Category: UG STUDENT

Exploring the impact of Biophilic architecture on human well being

AVISHKAR 2024-25-RESEARCH & INNOVATION
AVISHKAR 2024-25 Inter-University Research Project Competition for UG/PG/Doctoral students
INTRODUCTION & RELEVANCE METHODOLOGY
1. Identi cation of relevant publications:
This study investigates the in uence of biophilic The terms "Biophilic architecture," "Human well-being," "Connection with nature,"
and “Natural elements" were utilised as primary keywords for the initial search of
architecture on human well-being. Biophilic design
publications. Google Scholar was utilised as the primary database for this search.

ABSTRACT principles integrate natural elements into the built

environment, aiming to enhance physical, mental, and
Speci c search criteria were established for each segment of the review to identify
pertinent literature. In examining the
theoretical underpinnings of biophilic design, four relevant concepts were identi ed
emotional health. Through a research approach, we
Biophilic architecture, which based on prior publications.
explore the health bene ts of biophilic architecture, Some publications for the research include:
incorporates natural elements into
including stress reduction, improved cognitive function, • Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008). Biophilic design: The theory, Figure 1. Books for literature review
the design of buildings and urban enhanced air quality, and increased physical activity. By science, and practice of bringing buildings to life.
spaces, has become increasingly blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor
• Beatley, T. (2011). Biophilic cities: Integrating nature into urban design and
planning. Island Press
recognized for its positive impact on spaces, biophilic architecture encourages a sense of • Browning, W. D., Ryan, C. O., & Clancy, J. O. (2014). 14 Patterns of Biophilic
human health and well-being. In connection with nature, promoting holistic well-being. Design: Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment.
addition to individual bene ts, In today's world, cities are getting bigger and more 2. Surveys and Interviews:
biophilic design promotes crowded, and many people feel disconnected A questionnaire was created for collecting quantitive and qualitative data. The design Figure 3. Analysis of data
sustainable building practices by from nature. It is not just about making things look good; it of the questionnaire included simple questions such as:
encouraging the use of eco-friendly • Demographic information: age, gender, location etc…
is about making the users feel better too. Figure 2. Questionnaire
• Environmental perception: Questions related about speci c biophilic architecture
materials and energy-e cient This study looks at how biophilic architecture a ects our
systems. This approach not only health. By adding things like natural
elements (natural light, indoor plants, materials, etc…)
• Well-being indicators: How environment a ects the users (stress levels, mood,
INNOVATIONS
light, plants, and views of nature to buildings, it can make physical health)
improves the quality of life for • Biomimicry in architecture: Nature inspired designs.
• Rating scales: Ratings like 1-strongly agree, 5-strongly disagree to quantify
occupants but also contributes to users physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier. It can • Combining biophilic design with green technologies (e.g.,
responses.
reduce stress, help us think better, make the air we breathe solar panels, green roofs).
environmental conservation. The • Open ended questions: The questionnaire will also include a few open-ended
cleaner, and encourage us to questions to allow participants to describe their experiences in their own words. • Use of local materials and ora for cultural and ecological
study highlights how biophilic
move around more. integration.
architecture can shape the future of 3. Data analysis: • Biophilic design in healthcare to support mental health (e.g.,
By focusing on people's well-being when designing
urban planning, emphasizing the •Quantitative Data: Responses from the rating scales will be analysed using statistical
hospitals).
buildings, architects, designers, and city planners can help methods. This will help identify any signi cant di erences in well-being between
need for cities to incorporate natural • Accessible biophilic spaces for people with disabilities or in
create communities that are healthier for everyone. occupants of biophilic and non-biophilic buildings.
elements to create healthier, more •Qualitative Data: Open-ended responses will be analysed using thematic analysis to low-income areas.

OUTCOME
livable spaces. Ultimately, this paper identify common themes and insights about how biophilic design elements in uence • Urban farming integrated into biophilic spaces (e.g., vertical
well-being. farms).
argues that biophilic design is more
• Interdisciplinary research (Neuroscience) to study brain
than just an aesthetic choice—it is a • Studies have indicated that exposure to natural
responses to biophilic architecture and designs.
critical strategy for improving human elements like sunlight and greenery can have • Smart biophilic elements (e.g., smart lighting, green walls).
well-being and fostering a stronger physiological and psychological bene ts, including
connection between people and the reduced heart rate, lower blood pressure, and AFFORDABILTY &
improved cognitive function. Additionally, features
natural world.
like proper ventilation and access to outdoor views Figure 4. Demographic information Figure 8. Bio-mimicry (Tree)
OUTREACH
can contribute to creating environments that feel A ordability: Many of these innovations, particularly
more open, comfortable, and connected to nature, those using local materials and simple biophilic design
thereby enhancing relaxation and reducing stress principles, are a ordable for wide implementation in
levels. India. Advanced technologies like smart systems and
• While individual experiences may vary, the overall using neuroscience are limited to high-end applications
trend suggests that biophilic buildings tend to for now.
Figure 5. Environmental perception data
provide environments that support better mental Figure 9. Green roofs Outreach: Innovations that rely on traditional, local
and physical health outcomes compared to materials and eco-friendly solutions have the potential
conventional buildings. for widespread adoption across both urban and rural
• The outcome of the questionnaire is to demonstrate areas. Government support, incentives, and public
that biophilic architecture has a signi cant positive awareness will be key to scaling these innovations for
impact on human well-being. The survey results will mass adoption.
likely show that buildings incorporating natural
Figure 10. Vertical garden/farming REFERENCES
elements such as light, greenery, and organic Figure 6. Open end responses Joye, Y., & De Block, A. (2011). Nature and mental health: Biological,
materials lead to reduced stress, improved mood, cognitive, and contextual pathways. In Handbook of Environmental
Psychology and\ Quality of Life Research (pp. 127-143). Springer.
Entry Code Number better focus, and overall higher satisfaction with the
Berto, R. (2014). The role of nature in coping with psycho-physiological
built environment. Conversely, occupants of non- stress:A literature review on restorativeness. Behavioral Sciences, 4(4),

4-A-11 biophilic spaces may report lower well-being, 394-409.

Browning, W. D., Ryan, C. O., & Clancy, J. O. (2014). 14 Patterns of
highlighting the importance of incorporating nature
Biophilic Design: Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built
into architectural design. Figure 7. Rating scale
Figure 11. Accessible spaces Environment. Terrapin Bright Green L.
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