aletheic environments

designing for unhidden wellbeing

Tag: mental-health

Radical comfort
Wellbeing stems from comfort, defined as feeling secure both physically and psychologically. Radical Comfort emphasizes a fundamental approach to design, prioritizing user needs over superficial aesthetics. It integrates physical, psychological, and environmental elements, aiming for spaces that foster true ease through biophilic elements and understanding human sensory experiences.

Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.

Wellbeing is a direct result of comfort. When you are comfortable, you have greater satisfaction with your life (and work) and you are better able to achieve your goals. So, what is comfort? And, why radical comfort?

Comfort is about feeling at ease. It means that the physical environment is telling your senses that you are safe. It means reducing confused and contradictory inputs and it is very much about our psychological state.

Wellbeing is not just about design

Research on workplace wellbeing has consistently shown that the single biggest influence on wellbeing isn’t the design of the environment, but the culture of the organization. No amount of state-of-the-art biophilic design will cancel the effects of toxic management styles, lack of agency and extreme monitoring of every keystroke or toilet break.

The same applies in society. Authoritarian regimes seem quite keen to develop fabulous biophilic environments. Whilst I would never want to see those environments removed, they will never lead to true comfort when press freedom is restricted, political discussion is regarded as a threat to the state and human rights are abused. There is a whiff of ‘Bread and Circuses‘ about such installations.

So, what does ‘Radical Comfort’ mean?

The word ‘Radical’ is often thought of as being related to being revolutionary or promising major change, which it is. It also has an older meaning: of, belonging to, or from a root or roots; fundamental to or inherent in the natural processes of life.

Radical Comfort is a philosophy that seeks to satisfy human comfort at its root – at its fundamental, and unmediated level. It is the uncompromising pursuit of a state of physical, psychological, and environmental ease.

Radical Comfort moves beyond standard ideas of biophilic design by acknowledging that the most fundamental connection to nature and a sense of belonging in nature occurs when the individual is free from artifice, pretence and psychological barriers, which enable to them encounter their true selves.

Radical Comfort and design

Most design only achieves surface comfort, but Radical Comfort is a more holistic and evidence-based way of doing things. It could lead to spaces where the environment is perfectly tuned to the users’ needs. This evidence-based approach actually asks questions about what the user needs rather than simply assuming and imposing.

This approach to biophilic design is founded on the belief that human wellbeing is inseparable from our biological reality. It is a design language that honours the body as a natural component of the ecosystem, not an alien presence requiring separation and concealment.

Our search for aletheia (truth / unconcealment) drives the pursuit of Radical Comfort: the authentic truth of human wellbeing.

Physical Radical Comfort

This is design for the needs of the highly sensitive, unencumbered body. Specifically, thermal regulation, tactile sensation, acoustics and movement.

When our senses are free to work together, we are able to understand our environment with minimal mental effort. This reduces stress, frees up mental capacity and increases comfort. Our senses most effective at telling us the truth about our environment when they are unblocked and .

The touch points

By designing for the comfort of our largest sense organ, the skin, we need to reject materials that feel artificially cold, rough or sticky to bare skin. High quality, sustainably-sourced natural materials are worth investing in.

Textures make a big difference too. Wood, cork and moss not only offer greater visual interest, but the variety of different textures add to the tactile interest too.

Furniture should be designed without pressure points, harsh seams, or restrictive forms. The design should accommodate the fluid movement of the unburdened body.

We must also consider our feet

They are in near constant contact with the environment. When you think about it, our feet are remarkable parts of the body. We are naturally unstable structures – tall and top heavy – and by rights we should be constantly falling over. Our centre of gravity is about two thirds of the way up from the ground, yet our feet have a total area in contact with the ground of about only four hundred square centimetres (about two-thirds the area of a sheet of A4 paper). The nerve endings in our feet and the fine control of the muscles in our feet and legs work constantly to stop us crashing to the floor.

This means that we should allow our feet to experience the full properties of the surface. Fine changes to textures and warmth can be excellent, yet subtle, signposts to help us navigate a space more easily.

Invisible and untouchable elements: thermal and acoustic comfort

The unclad human form is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuation. A Radical Comfort space should allow, as far as is possible, as much individual control of heating, cooling and air flow. This is relatively easy in the home, but somewhat more difficult in an office or other commercial space. Having said that, some office furniture manufacturers have started to incorporate adjustable heating and cooling elements in desk tops that provide warmth around the wrists – an especially sensitive area that can help regulate body temperature.

