Biophilic Design Research Articles

Developing an AI-Based Digital Biophilic Art Curation to Enhance Mental Health in Intelligent Buildings

Biophilic design is a well-recognised discipline aimed at enhancing health and well-being, however, most buildings lack adequate representation of nature or nature-inspired art. Notable barriers exist such as wealth, education, and physical ability restricting people’s accessibility to nature and associated artworks. An AI-based Biophilic arts curation and personalised recommendation system were developed in this study to improve accessibility to biophilic arts. Existing Biophilic research mainly focuses on building design principles, limited research exists to examine biophilic arts and associated emotional responses. In this paper, an interdisciplinary study addresses this gap by developing metrics for Biophilic art attributes and potential emotional responses, drawing on existing Biophilic architecture attributes and PANAS items. A public survey of 200 participants was developed in this study. The survey collected art viewers’ ratings of Biophilic attributes and associated emotional responses to establish statistical correlations between Biophilic attributes and emotional responses. The statistical analysis established a positive correlation between Biophilic attributes and positive emotions. The public survey results show significant positive emotional impacts (p-value <0.05) after exposure to Biophilic images, supporting further research and development of the Biophilic art curation system. This digital curation system employs Computer Vision algorithms (ResNet50) to automate Biophilic art categorisation and generate personalised recommendations. This study emphasises the importance of integrating nature into built environments. It proposes that artificial intelligence could significantly enhance the categorisation and recommendation of Biophilic art, advocating for expanding Biophilic art databases for emotionally responsive art display systems, benefiting mental health, and making art more accessible.

Impact of Biophilic Design on College Student Perception of Mental Health and Environmental Benefits: A Dose-Response Study

Impact of Biophilic Design on College Student Perception of Mental Health and Environmental Benefits: A Dose-Response Study

Enhancing Cognitive Performance and Physiological Benefit in Workspaces Through Patterns of Biophilic Design: A Restorative Approach

Contact with nature is believed to enhance mental health through the process of human psychological restoration. However, prolonged indoor living limits individuals’ exposure to nature, potentially hindering the timely alleviation of stress and fatigue induced by work. While biophilic design is recognized as a potential solution, its impact on the restoration process has not been extensively studied, particularly in relation to its various design patterns. Therefore, it is important to determine the restorative effects of different patterns of biophilic design and their combination in order to guide the practical application of biophilic design. In this study, the effects of two typical biophilic design patterns and their combination on attention restoration were measured using subjective scales, cognitive tasks, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in a simulated real workspace. The results suggest a significant enhancement in the restorative impact on cognitive performance and physiological benefits when combining two biophilic design patterns, while a single design pattern does not yield the same effect. These findings contribute to a better understanding and improvement of workspaces, enhancing users’ experience and well-being.

Examining Environmental Influences on Pain Perception Using Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and biophilic design are two emerging areas of research in interior design and medical settings. VR is a rapidly developing technology which has revolutionized the field of interior design. This technology allows designers to create immersive environments that simulate the scale and depth of spaces in reality. Biophilic design focuses on incorporating natural elements into interior spaces to promote a human centered approach to design. Studies have found an association between the use of biophilic design and improvement in patient outcomes within the medical setting. However, little research has been conducted on how changes in the virtual environment may impact pain perception. This study aims to explore the impact of VR and biophilic design on human pain perception. Pain perception was measured via pain-pressure threshold (PPT) using a pressure algometer in kilogram-force (kgf) and Numeric Pain Rating Scales (NPRS). The study involved a series of measurements comparing participants' pain perceptions through PPTs and NPRS scores. Measurements were taken on five separate occasions. The first set of measurements were recorded outside of VR to establish baselines, and the remaining four measurements were taken within VR. Participants viewed a series of VR rooms modeled after a hospital setting with each room exhibiting increasing levels of environmental stimulation. This study examined the relationship between environmental stimuli and pain perception. The level of environmental stimuli that each participant was exposed to was increased by presenting a higher degree of biophilic elements. Biophilic elements incorporate plants, colors, natural materials, and the manipulation of architectural surfaces to provide a naturally calming effect to spaces. Results from this study support the idea that increasing the level of environmental stimuli in a virtual environment decreases the pain perception of those viewing the environment.

