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Indoor environments significantly impact human health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency of reconnecting with nature to maintain both physiological and psychological health. Modern indoor lifestyles have increased isolation from nature, diminishing these benefits. While previous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of biophilic design on human physiological comfort, its application in residential spaces remains underexplored. This study investigates how biophilic design elements—including natural light, ventilation, and greenery—influence physiological stress and comfort in residential settings using immersive virtual environments (IVE). Ninety-four participants were exposed to two test environments: one with biophilic elements and one without. Measurements of skin conductance level (SCL) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded across three phases: relaxation, exposure to mild stressors, and recovery. The results revealed a significant reduction in SCL in biophilic environments (∆M = −0.38) compared to non-biophilic environments (∆M = −0.19). However, BP levels remained unaffected across both experiments. These findings suggest that biophilic design positively influences stress recovery and comfort, underscoring its potential in residential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Umm Al-Qura University Journal of Engineering & Architecture (Springer Nature) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Sonic Gathering Place (SGP) is a prototype urban furniture installation that uses sound design to enhance the biophilic effects of plants. It uses field recordings from four different biomes in South-Eastern Australia mixed with plants that are representative of those biomes. The SGP has a circular seating structure comprising four integrated planter boxes, each with a single speaker. Nature-based field recordings play through the four-speaker array to create an immersive audio playback experience, though without masking the existing acoustic environment of the installation site. This paper focuses, as practice-led research, on the design process of the installation that encompasses four disciplinary approaches: soundscape design, biophilic design, field recording and urban furniture. Innovatively, it then reports a quantitative survey of the user's experience of the SGP that hones understanding of human response to the design. Measured user-responses to the SGP, collected through a smartphone-based questionnaire, were overwhelmingly affirmative of the design, including a positive change in self-reported mood resulting from the visit to the SGP. These responses were observed with introduced sound levels set only marginally louder than sound levels that existed before the installation. The results signal a wider role that biophilic sound installations might play in urban landscape design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examines the critical role of elevated urban spaces in fostering urban resilience and enhancing public well-being in the post-pandemic era. Through a detailed literature review and contextual analysis, the research explores how these spaces address the evolving needs for social interaction, public health, and mental wellness in urban design. Focusing on London, with comparisons to international examples such as Singapore, the study presents findings from sixty-six semi-structured walk-along interviews conducted at the Sky Garden and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Data analysis reveals both the challenges and guiding principles for designing resilient elevated urban spaces. Key areas for improvement include accessibility, circulation, aesthetic integration, and management strategies. The findings emphasise the value of these green spaces in densely populated cities, as they provide vital recreational areas that support the mental and physical health of residents. This research offers a structured framework for embedding elevated green spaces into high-density urban environments, enhancing both resilience and liveability. The study delivers actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, outlining a nuanced approach to designing sustainable, adaptable green spaces.

