Why biophilic design works for sensitive people - and everyone else
Aug 27, 2025
Sitting in Helsinki airport, I was struck by how calm it felt.
The use of Nature-inspired influences – wood, rocks, greenery and space – were so soothing to my nervous system, I almost forgot I was in a busy airport.
The Finns are fortunate to have an abundance of beautiful forests and lakes. Many seek out solitude and peace, leaving the cities for their summer homes, where they embrace a slow way of living.
On one visit, my Finnish cousin apologised for their lack of a kettle, preferring to boil water for our coffee in a pan on the stove. No need to rush when your windows overlook a stunning vista of trees and water.
Her summer home is the epitome of Finnish style. Clean lines, simple yet elegant furnishing, with flowers and nature-inspired touches that reflect the beauty outside.
My highly sensitive nervous system feels instantly soothed being there.
A study published on 16 August 2025, the day before we left for our family trip to Finland is titled ‘The Relationship Between Environmental Sensitivity and Common Mental-Health Problems in Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’.
The study found a positive and significant relationship between sensitivity and common mental-health problems such as depression and anxiety.
What I love about this study is that it doesn’t dwell on the negative aspects but also highlights the importance of education about the trait of sensitivity as sensitive individuals are more responsive to environmental enrichment and tailored psychological treatments than those who are not sensitive.
In other words, the dual nature of sensitivity means that while sensitive people are more susceptible to experiencing negative psychological outcomes, they are also more receptive to positive experiences and interventions than those who are less sensitive.
By paying attention to creating physical environments that enhance a sense of wellbeing rather than overwhelming the sensitive individuals, we can mitigate the emergence or worsening of mental health conditions. This is relevant for all public settings, from schools to the workplace, airports to shopping centers.
Which is where Biophilic Design comes into its own.
A practice that weaves natural elements into our man-made spaces, biophilic design taps into our innate need as humans to connect with Nature, especially when we’re surrounded by concrete, glass and steel.
I came across this approach through Nicla Diceglie, a Bold Biophilic interior designer who uses colour psychology, her knowledge of biophilia and her Italian heritage to create nurturing sanctuaries for her clients.
Through her accessible online course, I learnt how the principals of biophilic design can be used to integrate natural elements into environments to improve our mental and physical health, our productivity and ecological sustainability.
Living walls, moss installations, natural cork or bark wall coverings, organic shapes, textured materials, daylight, water features, scents, the birdsong piped into the toilets in Helsinki airport – these are all examples of the Biophilic approach.
Multiple studies have shown that environments incorporating natural elements help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, enhance mood and increase happiness levels.
By introducing natural light, greenery and organic materials into schools and workplaces, we’re more able to focus, be more creative and productive.
In hospitals, the introduction of natural elements promotes healing. After all, Nature helps to increase our energy, rather than drain it.
Of course, actually spending time in Nature is one of the best ways to soothe our nervous systems, especially for those of us with the trait of sensitivity. Walking through woods, swimming in lakes, kicking our shoes off and feeling the grass beneath our feet – these are all ways we can activate our rest and digest response, lower our cortisol levels, reduce stress and enhance our wellbeing.
When we can’t do this, bringing Nature into our living spaces through incorporating biophilic design principles is the next best thing.
The Finns do this so well. No wonder Finland has been ranked as the world’s happiest country for eight years running.
References:
Biophilic Design: Healthy Buildings, Healthy Brain - PubMed
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicla-diceglie/