I mentioned in a previous post about how getting into a state of flow can make the work day seem easier. Distractions can break that flow state, and it can take a long time to get back into it. One of the most frequent and annoying distractions is noise. Radical Comfort requires quiet (not necessarily silence) and the absence of distracting sound.

This can be achieved with a number of biophilic elements: plants and moss are good at absorbing and diffracting noise, and synthetic soundscapes that produce subtle non-rhythmic sounds, reminiscent of a breeze or waterfall, or even the lapping of waves on a stony beach have been demonstrated to be very effective at masking distracting noise.

Light and shadows

Radical Comfort takes into account our natural biorhythms and how we respond to light throughout the day. In our wild, ancestral state, humans evolved to respond to changes in light intensity and quality throughout the day. As the light changed, so various hormones were produced or supressed affecting our mood, alertness, appetite and sleeping patterns.

Fortunately, biodynamic lighting is available to replicate these natural patterns. In the home, smart lighting can be programmed to approximate the changes during the day, but in commercial buildings, really sophisticated systems can be deployed to great effect. Biodynamic lighting is even used in some aircraft to reduce the impacts of jet lag.

As well as the quality of light, we should think about how the light plays around a space – the shadows cast, the direction it comes from, glare produced and the interaction with paint colours. This requires careful consideration of wall finishes, ceiling heights, and reflective surfaces – even the use of mirrors to move light around a space to borrow views from the outside and bring them in.

We can even consider the Golden Hour effect in the context of an aletheic environment. The space could be designed to maximize soft, warm light during the hours of rest and relaxation. Low light levels can enhance relaxation and the feeling of wellbeing as well as reducing self-consciousness through shade and deeper shadows – a key step toward psychological Radical Comfort.

Psychological Radical Comfort

Comfort is not just physical, it is psychological as well. A good sensory environment is critical for our sense of safety, but we must also consider the mental environment as well.

In fact, good psychological comfort can outweigh the problems of a poor physical environment as long as there is a feeling of security and the ability to be one’s self without judgement or interference.

In design terms, a place of Radical Comfort is about creating a space where the user feels absolute security, privacy and agency. The user of the space decides who is let in, and under what conditions.

Such a space minimizes stress and the feeling of the need to perform, or to conceal, any aspect of the self.

This could mean the use of materials such as privacy glass in windows – allowing a view out, but restricting a view in – or the careful placement of screens and plants. These could be permeable to a degree to allow light and breezes in without ever fully exposing the private space.

On the other hand, places where complete trust and acceptance are found, such as in naturist venues, can be ideal spaces for being completely, authentically, uncovered without fear of judgement or objectification. The creation of new kinds of aletheic, naturist environments away from traditional settings is one that I am particularly interested in exploring.

The biophilic envelope

Radical Comfort seeks to guarantee a restorative environment by creating a seamless interaction with living systems (biophilia). This could mean designing interior and exterior spaces that are fully private and secure, creating a sense of being enveloped by nature. The space will allow for the safe experience of the liberated state, and is the key to turning a garden or room into an aletheic environment rather than just a pretty space.

Plants, water features, and textures are not merely decorative but should be used to deliver an optimized, positive sensory input. This could include using plants with pleasant scents (which is easier in a garden than indoors) and tactile qualities that invite one to touch and feel the foliage.

Plant displays can also be used to optimize the acoustic environment too. Research carried out as long ago as the 1990s showed how plants and plant displays could absorb, diffuse and refract sound. Indoors, they can be placed to reduce echoes. Outdoors, trees are especially good at absorbing noises.

Biophilic elements can be actively used to improve air quality and humidity to a therapeutic level, even exceeding standards such as the WELL building standard. Green walls, and especially the new generation of active air green wall systems, are very good at improving indoor air quality by reducing pollutants and improving humidity – something that would be especially beneficial to uncovered skin. When used well, the synergy of function and biophilic beauty can have a significant benefit.

My background in plant science and horticulture, as well as my long experience of biophilic design, allows me to focus on the use of greenery and other aspects of interior landscaping to maximize Radical Comfort. If you would like to learn more or would like some advice on a project, then please get in touch.
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02/10/2025
Risk, peril and awe
In this post, I explore some of the patterns of biophilic design: categorized into nature interactions, spatial qualities, and the psychological impact of environments. The feelings of risk, peril, and awe highlight how these elements could enhance experience in authentic spaces.

Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.

