Sustainable Urban Planning & Biophilic Design | Rethink What Matters PodcastWelcome to Rethink What Matters, where economy and ecology align to boost business performance, strengthen communities, and nurture a greener planet. In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to host John Goldwyn, a visionary in landscape architecture and urban planning, and founder of Wildfifteen. We explore greening cities, sustainable planning, and the potential of biophilic design.🎙️ Highlights:John discusses transformative urban landscapes like Singapore, a global example of ecologically-centered projects becoming reality. With features like rain gardens and vertical green spaces, Singapore stands as a model for nature-integrated cities worldwide. John’s admiration for this "urban experiment" reveals a profound appreciation for the wellness that green spaces bring to city dwellers.🌍 Building Cities for Well-being:We discuss the evolution of urban planning and community wellness, where John emphasizes how COVID-19 revealed green spaces’ value for mental health. He explains how sustainability, stormwater management, and urban cooling contribute to resilient, thriving urban ecosystems. This isn’t about creating “green replicas” of rural spaces but balancing city structures with nature for well-being.🍃 Wildfifteen’s Principles:John’s firm focuses on human-centered design, including features like tree canopies for natural cooling, creating inviting, community-focused spaces. While iconic skyscrapers have their appeal, John argues that truly livable cities emphasize comfort, relaxation, and creativity.🌱 Biophilic Design: Nature in Cities:Incorporating parks, green roofs, and living walls enhances urban experiences and even property values. Using London’s green spaces and the Thames River as examples, John explains how urban design can harmonize with nature, adding emotional and economic value.🔄 Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature:John shares how design can draw from nature’s inherent efficiencies, like the Fibonacci sequence or beehives. These natural designs inspire efficient and durable structures, though John views biomimicry as one tool within a larger design philosophy that brings subtle connections to the environment.🕰️ Designing for Timelessness:The episode touches on the role of history in urban planning. John describes how understanding a place’s layers—cultural, historical, and ecological—can create a deep sense of community. For instance, the Thames’ evolution from industrial hub to leisure space shows how history can guide meaningful design.🌿 Green Roofs as the Fifth Facade:Green roofs create mini-ecosystems that enhance biodiversity, reduce urban heat, and connect people with nature. This "fifth facade" represents a design shift that integrates nature, beauty, and practicality, a vital aspect of modern urban living.Paul and John dive into the layers of landscape architecture, as John shares his projects’ ecological impact, like the historic lime tree avenues in London. These trees attract aphids, drawing bats, and creating commuting corridors, showcasing how urban landscaping can shape local ecosystems.When Paul asks if John revisits his projects, John shares that seeing people interact with these spaces is one of his greatest joys, providing insights on what works and informing future designs.🌍 Nafsika Golf and Wellness Resort:John discusses transforming Corfu’s Nafsika Resort into an eco-resort in sync with seasonal flooding, creating lakes and wetlands that enhance biodiversity. This project illustrates eco-luxury in harmony with nature.