Nowadays, considering the urgent issues related to climate change and land consumption as well as the increasing urban population, urban spaces, enhanced by appropriate design solutions, can help reduce risks and improve conditions of environmental well-being. In this context, thanks to a collaboration between the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo and the Municipality of Naro, in the province of Agrigento (Sicily, Italy), an urban environmental design workshop was promoted to redefine an urban space without a precise identity and denied to public use, within the fabric of a minor historical center in the Sicilian hinterland. The article summarizes the adopted methodology, including the population needs' assessment, the environmental context assessment, the historical analysis of the urban space to redefine within the context of the whole historical center, possible urban and greening solutions, and design references according to the urban biophilic approach. The resulting preliminary design aims to be an example of an interdisciplinary approach, respectful of what already exists, which places the comfort and well-being of the user at the center of the design. Moreover, it is an interesting example of urban regeneration through the biophilic approach applied to a small urban center, which could be replicated in other similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of a virtual biophilic residential environment on seniors' physiological and subjective responses to evaluate its potential to promote healing and recovery. Thirty seniors were exposed to three different scales (units, buildings, complexes) of virtual biophilic residential environments that combined both physical and digital biophilic elements. Physiological responses, including heart rate, heart rate variability, and galvanic skin response, were measured alongside self-reported levels of satisfaction and immersion. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of physical and digital design interventions at each residential scale. The findings revealed that the virtual biophilic residential environment reduced physiological stress in seniors, with the most significant impact observed at the unit scale. Digital design interventions further enhance stress relief benefits, indicating that integrating physical and digital elements in biophilic residential environments can positively influence seniors' stress levels. Additionally, significant correlations were identified between physiological responses and subjective perceptions of immersion and satisfaction. This study is valuable as an initial comparative analysis of the effectiveness of physical and digital approaches in biophilic design. This paper is a preliminary study and is significant in that it systematizes virtual environment research from an age-friendly perspective and expands approaches to biophilic design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to shift views away from negative perceptions towards aging by exploring the following research question: How are the multiple levels of the gerotranscendence theory influenced by the sustainable behavior and attitude toward the biophilic design of older adults? Background: Improving perceptions of aging is vital for positively impacting both the biological and societal aspects of the global aging phenomenon. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-method design. Initially, 300 older Turkish adults completed self-reported measures including the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS), Pro-environmental Behavior (PB), Environmental Identity Scale (EID), Biophilic Design Importance Level (BDI), and Inclusion of Nature in the Self Scale (INS). Subsequently, the second phase involved diary logs from 30 participants who volunteered during the initial phase. Results: Results indicated that a higher importance level placed on biophilic design was linked to a greater inclusion of nature in the self. Moreover, a stronger interest in nature correlated positively with the gerotranscendence experience. Conclusions: The results bring significant attention to biophilic design, especially its relevance in supporting sustainable environmental behaviors and positive aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to explore how including biophilic elements in the architectural and interior design of assisted living facilities can improve the well-being and quality of life of older people. This research paper explores the concept of biophilic design and its potential benefits for assisted living facilities. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. The research involved a comprehensive review of databases such as Scopus, EBSCO, Elsevier, JSTOR and Google Scholar using keywords and Boolean operators with reference to the study. The study's inclusion criteria for articles were restricted to academic articles published between 2013 and 2022. The analysis of the current research will offer insights into the concept of biophilic design research and its impact on the well-being and quality of life of baby boomers in assisted living facilities. Findings: The research advocates the benefits of biophilic design to enhance the psychological well-being and quality of life of baby boomers dwelling in assisted living facilities. Biophilic design is a strategy that blends natural elements into built environments to improve our connection with nature to enhance the physical and psychological health of older people. In the context of assisted living facilities, where residents commonly experience a variety of physical and psychological health concerns, adopting biophilic design in architecture holds enormous promise. Originality/value: The research focuses on applying biophilic design in assisted living facilities and its holistic approach to the overall well-being of older people. The conceptual model proposed in the study has defined the positive aspects of the biophilic design on the psychological and physiological health of older people. Few studies have been done on the impact of biophilic design, specifically on baby boomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how the experience in virtual reality of localities such as museum spaces or digital museum environments can be enhanced by biophilic design, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which has significantly changed the way people interact with