A biophilic wellbeing framework for positive indoor-outdoor connections in energy-efficient Arctic buildings

Abstract

This paper develops a biophilic wellbeing framework for positive indoor-outdoor connections in Arctic buildings to respond to occupants’ wellbeing and energy-efficiency requirements. Extreme cold weather and drastic photoperiods of Arctic climates could have adverse impacts on wellbeing and reduce connections with nature, i.e., identified as biophilia. Characteristics of positive relationships with extreme Arctic climatic stressors have not yet been comprehensively studied in terms of integrated wellbeing needs and energy efficiency requirements. This paper aims to articulate a fundamental wellbeing framework integrating thermal and photobiological needs with biophilic recommendations to characterize positive connections with Arctic climates for energy-efficient buildings. A scoping literature review is conducted to discuss occupants' thermal and photobiological needs in relation to biophilic recommendations and Arctic climatic conditions. As a case study, shortcomings of existing building practices in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada, are studied regarding wellbeing, indoor-outdoor connections, and energy-efficiency needs. The proposed wellbeing framework for positive indoor-outdoor connections in Arctic buildings integrates (i) thermal and (ii) photobiological indicators based on biophilic recommendations. The integrated wellbeing framework enables characterizing thermal and (photobiological) lighting adaptation scenarios responding to Arctic weather, daylighting, and photoperiods as well as energy efficiency. Intermediate spaces are also proposed as a prosing architectural solution to address the integrated wellbeing framework energy efficiency in arctic buildings. Overall, the proposed framework could help architects, building designers, and stakeholders to develop further architectural solutions for positive, energy-efficient indoor-outdoor connections for Arctic buildings and occupants.