Tyne
The £ 1.8mn refurbishment and redevelopment of the Old Post Office on St Nicholas Street in the centre of Newcastle is an award-winning example of a modern workspace that brings its workers close to nature . Working on behalf of RIBA Enterprises , the design created workspace for over 200 staff brought together across two main floors . The office interior was designed to include spaces for indoor plants next to workstations to bring nature indoors and improve air quality . The site also features an enclosed rooftop garden terrace , surround by floor to ceiling glass doors that integrate nature and light into the workspace whilst also offering staff a green space to enjoy without having to leave the heart of the city .
St Oswald ’ s Hospice , Newcastle upon Tyne
As part of a long-standing relationship with St Oswald ’ s Hospice , JDDK ’ s team has developed a large-scale hospice over decades that deeply resonates with the humane small scale . Outward looking and spacious vistas help offer positive mental benefits to residents from private rooms , while enclosed courtyards provide views of luxuriant planting and let natural light flood into the heart of the building , reinforcing our connections with nature , whilst offering a space for contemplation , relaxation and time with family shared experiences within nature . These spaces are designed to ensure advanced and challenging healthcare standards are met , whilst maximising patients ’ enjoyment for day-to-day life to make for a highly uplifting space for the healthcare team to deliver excellence . Particular attention is given to patients having access to outside space even while in bed they can spend time with their families outdoors and feel the breeze and sunlight .
Bringing nature into your project
If you are planning for a construction project that is set within an urban space , you may be looking to understand how its design can make it stand out as an addition to the city that improves the wellbeing of those who use and surround it . The natural world can be incorporated into any project , and for your development it represents a long-term commitment to sustainability and the local community . As Biodiversity Net Gain regulations have come into play , these considerations will also contribute to meeting these legislative requirements .
There doesn ’ t need to be a financial burden with this approach – integrating nature into a build
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