In the new VU Library exhibition "Heading Outdoors" (Naar Buiten), the Nature-Based Pedagogy (NBP) Research Cluster of the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute (ASI) contributes insights into the role of nature in education and well-being. Through the perspectives of researchers involved in Plato’s Garden, the cluster connects historical ideas about the benefits of nature and fresh air with contemporary approaches to learning in and with nature.
Body and Mind in the City from the 19th Century Onwards
About the Exhibition
The exhibition Heading Outdoors (Naar Buiten) is on display in the heritage showcase at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Through historical maps, books and archival documents, it explores how nineteenth-century cities were viewed as sources of disease and how the belief grew that nature and fresh air contributed to better health. It aims to showcase the body and Mind in the City from the 19th Century Onwards.
From psychiatric institutions in the dunes to public parks and health colonies for workers’ children, this ideal took many forms. The exhibition also connects these historical perspectives to contemporary challenges, highlighting the continued importance of nature for health and well-being.
Contribution of the Nature-Based Pedagogy Research Cluster
The Amsterdam Sustainability Institute’s (ASI) Nature-Based Pedagogy (NBP) Research Cluster, also known as Plato’s Garden, contributes to the exhibition by highlighting how learning in and with nature can foster ecological awareness, student well-being and more sustainable approaches to higher education.
Karen Verduijn, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at VU Amsterdam and co-initiator of Plato’s Garden, is featured in the exhibition. She shares her perspective on the importance of nature-based learning in higher education, highlighting how direct experiences with nature can foster ecological awareness, student well-being and a deeper understanding of our relationship with the natural world.
About the Research Cluster
The Nature-Based Pedagogy Research Cluster brings together educators, researchers and students from across VU Amsterdam and beyond to explore and advance nature-based approaches to higher education.
Known as Plato’s Garden, the cluster promotes embodied and experiential learning through methods such as ecowalks and art- and nature-based activities. Its aim is to strengthen ecological awareness, creativity, well-being and sustainable action while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in education.
We regularly organise accessible meetings and walks and welcomes opportunities for collaboration.
Visit the Exhibition
Location: Heritage showcase, near the VU Library entrance, first floor of the Main Building, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
When to visit: 1 october 2026 - 18 december 2026
Online exhibition: Naar Buiten – Heading Outdoors (available in Dutch and English).
Admission: Free of charge.