The True Nature of The Glasshouse: Fresh Beginnings

Biophilic design: a concept used within the architecture and building industries to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment. 

The Glasshouse project was born in a prison garden, created by nature lovers wanting to give practical skills and positive support to ex-offenders, so they have a proper second chance at life.  The concept of filling the prison’s disused glasshouses with temperate plants whilst training ex-offenders in horticulture, sprung from the serenity we experience having plants around us at home. We had never heard the term biophilia, but in our research we found E.O Wilson and the biophilic movement - it was a light bulb moment. 

In the swinging 70’s, Harvard scholar Wilson hypothesised that nature’s presence in our everyday environment provides health, environmental and economic benefits. Covid’s strange ordinances have made a good start at proving his theory, illustrating the immense comfort and vitality we take from spending time in nature, from idyllic countryside to treasured city parks.  Today’s lifestyle of app-communication, urban detachment, and most recently isolation and home-working, compels us to seek out and gather nature to us. 

Study after study report the many benefits of having plants in our work and living spaces: cleaner air, increased productivity, less sick time, reduced fatigue, lower stress levels, quicker reaction times, increased creativity, lower blood pressure, higher workplace satisfaction, improved concentration, higher quality of life.  It’s actually mind-blowing how good houseplants are for us!

Working alongside our team in prison, we are fortunate to see first-hand the benefits of live greenery in daily life.  Our horticultural students speak of the glasshouses as a haven from their chaotic lives in custody and recently one student described it beautifully, ‘It’s a tranquil and healing space that’s allowed me to grow too.’  Plants may just hold a little healing for all of us.