Biophilic Design in Campus Planning – A Critical Review

Biophilic design, an innovative approach that integrates nature into built environments, has garnered significant attention in campus planning as a means to enhance the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. This design philosophy emphasizes the inherent human connection to nature, promoting psychological and physiological benefits through the incorporation of natural elements in educational settings. This paper explores the principles of biophilic design and its application in campus planning, highlighting its potential to improve academic performance, foster community engagement, and increase overall satisfaction within educational institutions. Case studies from various campuses demonstrate successful implementations of biophilic strategies, such as green roofs, natural lighting, and outdoor learning spaces. The findings suggest that biophilic design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of campuses but also contributes to sustainability goals, making it a vital consideration for future educational developments. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of designing educational environments that nurture both the mind and the body, advocating for a holistic approach to campus planning that prioritizes connectivity to nature.

Development of a Building Evaluation Framework for Biophilic Design in Architecture

Biophilic design has gained prominence in architecture as a strategy to integrate natural elements into built environments, aiming to improve human comfort, well-being, and environmental sustainability. This paper critically reviews existing biophilic design frameworks, identifying gaps in their integration of health outcomes and the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, with a primary focus on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors such as air quality, natural light, thermal comfort, and acoustics. The review was conducted systematically, comparing frameworks using criteria such as health benefits, human–nature connections, and user satisfaction. Key findings highlight a lack of comprehensive frameworks that explicitly link biophilic design to measurable improvements in human health, comfort, and satisfaction. To address this gap, the study proposes an enhanced biophilic design framework that bridges IEQ-focused indoor environments with urban outdoor elements, prioritizing human comfort alongside environmental sustainability. The framework also emphasizes the role of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in assessing the real-world performance of biophilic interventions, particularly in achieving user satisfaction and ensuring long-term effectiveness. This research contributes to the advancement of biophilic design by offering actionable strategies for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to adopt biophilic principles that create resilient, healthy, and sustainable spaces. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for empirical testing and validation of the proposed framework, including POE and user surveys, to assess its real-world impact on human well-being and satisfaction, thus setting the stage for future research.

Ambient noise criteria framework for future environmental noise mitigation targets in Singapore

This study aims to establish a framework for outlining future noise mitigation strategies tailored to the unique context of Singapore and evaluates potential precautions. Singapore, as a city-state, is known as a 'city in a garden,' situated in the typically tropical climate. By incorporating a comparative analysis of noise criteria from local guidelines across countries from Europe, America, and Asia, the study aims to place Singapore's acoustic limits within an international context. This comparison, enhanced with the World Health Organization's health and well-being standards, seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for acoustical design assessment in residential, office, and educational buildings targeting resting and cognitive functions. In conclusion, starting from a global perspective, the study points to the importance of focusing on the local context and acknowledging the challenges and benefits that the context brings for acoustical comfort. The study discusses the importance of context and content in crafting acoustical design criteria, considering the impact of biophilic design and active noise cancellation windows to achieve adaptive acoustic comfort in Singapore's built environment.

The Impact of Green Building Design on Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Experience

This study examines the impact of green building design on indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant experience, using Heritage Place in Ikoyi, Lagos, as a case study. Green buildings are known for incorporating sustainable practices such as the use of eco-friendly materials, advanced ventilation systems, and biophilic design elements, all aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and occupant well-being. A descriptive survey methodology was employed, with data gathered through a questionnaire administered to 50 occupants of the building to assess their perceptions of IAQ, health, comfort, and overall satisfaction. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with IAQ, attributing improvements in their health, productivity, and comfort to the building’s green design features. Specifically, low-emission materials and enhanced ventilation systems were highly praised for reducing pollutants and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, a few respondents expressed concerns about inconsistent thermal comfort in certain areas. These results underscore the importance of sustainable design in creating healthier, more productive indoor environments. Recommendations for future green building projects include fine-tuning HVAC systems to improve thermal comfort and enhancing occupant education on the benefits of sustainable features.

The Psychological Impact of Biophilic Design: The Case of Taman Literasi Martha Christina Tiahahu, Jakarta

Abstract The built environment has a profound effect on its users, both psychologically and physiologically. These effects must be taken into consideration within the designers’ thinking process to achieve a resulting design that will not only accommodate the users’ spatial functional requirements but also provide comfort, specifically in the case of this research, through visual sensory points. One of the many benefits of the biophilic design concept is to shift the human psychological state from negative to positive. This design concept has been profoundly implemented in the Taman Literasi Martha Christina Tiahahu, Jakarta. This study uses Taman Literasi Martha Tiahahu (Martha Tiahahu Literary Park) as its object with the purpose of investigating the psychological effect of the Biophilic design concept on the park’s observers through physiological evidence. The study uses the latest biophilic theory of the 14 Biophilic Patterns by William Browning (2014) to identify the biophilic elements found in the park. These elements are documented and matched with which of the 14 patterns mentioned in the theory. This study uses 30 participants to partake in the study, in which their psychological conditions are measured by filling out questionnaires. Their physiological conditions, through blood pressure and heart rate, are measured. The results of this study work in favour of the emotional state shift from negative to positive on its users when experiencing the biophilic spaces.

