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| Inner Courtyard, Biophilic Design |
PART 3: Real World Application of Biophilic Design
In
today’s fast-paced and urbanized world, many of us spend most of
our days surrounded by concrete walls, glass partitions, and
artificial lighting, often feeling like we're living in a submarine,
cut off from the natural world outside. This disconnection from
nature has quietly influenced our lives, leading to stress, fatigue,
and a yearning for the outdoors. However, architecture and design
have the power to bridge this gap. Through biophilic design—a
thoughtful approach that integrates natural elements into our built
environments—architects and designers can transform sterile spaces
into environments that promote well-being, creativity, and harmony.
By reintroducing sunlight, greenery, natural textures, and the subtle
rhythms of nature into our everyday surroundings, biophilic design
addresses the pressing issue of disconnection, reminding us that our
environments should not only shelter us but also help us thrive.
OBJECTIVE
This
is the third
and last episode
of our mini-series on the subject of Biophilic Design. So,
perhaps you may want to go through the previous
two parts
first
for
a better understanding of
the entire series:
BIOPHILIC
DESIGN: Creating Green Buildings for Life (Part 1)
After
defining and examining the various categories of biophilic design,
it's essential to transition from theory to practical
application.
In this episode, I highlight three compelling case studies that
exemplify effective real-world applications. These authors have
thoroughly reviewed their reference materials, enabling us to extract
valuable insights from their findings. Additionally, I will share my
personal perspectives drawn from my professional experiences and
education, resulting in a well-rounded and engaging exploration for
your reading pleasure.
THREE
SELECTED
CASE STUDIES
After
we have discussed the categories of human experiences with nature, it
is essential that we dive into a deeper understanding of Biophilic
Design
through discussing on the applications through actual case studies.
Each
case studies offers unique information on the benefits of nature into
our well being.
CASE
STUDY 1: VETERAN’S
CENTRE GASHAKA, TARABA STATE
“ENHANCING
HUMAN HEALTH AND RECOVERY THROUGH BIOPHILIC DESIGN”
Author: MANGSHIN GODFREY MOHORSHIN, M.Sc. ARCHITECTURE
Description: A RESEARCH THESIS SUBMITTED TO UNIVERSITY
OF JOS, NIGERIA on April 2019
After
reading this
feasibility study,
I found it to be a good example of a project that if implemented,
would very
well apply
the principles of “biophilic design.” The author, Arch’t
Mangshin
is familiar
with
Wilson’s theory as
he defines, “It
is a known belief that humans have a connection and a reliance on
nature that has been passed along throughout evolution (Wilson,
1984). According to Wilson (1984, 1993) contact with nature is
essential to human health and well being.” Based
on this theory, Mangshin
conducted this study to be able to design a rehabilitation facility
for the war veterans in their country, Nigeria. Mangshin believes
that a
biophilic design is an essential concept that can, and
should be
applied to all projects of this kind. He
is advocating on this architectural concept and appealing to their
government for consideration.
A
few architectural elements are employed by Architect Mangshin in his
study
of a biophilic
designed
rehabilitation
facility
such as natural
materials, natural
lighting, vegetation, presence
of water, fractal
geometry, natural shapes and form, place based relationship, passive
ventilation, and
mobility,
all of which covers the three key categories of biophilic design
which we discussed in Part 2 of this blog series.
In
Mangshin’s “space organization section,”
he
ensures that the building
circulation
must
be easy for the staff to manage; layout
and routes should be clear; consideration
for noise, type of activity, likely timing of activities and age
groups when locating facilities. A reception area or office at or
near the entrance will assist in the monitoring
of activities and provide a focal point for information and
organization. This
relates
to the application of “mobility”
principle
as categorized
under the “Experience of Space and Place,” from
the preceding episode.
According
to Mangshin, “The
combination of natural materials and vegetation integrated into the
indoor environment has not only shown positive impacts among sick
patients, but also to healthy people as well. Individuals associated
with indoor spaces that incorporate natural vegetation and views to
nature are found to have lower stress levels, increased productivity,
better focus, higher moral character and even have the ability to
heal from sickness at faster rates.” He
even shows how biophilic design concept is incorporated in the
standard design framework for a rehabilitation center as shown below:
As
Mangshin concludes, he describes the uniqueness of a rehabilitation
project when biophilic design principles are applied. He
said, “By
establishing an inspiring and enjoyable experience that cohesively
integrates our natural and built environments will provide veterans
with a new kind of facility that will utilize a unique approach to
enhancing the lifestyles of those who have given so much for us.”
He
recommends
that their
government should provide more treatment facilities that will help in
restoring and rehabilitating retiring and serving war veterans
suffering from one form of post traumatic stress disorder or the
other, and also emphasize on making the centers more supportive and
therapeutic by the application of biophilic design techniques.
Additionally
he says this message to fellow designers: “There
is need for architects to make it of paramount importance to
incorporate biophilic design principles in the design of restorative
and rehabilitative environments and other relevant facilities in
order to enhance the stay of the patients as well as the staffs for
their well being."