In my last post, I mentioned the work by Terrapin Bright Green about the patterns of biophilia and how they can be incorporated into the built environment. The patterns are grouped into three categories

Nature in the space

This is, essentially, the stuff you put in, on and around a building to evoke a sense of being in nature
- Visual connection with nature (e.g. plants and greenery)
- Non-visual connection with nature (e.g. scents and soundscapes)
- Non-rhythmic connections with nature
- Thermal and airflow variability
- Presence of water
- Dynamic and diffuse light
- Connection with natural systems
Natural analogues

This relates to materials and nature-inspired design
- Biomorphic forms and patterns
- Material connections with nature
- Complexity and order
Nature of the space

This is the area I find most fascinating, as it relates not just to what is used, but how the space is used and how we feel in the space.
- Prospect: views over a distance
- Refuge: a place for withdrawal where there is safety, privacy and room to contemplate
- Mystery: encouragement to travel deeper into the environment
- Risk / peril: an unidentifiable threat coupled with the knowledge of a reliable safeguard
- Awe: stimuli that defy an existing frame of reference and lead to a change in perception
I think that the last two patterns can be the ones that can be most revealing of themselves and of ourselves. This is the bridge between biophilia and aletheia.

The patterns of risk / peril and awe are deeply rooted in our innate psychological and biological responses. When applied to an aletheic environment – a space where truth, non-concealment and unconcealedness are central – the experience becomes about confronting reality directly and authentically.

Experiencing risk and peril in an aletheic environment

Risk and peril is about feeling an identifiable threat coupled with a sense of security. In a true, unconcealed space, this isn’t about physical danger but about psychological and social vulnerability.

The peril is the risk of being seen, judged, and fully exposed, not physically but in a raw, authentic state. The safeguard is the trust and acceptance of the environment and the people within it. This creates a sense of profound psychological safety.

As a sensory experience, the peril could be the feeling of being fully exposed to the elements, such as the cold touch of stone, an unexpected breeze, being caught in a shower of rain or the warmth of the sun on the skin. This is a direct, unmediated sensory feedback which leads to an authentic, unconcealed experience of the environment.

When we consider the design of a space, we might think about spaces with a high, open ceiling (prospect) that also has small, intimate nooks (refuge). The “risk” is the exposure of the open area, while the “safety” is the option to retreat. The design itself mirrors the push and pull of vulnerability and security.

Experiencing awe in an aletheic environment

Awe, as a pattern, is about confronting something vast and complex that challenges our existing understanding. In an aletheic context, awe comes from a sense of truth and connection.

Awe can be evoked by witnessing the raw, unconcealed power of nature.

In nature, these environments could be vast forests, open plains, high waterfalls of sheer cliff faces. Places where we really can recognise our vulnerability against such scale and natural power, but also knowing that, as a species, we have been able to navigate, and even thrive, in such environments.

Sometimes, we can also create such spaces. Places like the Great Pyramids, Stonehenge, vast cathedrals and temples all evoke a sense of awe. More modern spaces such as the magnificent palm house at Kew Gardens, the Eden Project in Cornwall or even places such as Bangalore Airport can make one gasp.

Imagine a large indoor waterfall, a living wall that extends through multiple floors, or a glass ceiling that reveals the night sky. These elements present a complex, vast system that you can directly experience, connecting you to something bigger than yourself.

Unconcealed Design

Awe can also come from the honesty of the materials and structure. Exposed building materials like raw concrete, untreated wood, or a direct view of a building’s mechanical systems can be awe-inspiring in their authenticity and lack of artifice.

Lloyds of London building.
Photo by Kei Scampa on Pexels.com

The complexity and beauty of biomorphic forms can also inspire awe. A large, spiral staircase mimicking a seashell or a structure with branching columns like a tree can create a sense of wonder and connection to the vast patterns of life.

Interior of Changi Airport, Singapore.
Photo by Lynde on Pexels.com

Raw exposure: nudity amplifies the experience

Nudity in these spaces doesn’t just add to the experience; it can fundamentally change it, making the sensations of risk, peril, and awe more intense and immediate. It is easier to achieve in a natural environment, but could be possible in the built environment – perhaps through out-of-hours naturist tours of places like a grand botanic garden or architectural masterpiece.

Being unclothed removes a primary layer of social protection and concealment. It makes the risk of being seen more palpable and immediate, which in turn makes the safety of the trusting environment even more profound. The body’s immediate vulnerability to temperature changes and textures also heightens the sensory peril and the confidence in a safeguard.

Nudity creates a direct and unmediated experience. Being naked removes the physical and psychological barrier between the person and the environment. You are not just observing the space, you are directly interacting with it through your whole body. This unmediated connection enhances the feeling of aletheia, as there is no concealment between you and the truth of the space.