Neuroscience and Spatial Design Bibliometric Analysis in Web of Science Database

This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the convergence of neuroscience and spatial design research. Using a two-step process, an initial keyword search identified 296 papers with terms like 'EEG' and 'Neuro' alongside 'Architecture,' 'Urban Design,' 'Product Design,' and 'Interior Design.' Subsequent filtering by publication date (2003-2023), language (English), document type, and categories refined this to 64 papers. Recent trends show a shift from architecture-focused studies to those emphasizing interior architecture and the use of virtual reality as a research tool. The increase in publications since 2018, peaking in 2022, indicates growing scholarly interest. This study underscores the potential of integrating neuroscience in spatial design to improve human well-being and highlighting future research directions for spatial designers. The findings reveal an evolving focus on stress reduction, biophilic design, and the enhancement of human well-being through design. This paper aims to provide a scientific foundation for user-centered and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Biophilic Design Research Paper

This paper explores the relationship between nature and inculcating the use the technology within the construction of buildings to enhance human cognitive ability that influences functions like stress levels through the direct contact with environment. The key components of Biophilic design by explaining the benefits and limitations arising from implementing this design method in communities in the modern age to achieve the sustainability goal formulated by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Biophilic Design Principles with Kinetic Facade

Biophilic Design Principles with Kinetic Facade

Innovation Ecosystems and Green Building Techniques for a Sustainable Future: Leveraging Advanced Technologies

The global movement towards environmental stewardship and sustainability largely depends on innovation ecosystems, green building techniques, and sustainable development. This study explores their future potential, focusing on how advanced technologies, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable practices could mitigate climate change and enhance environmental quality. Innovation ecosystems are crucial for advancing green technology, circular economy principles, and sustainable urban design by fostering collaboration among corporations, governments, academic institutions, and civil society. The study also investigates how the effectiveness and impact of these ecosystems can be enhanced through digital transformation technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). Employing green building techniques is essential for reducing a building’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This study highlights recent advancements in green technology, including sophisticated building management systems, energy-efficient HVAC systems, improved insulation materials, and the integration of renewable energy sources. The establishment of sustainability standards and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices rely heavily on certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). The paper addresses the necessity of integrated solutions to balance environmental, social, and economic dimensions for sustainability. It also examines the role of regulations, the promotion of sustainable culture through public awareness and education, and innovative concepts such as net-zero energy buildings and biophilic design. By leveraging these advancements and concepts, we can pave the way for a more environmentally sensitive and sustainable future.

Family poverty, neighbourhood greenspace and perinatal outcomes.

The relationship between low income and adverse perinatal outcomes, such as low birth weight and developmental delays, is well established making the search for protective factors important. One such factor may be neighbourhood greenspace. This study elucidates the role of urban neighbourhood greenspace in the relationship between income and perinatal outcomes in a nationally representative birth cohort from the UK. Data on 14 050 infants participating in the initial wave at age 9 months of the Millennium Cohort Study were used (51% male, 20% non-white, 52% living in disadvantaged areas). We tested whether the association between income and perinatal outcomes is moderated by urban greenspace (measured in deciles) before and after adjustments for confounding. The perinatal outcomes included birth weight, gestational age (in days), communication and motor delays. The models were adjusted for the infant's sex and ethnicity, mother's age, education, substance use and mental health as well as area disadvantage and air pollution. Neighbourhood greenspace moderated the association between income and gestational age, even after adjustment for all confounders, b=-0.11, 95% CI (-0.215, -0.004). For births in low-income households, in particular, it was associated with an increase in gestational age by an average of approximately 3 days. However, after adjustment, greenspace was not found to influence birth weight, communication or motor delays at age 9 months. The biophilic design of urban environments is a modifiable factor for improving perinatal outcomes in the UK as urban greenspaces appear to be mitigating the risk of preterm birth associated with family poverty.