I
can attest from the drawings that biophilic design has been
extensively
applied
as
seen on
the floor plans and elevations, especially the vegetations are
properly distributed on
the landscape as
seen in the site
development plan. There
are inner
courts provided
that accomodate
not only lush gardens, but passive ventilation and natural lighting.
NOTE:
For other designs and drawings, please refer to the citation section.
CASE
STUDY 2:
THE
WELLBEING OF THE USERS IN THE APARTMENTS REGARDING BIOPHILIC DESIGN:
CASES IN FAMAGUSTA
Author:
CEMRE TÜRKOĞLU, AFET ÇELİKER COŞKUN
Affiliation:
EASTERN
MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY, NC.
Description: A survey research work submitted 2024
The
research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including
interviews and surveys with local and immigrant residents. Four
apartments in Famagusta, a historically significant city in North
Cyprus, have been chosen for this study. The aim is to explore the
negative impacts of apartment living on families and to offer
insights for creating improved living environments.
According
to the authors,
Cemre and
Afet,
the
Famagusta area is experiencing rising population density and
increased construction, leading to a greater reliance on concrete
that
created challenge
for residents to engage with nature. Buildings constructed primarily
for economic reasons often result in inadequate cross ventilation,
limited sunlight, and a lack of outdoor spaces—elements considered
essential in Cyprus's traditional housing. Residents have also
expressed concerns about summer insects, particularly mosquitoes, and
unpleasant odors from nearby regions, which negatively affect their
health and overall quality of life. Additionally, the designs of new
developments often lack innovative and creative solutions to meet the
demands of modern living. At the same time, the younger population in
Cyprus is becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. The
destruction of parks and natural ecosystems could lead to more
serious problems in the future. Furthermore, the prevalence of small
residences that are unsuited for family life and devoid of natural
elements can adversely affect the elderly and those confined to their
homes due to illness or other concerns. These issues have been
studied and analyzed in detail. Famagusta is bordered by the sea to
the east, the green line (the border with the Greek side) to the
south, and a UK military base to the west.
As
a result
of the survey and interviews conducted, residents
of Famagusta have been observed to prefer a more minimalist lifestyle
compared to the past. Regardless of their proximity to nature, they
actively seek natural elements in their living environments. Many
residents express a desire for parks for children to be located near
their buildings. In contrast, those living in areas without nearby
parks view this absence negatively, particularly families. The
highest percentage of residents feeling good at home is found in
Alasya Park, while the lowest percentage is reported in Erbatu. In
terms of satisfaction with the view from their homes, Laguna
Apartment significantly outperforms other locations. Additionally,
individuals who believe their surroundings offer adequate nature and
well-being are most common in Alasya Park and Park View. As expected,
Erbatu received the lowest ratings across all evaluated criteria.
Based
on the data gathered from the
research, Cemre
and Afet
propose the following recommendations to enhance the environmental
quality and cultural relevance of Famagusta for future studies:
1.
Incorporate more natural and locally-sourced materials, especially
those with unique scents and textures that can positively impact the
atmosphere.
2.
Launch educational initiatives aimed at residents of Famagusta to
raise awareness about the benefits of using local materials,
addressing the current lack of information on this topic.
3.
Introduce more greenery, water features, and recreational areas for
children in communal spaces to promote well-being and community
engagement.
4.
Prioritize comprehensive environmental assessments and analyses
before starting any construction projects to ensure a deeper
understanding of the local ecosystem and its dynamics.
5.
Foster a more integrated urban fabric that celebrates Famagusta's
multicultural identity while harmonizing with its unique climate,
thereby promoting inclusivity and sustainability.
Cemre
and Afet team concludes: “Designers
play a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance of spaces while
mitigating external nuisances such as odors and noise. This can be
achieved by creating clean and natural environments and optimizing
projects to maximize natural light and airflow. Effective project
analysis is key, considering the diverse needs of individuals,
influenced by factors like climate and culture.
Research
indicates that incorporating biophilic elements can significantly
enhance well-being in residential settings and improve the quality of
life for families. Numerous studies such as Kaplan have highlighted the health benefits associated with environments
that incorporate elements of nature, sought after by individuals
seeking both physical and psychological well-being. Similar results
were observed in Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of integrating
biophilic design principles into urban environments.”
Below
are images of Cyprus apartments provided by the authors. Please see
photo attributions below.
CASE
STUDY 3:
EXPLORING BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONCEPTS AND THE IMPORTANCE
OF BRINGING INDOOR SPACES TO LIFE FOR HUMAN COMFORT AND WELLBEING
Submitted
by: Evelyn Gyasi
For
her Doctorate in Architecture Course in Atlantic International
University on July 2022
The
author, Evelyn Gyasi’s concern about the health and well being of
building occupants drives her to make this study. According to her,
most of the occupants live a higher percentage indoor than outdoors.
