Incorporating elements that promote biophilia into the built environment remains a hot topic in today's design world. Lessons learned post-pandemic have put the need to consider occupant well-being, especially mental and emotional health, into the forefront when designing interior spaces. More than a trend, offices, healthcare facilities, schools, and retail spaces all must consider how the built improved dayligting or bringing natural materials such as exposed wood and natural stone into spaces. However, biophila also includes the human element-specifically, art and human culture and history.

This presentation will explore how art can play a critical role in promoting healthy and productive spaces for occupants. By looking at the evolution of art in architecture, from cave paintings to frescos to modern murals, students will learn how the thoughtful incorporation of art can help improve the health and well-being of building occupants.

Photo courtesy of Inpro