the built environment. The research focuses on the potential effects of biophilic design elements on human behavior, perception of space, and emotional response in digital museum environments, such as the Nature, Gardens, Fantasies exhibition at the Arkas Art Center. Integrating natural shapes and forms, light, and space into digital spaces can serve as a guide for design solutions that combine nature, art, and technology to promote an internal experience of nature. The study examines the impact of biophilic design elements on individuals' perceptions and behaviors in virtual museum settings and emerging concepts of biophilia and exhibition environments are presented. These interactions and experiences with the exhibition were reported by the participants through a questionnaire. The impact of the digital exhibition's biophilic design on participants' sense of orientation, space, emotions, and general well-being was examined in this study. The results showed important aspects of the design that affected these variables. The majority of participants reported feeling content, at ease, and joyful following the virtual experience, despite the fact that their emotional reactions varied. This suggests that virtual biophilic design is effective in replicating the positive impacts of physical biophilic places. According to the research, virtual places can mimic the benefits of real-world biophilic spaces and have the ability to effectively promote biophilic design. Digital interventions present a great possibility for improving human well-being through the integration of technology, art, and nature. This is especially important in view of challenges like the COVID-19 outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are at the center of epidemics and are the most affected areas. Disciplines such as architecture, urban planners, and landscape architecture are expected to develop new approaches to socio-spatial lifestyles to make the pandemic period easier. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's lifestyles globally, causing changes in their daily routines and leading to changes in living conditions and places. These changes have revealed the importance of balconies and gardens as living spaces. Balconies and gardens of houses are much more practical and functional spaces in people's physical and social life. The effective use of home balconies and gardens in Kahramanmaras has been a factor in choosing it as a working area. Climate has been influential in the spatial planning of Kahramanmaras city. This research is based on developing suggestions for balcony design by determining the importance, behavior, and wishes given to balconies during the pandemic process. The questionnaire method was adopted in the conduct of the research. Obtained data were evaluated with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 28.0 statistical analysis. To contribute to the development of proposals for urban planning, the relationship between demographic characteristics such as education and age and attitudes and desires toward balconies was examined with the Chi-square (X2) test. As a result of the study, it was determined that the balconies were used effectively during the pandemic process, the open space function of the balconies came to the fore, and plant production contributed esthetically and functionally. It has been determined that plant production contributes esthetically and functionally to balcony design, and growing plants on balconies is effective on people's physical and mental health. As a result of the study, suggestions have been developed for the use of balconies as a component of the green infrastructure system at the city scale and for the adoption of a climate-effective planning approach in traditional houses. On the building scale, it has been suggested to include plant cultivation on the balconies to benefit from the biophilic design and to use light effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor environments significantly impact human health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency of reconnecting with nature to maintain both physiological and psychological health. Modern indoor lifestyles have increased isolation from nature, diminishing these benefits. While previous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of biophilic design on human physiological comfort, its application in residential spaces remains underexplored. This study investigates how biophilic design elements—including natural light, ventilation, and greenery—influence physiological stress and comfort in residential settings using immersive virtual environments (IVE). Ninety-four participants were exposed to two test environments: one with biophilic elements and one without. Measurements of skin conductance level (SCL) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded across three phases: relaxation, exposure to mild stressors, and recovery. The results revealed a significant reduction in SCL in biophilic environments (∆M = −0.38) compared to non-biophilic environments (∆M = −0.19). However, BP levels remained unaffected across both experiments. These findings suggest that biophilic design positively influences stress recovery and comfort, underscoring its potential in residential applications.

Abstract The study analyzes the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for the human–environment relations through the lenses of biophilic design. The mixed-method quantitative and qualitative explanatory research combines contextual and personal variables, such as, among others, country, age group, gender, overcrowding, time spent outside, access to nature/food and the exposure to biophilic elements, during and after the lockdown. The results indicate that psychological pressure on individuals caused by pandemic restrictions imposed early 2020, triggered changes in human-environmental relation. More precisely, our comparative analysis of six European countries (Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark and Sweden) indicates that people-environment relations do not depend on the objective severity of country-wise restrictions, but rather on the individual perceptions of these restrictions. The results complement the lack of the research for the role of biophilic design in understanding and enhancing human–environment relations during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and thereafter.