The experience of awe becomes embodied. Instead of just a mental concept, you feel the smallness of your body in a vast space or the intricate complexity of a natural pattern against your skin. This can lead to a deeper, more visceral sense of wonder and connection to the world around you.

The integration of nudity in an aletheic, biophilic space is not just about personal preference but about a deeper philosophical alignment with the patterns themselves, a move towards total non-concealment and an authentic experience of the world.
05/09/2025
A space for meditation
Reflections on the ups and downs I experienced post-pandemic, and how meditation has helped my mental health. Through personal insights, I discuss finding peaceful spots for meditation, both outdoors and indoors, and suggest creating calming environments with natural elements. The potential benefits of nude meditation and the role of wellness spaces are also highlighted.

Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.

A period of change

The last few years have had their ups and downs for me, and for many others as we emerged into our post-pandemic world of seemingly ever more uncertainty. New ways of working and the stresses of a high cost of living have taken their toll on mental health.

Now, I am not a therapist, and I don’t pretend to be able to offer advice, but I can say that taking fifteen to thirty minutes out of my day for meditation has done me the power of good.

I started with guided meditations (and there are some good sources available online), but now I tend to guide myself. The key is to really notice how you feel, and that includes how your body feels in relation to the space you are in.

It is possible to meditate almost anywhere, although quiet places are best. When distractions are minimized, and the place where you are meditating is calm, I think the process becomes more effective.

Connecting with nature

Connecting with nature makes a positive difference, as that reduces stress before you even start. Just being in a natural environment has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellbeing – even if only for as little as ten minutes a day. Find a quiet spot, notice how you feel and take time.

Having a literal connection with the Earth and the air can make the experience more profound. If you have access to a place where you can undress and experience nature in your most natural state, then you may uncover more than just your skin. For me, and I can speak only for myself, a state of nudity in nature when meditating reveals not only a connection with nature, but a realisation of our own place in nature.

Of course, finding such a place to go may be difficult. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of being naked in a potentially public place (and in some countries, that may also be illegal, although thankfully not in the UK). So, what are the alternatives?

If you are lucky, you may have a quiet, secluded garden. Being able to step through your back door into your own private space is a luxury, but one that need not be expensive. Some simple screening with plants and the placement of items such as water features or a sculpture can help create a naturalistic feel and still allow a deep connection with nature. A patio or terrace can be put to good use too.

Indoor spaces

Meditation should be comfortable and sometimes that means having to avoid bad weather. This is where the principles of biophilic design can be used to create indoor spaces that evoke a sense of being in nature, even when actually being in nature is not practical.

This means using a combination of elements including using natural materials, plants, natural colour schemes and textures. The most important thing is to be free from distractions and to feel comfortable.

Meditation is all about noticing how you feel. When it works well, you get into a state of calm, relaxation and mental clarity. Having that interrupted by noise or sudden changes in light or temperature can spoil things.

In the home, a living room or bedroom can be ideal. So, how could you set about creating an aletheic space for meditation?

Here are some general principles.

Mindful decluttering

Regardless of the room’s primary function, the most crucial step is to keep the space free from unnecessary distractions and clutter, so if possible, keep non-essential items stored away and out of sight when not in use.

Natural materials and colours

A palette of subtle, natural colours like warm whites, greens and earthy tones can be relaxing. Use materials such as reclaimed wood for furniture, linen for soft furnishings, and wool or jute for rugs. This creates a calming, organic feel that connects you with nature.

Layered lighting

Instead of a single harsh overhead light, use multiple sources. Consider a floor lamp with a linen shade for soft, diffused light, and maybe a small, warm-toned lamp on a side table. This allows you to create a gentle ambiance for meditation that differs from the room’s everyday use.

A designated zone

Use a large rug to define the meditation zone. Use furniture, such a s a coffee table, which can be easily moved to the side when you want to meditate.

Plants

Incorporate a few large, statement houseplants in nice pots. Their large leaves will not only add a touch of nature but can also serve to create a sense of seclusion and privacy when you sit near them. Moss panels on the walls can also add some biophilic elements – they are tactile, green and also have good acoustic properties.

The bedroom as a meditative space

A bedroom is naturally a more private space, making it an intuitive choice for a meditation sanctuary. If floor space is limited, the bed itself can be used. the most important thing is to be able to focus on your feelings without distraction. Natural linen bedding in neutral colours would be ideal.

Adapting the Space for nude meditation

Your space should support your meditation practice without feeling forced or exposed, so try to position your meditation spot in a way that provides privacy. Remember, though, that the aletheic concept is also about uncovering something about your own nature in your environment. That slight sense of exposure or vulnerability can be quite revealing, so while protecting your own privacy, don’t lock yourself in.

