Biophilic & Responsive Design

Rooftop Terrace at Impact Career Innovation Center

Connection to the living world

Biophilic design brings natural elements and patterns to buildings to promote well-being. Research on biophilia – humans' innate connection to the natural world – shows that many different elements of nature, from daylight to plants and flowers, have consistent positive benefits on human health and well-being. This type of design points is linked to attention restoration and stress reduction – both of which increase focus and greater use of executive functions associated with complex cognitive performance.

 

The Impact Career Innovation Center building is shaped by indoor-outdoor connections, natural materials, and natural light. Look around the building to see biophilic design features that help visitors feel connected to the natural world.

 

  • The interiors of the building are filled with natural light coming from the skylights above.
  • Views to the outdoors are provided with connections to the campus courtyard, west plaza and roof terrace.
  • Connections to the various interior activities are provided from the Commons, Café and public spaces.
  • Concrete floors and wood ceilings are provided throughout the facility.
  • The café includes wood benches at the base of the stairs to provide a gathering area.
 
A Biophilic & Responsive Design is one of the standards of Collaborative for High Performance Schools. CHPS is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure all PK-12 students have access to environments that support learning and wellness. School facilities constructed or renovated using CHPS high performance building criteria are more energy- and water-efficient, and make a difference for students, teachers, and communities.