Numerical modeling of biophilic design incorporating large-scale waterfall into a public building: Combined simulation of heat, air, and water transfer

Biophilic design, which integrates nature into built environments, fosters beneficial human–nature interactions. It has gained traction as a promising solution to achieve a better trade-off between sustainability and occupants' well-being. However, despite its potential, quantitative assessment of biophilic design, particularly water elements, remains limited. This study addresses this gap using a two-step approach that quantifies the effects of biophilic water design on indoor hygrothermal conditions. We first developed a numerical model that couples building energy simulations with computational fluid dynamics to accurately predict the heat, air, and water transfer phenomena caused by waterfalls and ponds, and a novel mathematical model that precisely calculates water evaporation using water potential as the driving force of moisture transfer. Then, using this proposed method, we performed a numerical analysis of an actual public building as the reference space. This analysis quantitatively evaluated the effects of water elements on a hygrothermal environment and their impact on energy conservation. A series of comparisons and discussions based on the simulation results demonstrated the model's capability to accurately simulate the hygrothermal environment influenced by waterfalls and ponds. Moreover, the study confirmed and quantified the effects of waterfalls, specifically its significant evaporative cooling effect during summer, humidifying effect in winter, and heat load reduction benefits. These findings enrich our understanding of the impacts of biophilic water design on indoor environments and energy conservation, thereby contributing to the optimization of biophilic design practices.

A socio-ecological approach to investigate the perception of green walls in cities: A comparative analysis of case studies in Turin and Lisbon

New urban greening practices are increasingly adopted to contrast and mitigate critical issues of urban areas. These strategies involve nature-inspired solutions to increase sustainability and restore natural processes in cities. In this framework, green walls play a pivotal role to reintroduce nature and provide both environmental and socio-cultural benefits in high densely cities. Despite green walls contribute to increase the aesthetic value of buildings and people's consideration of the area, methodologies to effectively assess their social benefits are still lacking.This study proposes a place-based approach to investigate the Restorative capacity of two outdoor green walls: a modular living walls system covering two facades of a public university building in Turin (Italy) and a plastic planter boxes based living wall located in an inner courtyard of a cultural centre in Lisbon (Portugal). Firstly, the two living walls were characterised through direct observation considering technical, spatial, and social aspects that influence the fruition and the biophilic perception of these public spaces. Then, a self-rating questionnaire based on the Perceived Restorativeness Scale model was given on-site to participants to investigate the influence of green walls on people's cognitive perception and well-being. The novel Green Wall Perceived Restorativeness Scale consists of 17 items that evaluate individuals' perceptions of green walls, emphasising their attractiveness, integrative role in the environment and contribution to the overall appeal and comfort of space. Similar results between sites suggest that common features such as development at maximum building height, symmetrical disposition, element repetition and plant variety are drivers of citizens perception of green walls. Outcomes support the recognised link between citizens aesthetic appreciation of green walls and their perceived sense of comfort and mental relief, related to the Being away factor. The spontaneous social gathering and citizens resting near both green walls creates evidence of the attractiveness of this nature-based solution as a landmark in the urban environment. These conclusions demonstrate the pivotal role of urban biophilic design to combine natural and artificial elements in architectural and landscape design creating an opportunity to increase the use of green walls to contribute to citizens well-being in urban settings.

A Case Study on the Effects of the Inner Garden at Medicana International İzmir Hospital on Users

Healthcare facilities are among the stressful interiors that are likely to negatively affect patients and visitors. When designing hospitals, design techniques that reduce stress and create a positive environment for users should be taken into account. Studies show that the use of green elements and the inclusion of natural factors in indoor spaces reduces people's stress levels and positively increases their psychological state, creativity, productivity, mood and well-being. Biophilic design, which includes the use of both green elements and natural factors which has been frequently used in many public buildings in recent years and has been included in many studies, appears to have positive effects on the environment and people. Incorporating natural design elements into healthcare environments with biophilic design principles positively affects the atmosphere of the place and the indoor comfort of the users. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the existing interior garden on the users of Medicana International hospital in Izmir and to reveal which biophilic design strategies they prefer in the hospital interior. In line with the purpose of the study, a survey consisting of open-ended and Likert scale questions was applied to 55 people in line with the interviews held with the upper management at the selected location. According to the findings, it is seen that users generally prefer indoor gardens in hospitals and that a green space has a positive impact on their healing processes and mental health. Lastly, the results were generally consistent among users, when the obtained quantitative data were analyzed, it was seen that the reliability coefficients (correlation analysis) were in the range of .48 - .57.

