Biophilic design in Macedonia: Examples and proposals for greater implementation

Abstract

Biophilic design enables connection between man and nature to bring the natural environment closer to users, using different patterns such as visual and non-visual connections with direct and indirect nature. Implemented on an individual building or at a city level, this concept has advantages in terms of health, improvement of the environment, and the economy for both occupants of buildings and urban settings. Moreover, biophilic design reduces stress, enhances creativity and clarity of thought, improves well-being, and expedites the healing of the users. The presence of natural motives in historic structures and places suggests that biophilic design is not a new concept. Several examples in Macedonia show some patterns of biophilic design. Unfortunately, contemporary architecture in Macedonia is mostly oriented towards quantity and financial benefits, while taking care of qualitative aspects, is to some level, neglected. In this paper, various examples of biophilic design in Macedonia are presented. In addition, the benefits of this concept, as well as the ways of its greater involvement in the architecture in our country, are presented and proposed