Biophilic design is an architectural approach that fosters connections between humans and nature. The primary objective of this approach is to bridge the gap between the built environment and nature, thereby enhancing the quality of spaces and increasing users' productivity. This study examines integrating biophilic design into campuses categorised according to Linde's university campus layout classifications (diffusive, central, molecular, gridiron, cross, and linear). In this context, the main campuses of Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Anadolu University, Istanbul Technical University, Dokuz Eylul University, and Istanbul University were selected as sample areas for analysis. The sample areas were evaluated and compared according to William Browning et al.'s fourteen biophilic design principles based on observation, which is a qualitative research design. The evaluation revealed deficiencies in the window glazing areas of campus buildings, the design of open and semi-open spaces, the use of water and plants in interior spaces, and the integration of water elements into the design. To address these deficiencies, the study recommends that universities prioritise applying biophilic design principles in their physical environment planning. Additionally, various recommendations for implementing these design principles were developed. Implementing these recommendations is expected to facilitate stronger connections between individuals and nature, promoting a more sustainable relationship within built environments.

This article presents a novel approach that integrates biophilic design, wellbeing science, and systems science into a holistic strategy designated as the Biophilic Wellbeing Systems Approach (BWSA). This transdisciplinary approach aims to enhance student wellbeing in educational settings by fostering a deep connection with nature, supported by positive psychology and systems thinking. The research explores how these combined disciplines can shape educational environments that improve learning outcomes and promote human thriving. The study advocates for a transformative redesign of school environments, emphasising the interdependence of individual and planetary health, drawing on Indigenous wisdom and contemporary scientific knowledge. This foundational strategy holds significant potential to fundamentally change how schools are designed and operated. By fostering environments that deeply integrate wellbeing principles, this approach not only influences the physical buildings but also extends to the entire school ecosystem. It works synergistically to promote educational excellence and holistic wellbeing, ensuring that all elements of the school environment contribute to the overall development and health of students and staff.

Abstract Despite the growing interest in indoor greenery and its positive effects on occupants’ well-being, there is limited knowledge on the optimal light levels for indoor plants that ensure energy efficiency and sustainable growth. This study explored the survival of ornamental plants under low-light conditions typical of indoor workplaces without daylight and investigated the impact of increased light intensity or extended day length on their growth. Three species of foliage plants (Epipremnum aureum, Pachira aquatica, and Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) were cultivated in growth chambers with three different lighting schemes. The results showed that plants sustained growth with 6.8 μmol m−2 s−1 white LED light for 9 h/day, suggesting that extra lighting might not be necessary for shade-tolerant species in offices. In this environment, plants maintained efficient photosynthesis under low illumination by increasing their specific leaf area. Elevating the light to 20.1 μmol m−2 s−1 and extending the day length to 18 h/day enhanced the plants’ relative growth rate. Climbing plants allocated more biomass to stems, resulting in a lower leaf weight ratio and noticeably altering their appearance. This study demonstrates that customized lighting strategies effectively support indoor greening goals, like adjusting intensity for energy savings or adding light for greening large spaces.

Biophilia is the theory that humans are innately connected to nature. As a basis for forming built space, biophilic design has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognition and enhance mood—it makes us happier. In the last 20 years, research in learning spaces has shown an association between biophilic design and student mood, calmness and improved standardized test scores. In 2019, a group of architects, scientists and educators led an experiment involving 6th-grade Math students at the Green Street Academy, which found that student stress was significantly reduced and learning significantly improved in a classroom enriched with biophilic strategies. The architects applied these strategies to the design of Bethel Hanberry Elementary School, and after a year of occupancy, an independent assessment found positive perceptions of the biophilic design, fewer behavior referrals, better teacher retention, lower absenteeism and improved test scores. In both a controlled research experiment and real-world application, the design of learning space, using biophilic strategies, has a significant impact.

