Biophilic Design 2 of 2

Studies have established that even looking at images or scenes of nature provides visual stimulation and stress reduction. Other research found the restorative benefits of simulated or small instances of nature. Green views, vegetation, and landscaping provide stimulation and create micro-climates. The implementation of outdoor learning structures such as tents was a decision at Rice University in Houston Texas with the aim being the creation of safe spaces for learning and exposure to nature. Nature sounds can provide psychological restoration after exposure to psychological stressors. Thermal variability and air quality in a built environment affect worker comfort general well-being and productivity and have emerging design parameters. (Ryan et al., 2014, Peters and D’Penna, 2020)

Designers and humans incorporate biophilic design by utilizing green roofs, and green spaces around buildings, and bringing nature indoors by including plants with de-stressing benefits. (Peters and D’Penna, 2020)

Use of the presence of water elements in a built environment provides:

1. positive emotional responses,
2. help with heart health,

• improved concentration and memory restoration,

1. enhanced perception,
2. reduced stress,
3. increased feelings of tranquillity and

psychological responsiveness. (Ryan et al., 2014)

A built environment needs a balance between complexity and order. Different experts argue for and against nested fractal design and complex environments resulting in psychological stress. Nested fractal design involves never-ending complex repetitive patterns of geometric, abstract, stripes, and shapes crossing and overlapping each other. Building materials i.e., wood and stone with natural fractal geometries have always been used but more so now. Different wall or furniture coverings can provide variety. University student studies have shown that creativity, stress reduction, and a positive feeling of comfort are enhanced by the colour green. Natural colours can be implemented easily by designers in social areas, different rooms, on the walls, with lighting, and seating. (Ryan et al., 2014, Peters and D’Penna, 2020)

The prospect pattern provides a greater sense of comfort and awareness. The suggested health benefits of the prospect pattern are improved comfort, reduced boredom, fatigue, irritation, perceived vulnerability, and reduced stress. The ability or opportunity to see through multiple spaces provides a prospect pattern. Looking through a window that frames an outside view is an example. (Peters and D’Penna, 2020, Ryan et al., 2014)

The mystery pattern is a spatial condition with partially obscured views enticing an individual to explore the space. This includes the potential for the design elements to change. Classroom configurations in buildings can be optimised to allow daylight impacting on a student’s well-being, stimulation, and productivity. (Ryan et al., 2014, Peters and D’Penna, 2020)

Biophilic design is one thing but there are other factors affecting stress which come into play such as diet, genetics, exercise, socioeconomic status, age, maturity, competitiveness, and personal and external expectations. When designing new buildings on a university campus, there should be a goal to adopt local materials, products, and styles providing a representation of the physical and sociocultural context of a campus. (Ryan et al., 2014, Peters and D’Penna, 2020)

In 2021, Andreucci et al. sums it up well as follows – ‘The adaptive and utility theories underlie’ most of the ‘research linking access to nature and improved physiological, mental health and well-being. (Andreucci et al., 2021)

There is no confusion, biophilic design in a built environment induces positive psychological effects and increases mental well-being.

I believe in biophilic design, and for my own mental health:

• while working on my computer, I look out of a triangular roof window to treetops, and the blue sky,
• listen to the birds sing,
• from my bedroom, I look at a garden with plants flourishing and
• I have a variety of materials and colours in my building.

The positive view is backed by existing and current research, studies, design concepts, psychological theories, and the built environment. An existing example of biophilic design is the Central Park buildings on Broadway  Sydney just seen here finished in 2013 having the largest green façade in Australia. Additionally, Covid-19 lockdowns have induced a focus on biophilic built environments with city dwellers’ yearning to get out into open spaces and access nature, people leaving the cities and moving to the country or beaches. [part of a uni assignment by the author]

References same as Biophilic 1, photos – top by author & bottom via bing images

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