1. Importance of Nature

Nature has a profound impact on our well-being and creativity. Nature is the original creative mastermind. Whether it’s witnessing environmental disasters, the destruction of rainforests, or even connecting with animals, we feel deeply moved by nature. During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, people flocked to nature—buying plants, setting up home gardens, and finding solace in outdoor spaces. It’s a fundamental truth: in times of uncertainty, we return to nature.

Studies have consistently shown the healing benefits of nature, both through direct exposure and even through representations like artwork. Hospitals report faster recovery rates when patients have views of nature. Children with ADHD experience improved focus, and people with depression often benefit from daily walks outdoors. Celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright believed that time spent in nature provided fresh perspectives and inspiration. As Friedrich Nietzsche put it, “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”

The power of nature extends beyond mere relaxation; it revitalizes creativity. The divergent phase of the creative process, where new ideas are generated, particularly thrives in natural settings. Architects, artists, and thinkers across generations have relied on nature’s inspiring energy. Think of how many breakthroughs were born during walks in the park or quiet moments surrounded by greenery.

2. Sacred Nature

Karen Armstrong’s book, Sacred Nature: How We Can Recover Our Bond with the Natural World, offers a critical insight into our estrangement from nature. While our ancestors lived harmoniously with nature, modern society has distanced itself—often by substituting real experiences with screens and simulations. This disconnection not only diminishes our aesthetic experience but also contributes to climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation.

Unlike our ancestors who viewed nature as an interconnected whole, we often perceive it merely as a backdrop to our lives. The lack of genuine interaction with nature creates a void in our emotional and mental health. Armstrong explains how ancient tribes saw nature as a sacred force, with every tree, stream, and creature imbued with meaning.

Reconnecting with nature isn’t just about being environmentally conscious; it’s about nurturing our own mental and creative health. We’re losing the magic of nature while getting sucked into a world of notifications and caffeïne dependency. We need to revive this kinship with nature, not only to preserve it but also to truly experience its benefits. When we immerse ourselves in natural settings, we unlock something deep within us—an innate creativity and clarity of thought. Because spoiler alert: we are nature.

3. Nature as a Restorative Environment

3.1. Attention Restoration Theory (ART)

The Attention Restoration Theory (ART), introduced by Kaplan & Kaplan in 1989, emphasizes nature’s role in relieving mental fatigue. Mental fatigue is real. And nothing makes your brain feel more like a fried egg than trying to be creative in a cluttered, noisy and artificially lit space. A cluttered mind struggles to focus and innovate. Nature is the brain’s ultimate reset button. It clears your head, allows you to focus and gives your creativity a serious boost through:

• Being away: An escape from daily routines, muting the internal noise and making space for clarity.
• Extend: Nature’s visual richness allows for relaxed exploration, aiding cognitive recovery and enhancing creativity.
• Reflection: It offers mental space to reflect on goals, priorities, and possibilities.
• Soft fascination: Nature stimulates effortless attention, encouraging creativity and free thought, allowing the mind to roam freely.

ART shows that nature’s influence is strongest during the ideation stage, enhancing inspiration, flexible thinking, and problem-solving. Incorporating nature into workspaces or choosing a meeting room in nature can be a game-changer, especially for creative sessions where new ideas and approaches are essential.

3.2. Broadened Cognitive Capacity

Being in nature broadens cognitive processing abilities. Nature’s vastness shifts your perspective from tunnel vision to panoramic views, opening your mind to fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Studies like From Natural to Novel: The Cognition-Broadening Effects of Contact With Nature at Work on Creativity (2023) confirm that whether through direct outdoor contact, views through windows, or nature-themed artwork, creativity thrives when nature is present.

Nature acts as a catalyst for creativity by allowing our minds to wander freely and make meaningful connections between different concepts. Even short interactions with nature, like a walk in the park or gazing at a lush garden, can significantly boost creative output. The key lies in nature’s ability to expand our mental space, allowing us to think beyond our usual confines.

3.3. The Caveat

Not everyone responds to nature in the same way. If you’re the curious, open-minded, imaginative, and curious type, you’re in luck. You’ll get the most out of a walk in the woods or brainstorming next to a babbling brook. While some individuals may find comfort and creativity from structured environments, the majority find natural settings far more stimulating and liberating. If you’re not feeling it, then maybe give it another shot. Sometimes your creative brain just needs a little fresh air to wake up.

3.4. Conclusion

Incorporating nature into workspaces or choosing a meeting room in nature can be a simple yet effective way to boost creativity. The results speak for themselves—nature stimulates our minds to think beyond the ordinary. And the best part? You don’t need to build a cabin in the woods to benefit from nature. Simply choosing a creative meeting space immersed in nature can do wonders. And frankly, it’s a lot more fun than sitting in a boxy conference room.

4. Creative Wonderland: meeting room in nature

At Creative Wonderland, we embraced the healing and creative power of nature when designing our meeting room in nature. Nestled on a plot of 75 ares, our space merges seamlessly with nature. One-third of the area is designed as a landscaped garden with tables, benches, pinboards for outdoor brainstorming, and tranquil walking paths for rejuvenating breaks.

The remaining two-thirds are left wild and untouched, offering diverse outdoor meeting spots like the willow hut, natural pond, or shaded areas by the stream. Be assured of companionship of frogs, dragonflies, ducks and many other living creatures. And of course our six inquisitive sheep, who’ll probably steal your lunch if you’re not careful.

Inside our meeting rooms, we’ve brought nature indoors through floor-to-ceiling windows, house plants, a wood-coated kitchen, and moss art. Every detail aims to restore creativity and enhance focus. Meeting room Create offers stunning views of a lush garden, while Nurture features a magnificent moss wall designed to calm and inspire.

Breaks are magical here. Enjoy a refreshing walk along trails ranging from 2.5 km to 12 km, soaking in the beauty of our serene environment. Our paths allow you to step away, reconnect with nature, and return with a refreshed mind, ready to take on any creative challenge. Just don’t forget your boots when it’s boggy…. We’ve designed this space to be the ultimate creativity playground. Whether you’re brainstorming your next big idea or just need a break from the world, we’ve got you covered.

Come meet us in our meeting room in nature and see what all the buzz (and birdsong) is about!