Hospitals often evoke negative feelings due to their antiseptic architecture and personal memories. Biophilic hospital design can reduce stress and enhance health and wellness for patients and caregivers, creating sustainable therapeutic environments. This research paper explores these environments and presents case studies demonstrating the positive outcomes of biophilic design on health and wellbeing. This paper systematically reviews and critically assesses literature using secondary data from peer-reviewed journals and reliable sources on sustainable design from 2010-2023. The results show that biophilic design in hospitals reduces hospitalization time, patient mortality, pain levels, and stress for healthcare providers. It alleviates anxiety, improves experiences for patients, families, and staff, reduces patient harm, and supports faster recovery. Overall, it positively influences the psychological and physiological responses of patients and staff. Future research should analyze the impact of individual biophilic design elements separately and explore implementation challenges. It should also quantify benefits such as reduced staff absenteeism and increased productivity. This study fills the gap of the limitation of holistic studies on biophilic design's impact on patient care and service delivery in hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biophilic design made by incorporating nature into interior spaces have proven that biophilia has positive effects on people's psychological, and physical well-being through scientific studies. Although increasing number of people and rapid urbanization have led to changes in leisure activities and accommodation sector specifically after the COVID 19 world pandemic, it is observed that scientific research pool do not align with the number of biophilic hotels recently designed and occupied. With this study, it has been observed that biophilic design studies in the literature are increasing especially after the pandemic, however the number of studies in office and commercial spaces show an augmenting trend compared to the accommodation sector. Within the scope of this study, a comprehensive systematic literature review on biophilic hotel design was conducted. Gaps were identified in the literature on the use of biophilic design in hotels compared to the evaluation of biophilic design elements in other areas. As a result of the review, 14 relevant articles obtained from Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases were analyzed in detail. The methods and results led to the identification of the literature gap in this field. It has been observed that studies evaluating biophilic hotel design in the light of scientific data have increased after COVID-19. Most of the studies examined are focused on hotel lobby cases. Although lobbies are important places in terms of the first impression of visitors in hotels, there is no study focusing on hotel rooms. Future studies can also focus on the accommodation areas. Especially for the tourism sector, where customer satisfaction and psychology are at the forefront, it is important to investigate the scientific effects of biophilic design examined in the literature to draw the necessary lessons from existing studies in order to guide future designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzes the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for the human–environment relations through the lenses of biophilic design. The mixed-method quantitative and qualitative explanatory research combines contextual and personal variables, such as, among others, country, age group, gender, overcrowding, time spent outside, access to nature/food and the exposure to biophilic elements, during and after the lockdown. The results indicate that psychological pressure on individuals caused by pandemic restrictions imposed early 2020, triggered changes in human-environmental relation. More precisely, our comparative analysis of six European countries (Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark and Sweden) indicates that people-environment relations do not depend on the objective severity of country-wise restrictions, but rather on the individual perceptions of these restrictions. The results complement the lack of the research for the role of biophilic design in understanding and enhancing human–environment relations during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biophilia is the theory that humans are innately connected to nature. As a basis for forming built space, biophilic design has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognition and enhance mood—it makes us happier. In the last 20 years, research in learning spaces has shown an association between biophilic design and student mood, calmness and improved standardized test scores. In 2019, a group of architects, scientists and educators led an experiment involving 6th-grade Math students at the Green Street Academy, which found that student stress was significantly reduced and learning significantly improved in a classroom enriched with biophilic strategies. The architects applied these strategies to the design of Bethel Hanberry Elementary School, and after a year of occupancy, an independent assessment found positive perceptions of the biophilic design, fewer behavior referrals, better teacher retention, lower absenteeism and improved test scores. In both a controlled research experiment and real-world application, the design of learning space, using biophilic strategies, has a significant impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a novel approach that integrates biophilic design, wellbeing science, and systems science into a holistic strategy designated as the Biophilic Wellbeing Systems Approach (BWSA). This transdisciplinary approach aims to enhance student wellbeing in educational settings by fostering a deep connection with nature, supported by positive psychology and systems thinking. The research explores how these combined