This course is part of the Indoor Environmental Quality: Healthy Design Academy

This webinar is part of the Indoor Environmental Quality: Healthy Design Academy

In today's fast-paced commercial environments, creating spaces that promote well-being and productivity is crucial. Join us for this insightful webinar, where we'll delve into the principles of biophilic design and acoustical strategies. You'll learn how to identify and apply key elements of biophilic design to enhance occupant well-being, while also understanding the role of acoustical design in achieving both functionality and aesthetics. We'll guide you through the process of integrating acoustical treatments with nature inspired design, resulting in commercial spaces that offer sensory comfort and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of this webinar, you'll be equipped with design strategies that create harmonious, healthy, and productive environments.

Julian Treasure, Chairman of The Sound Agency will present a comprehensive session on the foundations of biophilic design, covering the following key areas, sound, natural light, vegetation, and organic forms. These elements combine to create environments that foster well-being and a connection to nature. The session will emphasize the importance of acoustics in design, particularly in commercial spaces, where sound plays a crucial role in comfort, communication, and productivity.

He will delve into research and studies that demonstrate the positive impacts of biophilic design on well-being, productivity, and mental health. Attendees will gain insights into how these benefits can be applied to enhance everyday environments, from workplaces to public spaces.

Attendees will learn how well-considered acoustics can improve functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal, creating spaces that support both the sensory and practical needs of their users. Finally, Julian will explain foundational acoustical principles and how they can be integrated seamlessly into design to balance aesthetics and functionality.

Beth Scheldrup, LEED AP, will present Design Strategies for Balancing Acoustics and Biophilia, discussing the following key topics, materials and technologies: An overview of materials that are both acoustically effective and biophilic-friendly, such as wood, plants, and water features.

Beth will cover design challenges & solutions, focusing on strategies for harmonizing acoustical performance with biophilic aesthetics, including the use of live walls and organic-shaped acoustic treatments. She will provide practical guidance on how to choose materials and design layouts that meet both acoustic and biophilic goals, ensuring spaces are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and connected to nature.

Eric Lagerquist AIA, LEED AP – Cunigham Group will present Case Studies of Successful Projects, showcasing real-world examples that have achieved an optimal balance between acoustics and biophilic design, including The Minneapolis American Indian Center: Eric will focus on this landmark project, highlighting how it successfully integrated natural elements and acoustic strategies to create a space that is both functional and connected to nature.

Through these case studies, attendees will gain practical insights into the design process and learn how to implement similar strategies in their own projects.

At the end of these dynamic presentations, there will be a brief Q&A session to discuss key points from the webinar.

Photo courtesy of Armstrong World Industries

	Julian Treasure, is an author and international speaker on conscious listening, powerful speaking and business sound. His five TED talks, including the sixth most-viewed of all time, have been viewed more than 150 million times and and his online courses have taught over 140,000 students. He has been widely featured as a communication and sound expert in the world's media. For 20 years, Julian has helped major brands worldwide to design effective sound, particularly in physical spaces. His first book ‘Sound Business’ is a seminal work on business sound; his second ‘How To Be Heard’ won both SOVAS and Audie global awards and his third ‘Sound Affects’ about the power and wonder of sound will be published worldwide in 2025. He has been honoured with both Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel Award and the International Listening Association's Special Recognition award. Julian is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketers, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a long time musician. He lives in Orkney, Scotland with well-being expert Jane Majendie and their daughters Holly and Sapphire.
	Beth Scheldrup, LEED AP is the Distribution Sales Manager at Armstrong World Industries, covering Minnesota and the Dakotas. With over three decades of industry experience, she has worked closely with specifiers, owners, developers, contractors, and distributors. Beth is passionate about understanding design intent from the outset and collaborating to create constructable solutions. She believes that achieving design goals while streamlining the construction process benefits everyone involved: “When we can meet the design intent and streamline the construction process, it is a win for all the players.
	Eric Lagerquist, AIA, LEED AP has 35 years of experience in the architectural industry with a primary focus on architectural interior projects. His projects have ranged from major international software companies, law offices and corporate headquarters for national organization along with governmental, recreational and critical cultural facilities. He has worked on projects throughout the country and overseas. Working collaboratively with project teams from programming through construction his goal is to deliver projects that are a realization of beautiful, functional and cost-effective work environments the entire team can be proud of.