When we walk in the woods, in the park, near the sea … we feel better. The reason for this is that we, human beings, generally feel better in the natural environment. Today we spend most of our time indoors, and we don’t have much time for relaxing walks in nature; therefore, it is important that we bring a piece of nature into our homes, offices, indoor spaces. Wood, as a natural material, can be a good solution since research has shown that it has positive and healing effects on humans. This topic is of great importance to InnoRenew CoE’s Human Health in the Built Environment research group. Researchers in this group focus on interdisciplinary research between the fields of wood science, biopsychology, psychogeriatrics, psychology, kinesiology, green building certification, neurophysiology and data analytics.

At InnoRenew CoE, research from this field has already been executed. For example, research into differing human responses to stress in offices equipped with furniture made from wood and offices where the material of the furniture was not visible. Results have shown that people in an office with oak furniture recovered from stress easier as compared to an office where the furniture was painted white.  Therefore, it is possible that wood relieves stress and helps us recover faster afterwards.

One of InnoRenew CoE’s boost projects is dedicated to developing an active office – to design, manufacture and test ergonomic and adaptable wooden office furniture. We know that today sedentary professions are frequent and bring many negative consequences. This is why it is crucial that we create a working environment that promotes employee health and diminishes time spent sitting.

In Slovenia, we also face an aging population. InnoRenew CoE researchers are currently collaborating in a study to develop information technology that will enable older people to have a longer independent life.

These are only a few of the research studies from InnoRenew CoE that provide solutions for today’s challenges. Dr Andreja Kutnar, InnoRenew CoE director, spoke on the TV show Klepet ob Kavi (from 4.25 min) about InnoRenew CoE’s research, the role wood plays in creating a healthy living environment and how the institute’s researchers are beginning to uncover the healing effects of this material on humans.