AIASMC Earth Day Celebration: The Art & Ecology of Biophilia

Celebrate Earth Day with an immersive evening dedicated to our connection with the natural world. Join us as we explore the vital intersection of biophilia, wellness, and the transformative power of plants in our built environment.

We are thrilled to feature two experts who have dedicated their careers to bringing “Mother Earth” closer to home:

• Liza Fiorentinos, Luludi Living Art: Hosting us at her inspiring studio, Liza will share how nature meets high design through her unique botanical creations and artistic inspirations.
• John Black, Verdance Landscape Architecture: John will provide an ecological lens on landscape planning, discussing how intentional outdoor design supports both local ecosystems and human well-being.

This course explores how biophilic design–integrating natural elements into the built environment–can improve human health, well-being, and environmental performance. Attendees will learn how elements such as plants, water, daylight, and natural materials can reduce stress, support cognitive function, and enhance indoor environmental quality. These strategies contribute to healthier, more sustainable spaces and support Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) goals.

Studies show people tend to be healthier and happier, and can enjoy longer lives, in areas where they have access to nature, including green urban spaces. From exterior landscapes, rooftop gardens and moss walls to potted plants and terrariums, bringing natural elements into your space creates a warm and inviting environment.

Attendees will learn how biophilic design connects people to nature within the built environment. The session will cover key principles, real-world applications, and practical strategies for incorporating natural systems into architecture, interiors, and landscapes.

Through discussion, examples, and a hands-on component, participants will see how both large-scale strategies and small interventions can improve human experience, productivity, and well-being.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the basic principles of biophilic design and their role in the built environment.
2. Explore how natural elements like plants, water, and daylight impact health, well-being, and environmental quality.
3. Identify practical ways to incorporate biophilic design into architectural and interior projects.
4. Recognize how biophilic design supports Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) through improved well-being, sustainability, and user experience.

Presenters

Liza Fiorentinos    Luludi Living Art is a woman-owned biophilic design company founded in 2011, with studios in New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. Luludi creates custom moss walls, live and faux plantscapes for residential, commercial, and hospitality environments, offices and lobbies, as well as interactive workshops designed to reconnect people with nature. Founder Liza Fiorentinos launched Luludi after a 15-year career in Paris working with CNN and CNBC. Having spent her formative years in Africa surrounded by nature, she developed a deep appreciation for the restorative power of the natural world. Through biophilic design, Liza’s goal is simple: to help people reconnect with nature in their everyday spaces, creating environments where people feel calmer, healthier, and more inspired.

John Black is the award-winning Principal and founder of Verdance Landscape Architecture in Palo Alto. He helps architects and home owners achieve exceptional, “Califriendly” sites that save water, create habitat, and celebrate life in the Golden State. A California native himself, John is a licensed Landscape Architect, a 21-year member of ASLA, certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), and a QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) Professional. He believes every day is Earth Day. 

Come discover the power of plants to heal, inspire, and elevate our designs.

Mark your calendar for April 14th! Join us for a vibrant happy hour with snacks and beverages, followed by an insightful presentation, a hands-on nature-making workshop, and dedicated networking time.

1 HSW/LU Pending

Where: Luludi Living Art     346 W. Ellsworth Ave. San Mateo
When:   5:30 – 7:30 pm    Tuesday, April 14th

Members           $20
Non-members $30
Students            $15

Feature Image Credit: Jude Parkinson-Morgan
Image Credit #3: Saxon Holt
Image Credits #2,4,5: Luludi Living Art

Event Sponsor