Research Collaboration: “If Green Walls Could Talk: Interpreting Building Sustainability through Atmospheric Cues”
Design profoundly shapes environmental outcomes and human behavior. In collaboration with Dr. Erin Hamilton of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lake Flato participated in a post-occupancy study comparing two LEED-certified buildings at the Universities at Shady Grove campus to understand how occupants perceive sustainability.
October 15, 2025
The Impact of Visible Sustainable Features
Dr. Hamilton’s research compares how occupants perceive sustainability across two LEED-certified buildings at the Universities at Shady Grove campus—a Green & Biophilic Building (the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Building, designed by Lake Flato and Cooper Carry) and a Green Building (the Kendall Academic Center). The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Building’s biophilic design visibly celebrates environmental connectivity, user health, and sustainable habits, while the other building, though LEED certified, lacks these biophilic elements. The research found that biophilic design—exemplified in the BSE—heightens environmental awareness, strengthens physical and psychological well-being, and fosters environmentally responsible behaviors. These findings, published in a special issue of Sustainability, underscore the power of visible, sensory design elements to make sustainability not only measurable, but also meaningful and intuitive in daily life.
Biophilic Design & Environmentally Responsible Behavior
With the growing interest in sustainable building practices, it is increasingly important to consider how these spaces communicate their ecologically responsible intentions to those who use them daily. This study offers valuable insights into how occupants of green buildings perceive and interpret sustainability through atmospheric cues. Visible sustainable features paired with clear communication deepen occupants’ appreciation for impactful sustainable design. Educators and designers can use biophilic elements not only to enhance environmental quality but also to spark curiosity and deeper engagement with sustainability. When design and education intersect, green buildings may become catalysts for a culture that values and actively participates in sustainable practices.
