The School of Biophilia CIC

The School of Biophilia CIC provides professional development, CPD training, workshops and educational programmes in biophilia, nature connection, healthy buildings, biophilic design and regenerative education.

Our training is designed for anyone interested in understanding and strengthening the relationship between people, nature and the places we inhabit. We work with individuals, communities, educators, organisations and professionals across a wide range of sectors, with particular expertise in the built environment. Our courses help participants explore how biophilia can support health, wellbeing, learning and belonging, and how this understanding can be applied to the places where we live, learn, work and play.

Our courses explore how the relationship between people, place and nature influences physical health, mental wellbeing, learning, behaviour and belonging. We translate research and evidence into practical knowledge, helping participants understand not only why biophilic design matters, but how to apply its principles in everyday environments.

How can biophilic design improve health and wellbeing? How can nature support learning, concentration, creativity and social connection? What makes a building healthy, and how can existing buildings be improved?

Through accessible, evidence-informed training, we explore these questions and provide practical approaches that participants can apply within their own professional practice, workplaces, educational settings and communities.

Our educational approach goes beyond simply introducing plants or natural materials into buildings. We explore the wider relationship between people and their environments, including sensory experience, neuroarchitecture, environmental quality, biodiversity, inclusion and the principles of regenerative design.

The School of Biophilia CIC works across education, professional practice and community engagement, from early years through to higher education and continuing professional development. We believe that understanding our connection with nature is essential to creating places that support both human and planetary health.

Speaker Bio: Ann Vanner

Ann Vanner is a registered Architect (ARB), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (FCIAT), Living Future Accredited Professional (LFA) and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).

With over 20 years of experience in architectural practice in the UK and Germany, alongside more than a decade in higher education, Ann brings together expertise in architecture, building conservation, sustainability, professional education and curriculum development.

She is the founder of Healing Buildings and co-founder of the School of Biophilia CIC, working to improve understanding of how buildings and the wider built environment influence human health, wellbeing and our relationship with nature.

Her particular interests include biophilic design, salutogenesis, neuroarchitecture, regenerative education, healthy buildings and the adaptation of existing buildings.

Ann is an experienced educator, speaker and facilitator who works with professional bodies, educational institutions, community organisations and built environment professionals.

Central to her approach is a simple principle:

“Learn from the everyday to ensure the everyday is well designed.”

She believes that creating healthier environments begins with understanding the relationship between people, place and nature, and that education is one of the most powerful ways to bring about lasting change.