She said,
“In
our cities today, many buildings especially highrise
buildings designed and constructed now can be likened to submarines:
completely sealed, with an artificial environment. A person can be so
close to the glass window but cannot experience the fresh air and
smell of the plants right behind that window and the feel of the
natural light from the sun's rays, The sound of birds, pets, and
human movements, etc.”
She
added,
“This
has become a wake-up call to some designers who have considered
having significant attention to interior spaces designed for human
habitation. The purpose of this paper is to understand the essence of
biophilic Architecture and the need to bring buildings and spaces to
life for positive environmental impact and human wellbeing. This kind
of architecture is called living architecture that addresses
strategies and concepts of biophilia in architecture (Amany R, 2015)”
NOTE:
There isn’t any architectural design projects submitted except for
a few illustrations which I am going to share for a thorough
understanding of
the study objective.
The
author referenced a study conducted by the Sacramento Municipal
Utility District (SMUD), which involved an experiment in a
multi-story office building that housed a call center on one of its
floors. This call center featured large windows that offered views of
trees outside, excellent natural lighting, and raised floors with
vents that occupants could control. The space demonstrated strong
thermal performance and high indoor air quality, ultimately earning a
LEED Gold certification. In this setup, the workstations were
positioned perpendicular to the windows, as illustrated in Diagram 1.
However, since employees needed to concentrate on their computer
monitors, viewing the outside scenery required them to either turn
their entire bodies or rotate their necks. (Browning, 2015).
This
furniture arrangement is a solid concept; however, a simple
adjustment by rotating the workstation a few degrees toward the
windows made a remarkable impact, as illustrated in Diagram 2. This
minor modification allowed occupants to easily notice the movement of
trees outside, prompting them to take occasional glances out the
window. Such visual diversions provide a refreshing break from their
screens, allowing eye muscles to relax and shifting their focus to
the soothing, distant views. These brief moments of distraction lead
to valuable mental pauses that can significantly restore cognitive
focus. Although the initial investment for the workstation was around
$1,000 per occupant, the results of this experiment revealed a
striking increase in the staff's call handling capabilities by more
than 6 percent. This improvement translated into substantial savings
of approximately $3,000 per occupant, effectively tripling the
original installation cost. Investing in this straightforward change
not only enhances well-being but also delivers impressive returns.
(Browning, 2015)
In
her conclusion, the author, Evelyn
Gyasi
emphasized the insights from Sami Miera’s enlightening webinar on
"How to Design Healthy Spaces" which
revealed
that designers have access to a rich array of biophilic strategies
aimed at enhancing health and well-being in their creations. While
exploring these strategies, this study highlighted 14 evidence-based
techniques that can be seamlessly incorporated into projects of any
scale. This research has illuminated the imperative for her to
elevate her design principles, focusing on the creation of spaces
that nurture both psychological and physiological well-being. From
the provided
strategies, she has selected
six impactful biophilic concepts: environmental
elements, natural form, natural patterns, light and space, space
relationship and evolved human/nature relationship.
These concepts not only serve to heighten public and client awareness
but also provide a solid foundation for any future projects she
undertakes, setting a standard for spaces that truly promote
wellness.
FINAL
THOUGHTS
I
have come to understand just how expansive the topic of "biophilic
design" truly is. At first, I believed it was merely about the
connection between humans and nature. However, the remarkable
research by esteemed experts such as Erich Fromm and Edward Wilson
has truly opened my eyes. Moreover, it’s fascinating to discover
that the roots of this concept extend back to the ancient Hanging
Gardens of Babylon and the use of inner courtyards by historic
designers. The authors of the case studies I’ve explored share a
common goal: they passionately advocate for revitalizing what we now
refer to as "biophilic design." I stand firmly with their
vision and urge everyone to embrace this movement. Together, we can
foster designs that enrich our lives and reconnect us with the
natural world. Join us on this important journey!
Ar J CASTANEDA
Architect, Sustainable Architecture
Link in account for architectural works.
CITATIONS AND PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:
CASE STUDY 1
https://www.academia.edu/Documents/in/Biophilic_Design_the_Theory_Science_and_Practice_of_Bringing_Buildings_to_Life?nbs=ri
CASE STUDY 2
https://www.academia.edu/125684093/THE_WELLBEING_OF_THE_USERS_IN_THE_APARTMENTS_REGARDING_BIOPHILIC_DESIGN_CASES_IN_FAMAGUSTA
CASE STUDY 3
https://www.academia.edu/90683258/EXPLORING_BIOPHILIC_ARCHITECTURAL_DESIGN_CONCEPTS_AND_THE_IMPORTANCE_OF_BRINGING_INDOOR_SPACES_TO_LIFE_FOR_HUMAN_COMFORT_AND_WELL_BEING
COVER PHOTO IS AN ORIGINAL POST BY ARCHITALKTURAL, COPYRIGHT ARCHITALKTURAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
OTHER PHOTOS CREDITED TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS REFERENCED ON RESPECTIVE CASE STUDIES FEATURED IN THIS BLOG.
