BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.2//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:0-418@aiasmc.org DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T224100Z URL:https://aiasmc.org/events/aiasmc-earth-day-celebration-the-art-ecology -of-biophilia/ SUMMARY:AIASMC Earth Day Celebration: The Art &\; Ecology of Biophilia DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Earth Day with an immersive evening dedicated to our connection with the natural world. Join us as we explore the vital interse ction of biophilia\, wellness\, and the transformative power of plants in our built environment.\n\n\n\nWe are thrilled to feature two experts who h ave dedicated their careers to bringing "Mother Earth" closer to home:\n\n Liza Fiorentinos\, Luludi Living Art: Hosting us at her inspiring studio \, Liza will share how nature meets high design through her unique botanic al creations and artistic inspirations.\n 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.\n\nThis course explores how biophilic design–inte grating natural elements into the built environment–can improve human he alth\, well-being\, and environmental performance. Attendees will learn ho w elements such as plants\, water\, daylight\, and natural materials can r educe stress\, support cognitive function\, and enhance indoor environment al quality. These strategies contribute to healthier\, more sustainable sp aces and support Health\, Safety\, and Welfare (HSW) goals.\n\n\n\nStudies show people tend to be healthier and happier\, and can enjoy longer lives \, in areas where they have access to nature\, including green urban space s. From exterior landscapes\, rooftop gardens and moss walls to potted pla nts and terrariums\, bringing natural elements into your space creates a w arm and inviting environment.\n\nAttendees 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 land scapes.\n\nThrough discussion\, examples\, and a hands-on component\, part icipants will see how both large-scale strategies and small interventions can improve human experience\, productivity\, and well-being.\n\n   \n\n Learning Objectives\n\n Understand the basic principles of biophilic desi gn and their role in the built environment.\n Explore how natural element s like plants\, water\, and daylight impact health\, well-being\, and envi ronmental quality.\n Identify practical ways to incorporate biophilic des ign into architectural and interior projects.\n Recognize how biophilic d esign supports Health\, Safety\, and Welfare (HSW) through improved well-b eing\, sustainability\, and user experience.\n\nPresenters\n\n\n\nLiza Fio rentinos    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 resident ial\, 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 w orking with CNN and CNBC. Having spent her formative years in Africa surro unded by nature\, she developed a deep appreciation for the restorative po wer of the natural world. Through biophilic design\, Liza’s goal is simp le: to help people reconnect with nature in their everyday spaces\, creati ng environments where people feel calmer\, healthier\, and more inspired.\ n\nJohn Black is the award-winning Principal and founder of Verdance Land scape Architecture in Palo Alto. He helps architects and home owners achi eve exceptional\, “Califriendly” sites that save water\, create habita t\, and celebrate life in the Golden State. A California native himself\, John is a licensed Landscape Architect\, a 21-year member of ASLA\, certi fied by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)\, and a  QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) Professional. He believes e very day is Earth Day. \n\nCome discover the power of plants to heal\, in spire\, and elevate our designs.\n\nMark your calendar for April 14th! Joi n us for a vibrant happy hour with snacks and beverages\, followed by an i nsightful presentation\, a hands-on nature-making workshop\, and dedicated networking time.\n\n1 HSW/LU Pending\n\nWhere: Luludi Living Art     3 46 W. Ellsworth Ave. San Mateo\nWhen:   5:30 - 7:30 pm    Tuesday\, Ap ril 14th\n\nMembers           $20\nNon-members $30\nStudents            $15\n\nFeature Image Credit: Jude Parkinson-Morgan\nImage Credit #3: Saxon Holt\nImage Credits #2\,4\,5: Luludi Living Art\n\n \nEvent Sp onsor\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://storage.googleapis.com/hu6g4al9cdte0xah/ sites/21/2026/03/1080-x-1080-LINKEDIN.jpg CATEGORIES:Biophilia,Discussions,Workshops LOCATION:Luludi Living Art\, 346 N. Ellsworth Ave.\, San Mateo\, CA\, 94401 \, United States X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=346 N. Ellsworth Ave.\, San Mateo\, CA\, 94401\, United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Luludi Livi ng Art:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles X-LIC-LOCATION:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20260308T030000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR