Ask Dr. Lennie 4: June 2026

Marco’s “Ask Dr. Lennie” Q&A

Ask Dr. Lennie features insights from Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber, Ph.D., Marco’s Education Consultant and a recognized leader in educational design research. Drawing on decades of academic and industry experience, she shares practical guidance on how furniture and space decisions influence learning outcomes.

Q: I read in one of your blogs that a study by Determan et al. found that a biophilic-supported (nature-inspired) environment increased average middle school math scores by 3.3x after design changes. What are some ways I can add nature-inspired items to my classroom? Is it through color, furniture, imagery, plants, and more? Does Marco have nature-inspired items I can consider?

A) Love the fact that you read this study. It’s an important one. Yes, there are several ways one can add biophilic/nature-inspired items to any classroom. Here is a quick list:

Allow student the views to nature by opening up the window shades for a view outside. Or add blinds with a silk screen of dappled light from a forest.

Add plants to the room for students to actually care for – adds nature and value. Add them also so the students might be given the responsibility care for them. This component adds an extra level of understanding for what it takes to make something grow; could be inside or outside the classroom.

Provide furniture with natural shapes and finishes.
Think of color critically. Nature inspires with warm and cool colors, yet, only ‘pops’ of intensity. It’s the same with patterns. Keep these minimal and more textural.
Remove clutter from the walls, and amplify students’ work, or add a few poster-like images of the landscape in your area.
Use projection screen images if access
to nature is not easily available.
Take the students outside for actual learning opportunities.
Yes, you can see natural finishes and shpaes from MARCO’s collection. They make it easy.

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