The careful placement of plants can provide a sense of seclusion and privacy while allowing light to permeate the space through the foliage.

Using foliage near windows and light sources can also create wonderful shadows, which can be used to create areas of partial concealment and intimacy, allowing you to feel both exposed to the environment and protected within it.

Spas and wellness spaces

Many health clubs, spas and other wellness spaces provide space for meditation. These days, even some workplaces provide wellness rooms (although they are often not used as in some organizations, their use can be viewed as a sign of weakness, which many people do not want to risk).

I think that there is an opportunity for health spas, hotels and other wellness spaces – beyond existing naturist clubs – to offer space for nude meditation. Not everyone that would use such spaces would consider themselves naturists or be members of a naturist club or society, but may very well wish to take advantage of a space where they could disrobe and make a complete, unconcealed connection with nature.

This is also an opportunity for naturist venues to widen their offer and open some of their spaces up for focused activities such as solo nude mediation. This could make it easier for some people to consider aspects of naked wellness without having to jump into the full gamut of more traditional naturist activities.

Interested in an aletheic space for your home or naturist club?

Get in touch to book a consultation and let’s design a calming, authentic environment together.
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Δ
01/09/2025
Forest bathing: a naked embrace with nature

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, enhances well-being by immersing oneself in nature, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting mood and cognitive function. Usually practiced clothed, nudity may deepen the connection to nature. Ultimately, the goal is to connect with the natural world, promoting joy, peace, and personal renewal.

Note: This post explores the psychological and wellbeing benefits of naturism within natural and biophilic environments. It contains illustrations depicting nudity and the human form.

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, aiming to improve overall wellbeing. This therapeutic activity has gained significant traction worldwide, with scientific studies increasingly validating its numerous benefits.

While the concept of connecting with nature is universally appealing, there is a growing movement to carry out this activity naked as a way to amplify the restorative powers of forest bathing.

Restoration and relaxation

The allure of forest bathing lies in its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The forest environment, rich in phytoncides – volatile organic compounds emitted by trees – has been linked to boosting the immune system and improving mood. Recent research has also shown how trees radiate beneficial near infrared radiation as well.

Furthermore, the soft, earthy hues, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the melodious bird songs create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.

Moreover, forest bathing has also been shown to enhance cognitive function. Research suggests that spending time in nature can improve attention, memory, and creativity. The absence of digital distractions and the opportunity to engage with the natural world offer a much-needed respite from the constant stimulation of modern life. Studies have also indicated that forest bathing can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve sleep quality.

While these benefits are undeniable, there is also a compelling argument for incorporating naturism into the forest bathing experience.

Complete immersion

Nudity, often associated with vulnerability and authenticity, can deepen the connection with nature. By shedding societal constructs and physical barriers, individuals can fully immerse themselves in the forest environment, allowing their senses to be heightened. The absence of clothing can reveal a sense of freedom and liberation, promoting a deeper state of relaxation.

Furthermore, naturism facilitates a more intimate connection with one’s body. By accepting and embracing one’s physical form in a natural setting, individuals can develop a healthier body image and self-esteem. The experience of being naked in nature – the ultimate act of aletheia, or truth-revealing – allows the body’s true unity with the environment to be revealed, breaking down the artificial boundaries between humans and the environment.

The idea of nude forest bathing may be confronting for some. Cultural norms and personal comfort levels vary greatly, so the decision to embrace naturism is entirely personal. Forest bathing is certainly beneficial with clothing, but my personal experience suggests that it can be much better without. The core principle is to find a way to connect with nature in a way that promotes well-being.

It is wise to choose a secluded and private forest location and it might be a good idea to join an organized group if you are a novice or a bit nervous about the idea.

Forest bathing can be a powerful tool for enhancing physical and mental health. By immersing oneself, totally, in the natural world, individuals can experience a range of benefits, from stress reduction to improved cognitive function. The absence of clothing maximizes the absorption of beneficial far red and near-infrared wavelengths (radiated by trees and sunlight) across the body’s largest organ (the skin).

While clothing is not a barrier for enjoying the forest environment and the benefits of forest bathing, naturism offers a unique opportunity to deepen the connection with nature and oneself. Ultimately, the most important aspect is to find a way to connect with the natural world in a way that brings joy, peace, and renewal.

And for those who are open to exploring naturism, forest bathing could be the perfect gateway. Short, gradual exposure to nudity in nature, maybe in private, will help build comfort and confidence.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide information and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or engaging in any new activities.

15/08/2025