Blue Space: Extracting the Sensory Characteristics of Waterscapes as a Potential Tool for Anxiety Mitigation.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate if there is a physiological stress response to the visual and auditory characteristics of waterscapes. Background: Biophilic research suggests that the presence of water can reduce stress, reduce blood pressure, and increase circulation. However, water has largely been omitted from healthcare design due to concerns of cost, maintenance, waterborne pathogens, and contamination. Existing research has not yet provided a design methodology to incorporate the healing effects of water without the potential diseases, contamination, and maintenance issues associated with physical water. Given the current technological capabilities, the isolation of the auditory and visual sensory stimuli has potential to re-introduce the healing benefits of water into healthcare design. Methods: Participants were either exposed to a slow-moving or fast-moving waterscape for 20 minutes. Pre- and post-anxiety were measured using the State Trait Anxiety Scale in an online Qualtrics survey (118 participants) and through a salivary cortisol biomarker (in which 26 participants also partook). Results: The overall results demonstrate that the utilization of digital blue space was effective in reducing stress. There was no significant difference between the lake or waterfall environment in both salivary cortisol and state-trait anxiety measures. However, it is suggested that the slow and fast-moving waterscapes may be beneficial in different settings. Conclusion: Design recommendations are made regarding potential biophilic design in healthcare facilities. The utilization of sensory waterscapes can also provide a cost affordable, non-pharmacological, alternative for anxiety mitigation for patients and staff undergoing high-stress situations.

Effects of biophilic design on sustainable behaviors: introducing the use of serious game as a measure of sustainable behavior

PurposeThis study explores the impact of biophilic design in built environments on sustainable behaviors through the innovative use of a serious game. By examining how exposure to biophilic elements influences behaviors in real and virtual settings, the research aims to demonstrate the potential of serious games as tools for promoting sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in three distinct experimental settings: (1) a real environment pre-game, (2) a non-immersive game environment within the same real setting and (3) an immersive game environment post-game. Data were collected from 162 participants who experienced these different conditions. The serious game “Pop a Coffee Corner” was developed based on biophilic design principles and used to assess behavioral changes.FindingsResults indicated that exposure to biophilic design elements in real settings significantly enhanced sustainable behaviors compared to non-biophilic environments. Additionally, playing the serious game in a biophilic environment led to even greater improvements in sustainable behavior than exposure to biophilic design alone. This demonstrates the effectiveness of serious games in fostering sustainable actions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s findings are based on a specific university setting, which may limit generalizability. Future research could explore long-term impacts and applications in diverse contexts.Practical implicationsThe research provides practical guidelines for incorporating biophilic design in built environments, and developing serious games can be a practical strategy for architects, urban planners and educators to promote sustainable behaviors among individuals. This approach can be applied in educational settings, public spaces and workplaces to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors.Social implicationsBy demonstrating the effectiveness of biophilic design and serious games in promoting sustainable behaviors, this study contributes to broader societal efforts to address environmental challenges. Implementing these strategies can lead to increased environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviors, ultimately supporting sustainability goals.Originality/valueThis study introduces the serious game approach as a novel method to evaluate and promote sustainable behaviors through biophilic design. It highlights the potential for integrating biophilic elements in both real and virtual environments to encourage environmentally responsible behavior, offering valuable insights to architects, designers and policymakers.

Student involvement and innovative teaching methods in a biophilic design education pilot elective course in interior architecture

Biophilic design has gained popularity in interior design areas owing to its numerous advantages. Nevertheless, globally, Interior Architecture/Interior Architecture and Environmental Design departments lack adequate biophilic design courses in their curricula. This research investigates the impact of involving students in syllabus design and applying innovative teaching methods in a pilot elective course focused on biophilic design in interior spaces on student engagement and course sustainability. A new pilot elective course was introduced in the 2022–2023 Spring Semester at the Interior Architecture Department, Faculty of Architecture, Near East University, aiming to establish an enduring and captivating learning environment for students. Initially, a focus group study was conducted to measure students’ awareness of biophilic design and integrate their ideas regarding innovative learning methods into the syllabus for an engaging elective course. Strategies like interactive learning tools, group tasks, and peer assessments were incorporated throughout the course to enhance engagement. Analysis of end-of-course surveys and student observations revealed an augmented awareness of biophilic design among students and a positive influence of innovative learning methods on course sustainability. Thus, the study suggests that an elective course offers the potential to mitigate the deficiency of biophilic design integration in undergraduate programs, augmenting students’ awareness in this field. Moreover, new elective courses could deliver more sustainable and engaging learning experiences for enrolled students when structured through student involvement and innovative learning methods.