February 2022

FUNCTION VENUES
TIPI SPACES
ELMORE COURT/STEVEN ROONEY
the nineteenth century
for the need for green spaces
in urban landscapes for health
reasons.
As the biophilic design movement
has gathered momentum
architects around the world have
developed structures and interiors
incorporating natural elements that
bring their inhabitants closer to
nature in their life and work. Natural
lighting and ventilation, living
walls, roof gardens and organic
materials often feature in modern
architectural design. The simple
inclusion of a garden and windows
in a design scheme can enable
inhabitants to access daylight,
helping our circadian rhythms to
“VENUES THAT CAN OFFER A DIRECT
CONNECTION TO NATURE ARE IN HIGH
DEMAND. DRAW ATTENTION TO YOUR
GARDEN OR WOODLAND CEREMONY
SPACES, NATURAL VISTAS, PROXIMITY
TO WATER AND ANY NEAR-BY WILDLIFE”
ELMORE COURT/ROB TARREN PHOTOGRAPHY
function. Consideration of airflow
and temperature and incorporating
water and plant life into interior
design can all positively influence
feelings of comfort and relaxation
while reducing stress and fatigue,
promoting healing and encouraging
focus, creativity and concentration.
BIOPHILIC WEDDINGS AND
EVENTS
For many couples an outdoor
wedding is their dream. A warm
summer’s day within a verdant
garden surrounded by fragrant
flowers, a woodland setting
immersed in bird song and tree
creatures, or on a beach with sand
between your toes listening to the
waves lapping the shore. A multisensory
experience of natural views,
scents, textures and sounds.
Venues that can offer a direct
connection to nature are in high
demand. Draw attention to your
garden or woodland ceremony
spaces, natural vistas, proximity to
water and any nearby wildlife.
Indoor or more urban venues can
also create a connection with nature
using the natural textures of stone
and wood in their interior design
and furnishings combined with
plenty of natural light, good air flow
and thermal balance. Wildflowers,
foliage, potted trees, rustic furniture,
reclaimed wood, natural fabrics, fire
and candlelight all add to indoor
biophilic ambience.
Wellbeing events are also
becoming more popular than ever.
Organisers will be looking for venues
that ideally offer the benefits of
outdoor spaces and connection with
nature. Outdoor yoga workshops,
mindfulness retreats and wellness
festivals will actively incorporate
aspects of biophilia to their
programmes.
Opportunities for venues exist
with companies wanting to unite
their workforce again after lockdown
and homeworking. Bookers are
looking for inspiring spaces and
activities that will rejuvenate their
team and outdoor pursuits that offer
them the opportunity to bond in
nature are highly coveted.
BIOPHILIC VENUES
Temporary canvas structures such
as marquees, tipis and yurts all offer
a biophilic advantage. A portable
venue that can be erected in any
outdoor space offers direct contact
with nature and the opportunity
and freedom to create a totally
immersive natural experience.
Tipi Spaces hires ivory-white
tipis and tents for weddings and
events in the West Country. Director,
Shane Martin, says: “The idea for
creating outdoor wedding venues
was born out of our own love for
outdoor adventures, gatherings and
celebrations. We have lots of happy
memories of spending time with
family and friends outdoors, playing
music, telling stories and sharing
a meal around a fire and beneath
a starlit sky. Uniting all these
experiences has been the element
of a space in nature and freedom
beyond the confines of the indoors.”
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