disciplines can shape educational environments that improve learning outcomes and promote human thriving. The study advocates for a transformative redesign of school environments, emphasising the interdependence of individual and planetary health, drawing on Indigenous wisdom and contemporary scientific knowledge. This foundational strategy holds significant potential to fundamentally change how schools are designed and operated. By fostering environments that deeply integrate wellbeing principles, this approach not only influences the physical buildings but also extends to the entire school ecosystem. It works synergistically to promote educational excellence and holistic wellbeing, ensuring that all elements of the school environment contribute to the overall development and health of students and staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biophilic design introduces a variety of sensory elements into the built environment, incorporating a natural experience into daily life. From the environmental psychology aspect, the effects of multisensory stimulus are not a result of simply adding the effects of uni-sensory stimuli, and the interactive effects among sensory approaches need to be considered. With the demand for promoting health and well-being, increasing numbers of studies began to investigate sensory systems other than just the visual cue of the biophilic design. This review focuses on the multisensory effect of biophilic design on human psychological and physiological responses as well as cognitive function. We summarized empirical evidence of the interactions between two and three sensory modalities from existing research. In addition, we systematically summarized the key methods and technologies used in experimental studies that explore the health benefits of biophilic design in terms of study types and population, environmental exposure simulation, health benefit measurement, and experimental process design. We finally identified some knowledge gaps in and future directions for biophilic design studies from the multisensory interaction perspective. The experimental design of quantifying the effects of multisensory interaction and its lasting effects are the focus of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fields of design and planning become increasingly common. At the same time fears related to the threats of technocentrism and disconnectedness from nature towards applications of AI in managing and shaping our living environments are rising. The concept of biophilic design holds the potential for bridging the gap between urban population and nature and avoiding technocentrism in urban life and planning. Thus, the need arises to connect biophilic design and planning and the applications of AI in urbanism. Consequently, this research presents the review, discussion and experiment of potential applications of AI (mainly focusing on generative AI) in biophilic urbanism and nature-based solutions in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of PLANARCH - Design & Planning Research is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study discusses the essential need of re-naturalizing the built environment, focusing on schools. Leveraging research on the impact of nature on health, children's development, and learning, we analyze case studies from America, Asia, and Europe with distinct trajectories of interplay between architecture and pedagogy. Using a theoretical framework on plant-architecture relationship, we identify effective re-naturalization solutions in some applications of biophilic design in rural and urban contexts, cautioning against superficial nature incorporations in schools. Our study asserts that technological sustainability is needed but insufficient, emphasizing the necessity of concurrent efforts in architecture and education to create meaningful student-nature connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acknowledging biophilic design as a nature-based solution to compensate for the expansion of urbanization and human separation from nature that deteriorate citizens' satisfaction and responsible pro-environmental behaviors toward the environment are among the environmental planning's principal goals. Therefore, the current study investigates the effects of Biophilic design dimensions on residential satisfaction to promote citizens' pro-environmental behavior. In order to evaluate the effects between Biophilic design, residential satisfaction, and pro-environmental behavior, SEM method was used. Obtained data from 380 questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS and Smart PLS, and the results demonstrated that the Biophilic design's 'street' dimension has the greatest impact on residential satisfaction (β = 0.799) and citizens' pro-environmental behavior (β = 0.751). Additionally, residential satisfaction's 'quality' dimension has the highest effect on pro-environmental behavior (β = 0.430). The outcomes provide a solution for policymakers and designers to enhance citizens' pro-environmental behaviors towards the environment through a sustainable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over half a million people in the U.S. experience homelessness. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) aims to house and support formerly unhoused individuals. Few studies have considered how PSH building design affects residents' well-being. Our work investigates the impact of built features, particularly biophilic features (e.g., indoor greenery), on the stress and sense of belonging of PSH residents. We interviewed and surveyed 28 residents of two buildings on their well-being and their environment, and conducted thematic and content analyses. Among built features, participants mentioned building upkeep and noise as most consequential for their well-being. Biophilic features improved well-being by providing multi-sensory stimuli and increasing perceived control. Overall, interpersonal relationships and perceived safety were the most mentioned themes for well-being. While meeting basic needs is essential for residents' well-being, our findings show that building design also matters. We provide recommendations to inform future PSH development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Artuklu Health is the property of Mardin Artuklu University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores how children experience two different locations at Oslo University Hospital in terms of their architectural design and emotional potential. The first location includes a conventional modern hospital wing, whereas the other is a uniquely designed cabin in natural surroundings outside the hospital building, the Outdoor care retreat. The research is a psychological study of how various locations activate cognitive schemas and lead to elicitation of different emotional responses and modes of behavior for children. Participants included 17 children aged 7 to 16, whereby 11 children had no previous experience with hospitalization for a serious medical condition and 6 children were undergoing treatment or follow-ups related to a medical condition at the time of data collection. The data material consisted of walking interviews accompanied by a semi-structured interview guide. The qualitative material was analyzed by applying reflexive thematic analysis and categorized into themes. Study findings illustrate that children experience the environments differently in terms of physical and emotional restrictions. Overall, the children prefer architectural spaces with direct contact to nature or design that mimics natural environments, in addition to being exciting, friendly, and intimate. In these environments, children feel less restricted, more relaxed and more free to express themselves and a range of emotions. This study proposes that spending time in such environments will increase resilience and hospitalization satisfaction for children admitted to hospitals for longer periods of time. In turn, this could have important implications for practice if included in the design of future health care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, biophilic architecture has been widely developed across the Asia–Pacific region. However, there is a notable lack of research based on online public reviews focusing on mid- to high-rise biophilic buildings, especially quantitative studies combining traditional architectural design features. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the typical floor plans and online public reviews of nine renowned biophilic buildings in the Asia–Pacific region. Using space syntax and natural language processing tools, the design features of typical floor plans and public feedback will be analyzed separately, and their correlation will be evaluated. Additionally, the content of negative and low-score reviews will be categorized to identify issues in current biophilic building designs. The findings suggest that biophilic design can stimulate widespread public discussion, with large direct blue–green elements receiving overwhelming attention. However, biophilic elements can also lead to negative sentiments due to factors like humidity, high temperatures, mold, and insects. This study provides insights and design recommendations for future biophilic buildings, demonstrating the value of biophilic design in public reviews and emphasizing the need to balance these factors to enhance public satisfaction and acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing interest in indoor greenery and its positive effects on occupants' well-being, there is limited knowledge on the optimal light levels for indoor plants that ensure energy efficiency and sustainable growth. This study explored the survival of ornamental plants under low-light conditions typical of indoor workplaces without daylight and investigated the impact of increased light intensity or extended day length on their growth. Three species of foliage plants (Epipremnum aureum, Pachira aquatica, and Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) were cultivated in growth chambers with three different lighting schemes. The results showed that plants sustained growth with 6.8 μmol m−2 s−1 white LED light for 9 h/day, suggesting that extra lighting might not be necessary for shade-tolerant species in offices. In this environment, plants maintained efficient photosynthesis under low illumination by increasing their specific leaf area. Elevating the light to 20.1 μmol m−2 s−1 and extending the day length to 18 h/day enhanced the plants' relative growth rate. Climbing plants allocated more biomass to stems, resulting in a lower leaf weight ratio and noticeably altering their appearance. This study demonstrates that customized lighting strategies effectively support indoor greening goals, like adjusting intensity for energy savings or adding light for greening large spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to assess the efficacy of traditional virtual reality (VR) and Immersive Multi-sensory Environments (IME) in mitigating anxiety levels among university students. The study can address the following research questions: 1) What disparities exist in anxiety levels before and after exposure to traditional VR and IME? 2) How do anxiety levels compare between participants exposed to IME and those in a VR environment? Methods: The research adopted a twophase approach involving participants exhibiting moderate to high-stress levels. In the second phase, participants were randomly assigned to either a VR group (solely visual stimulation) or an IME group (comprising visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were utilized to assess stress and anxiety levels before and after each experiment. Results: The findings suggest that participants' experiences in both VR and IME environments effectively contributed to reducing anxiety levels and fostering a tranquil atmosphere. Both experimental groups reported a significantly heightened sense of relaxation post-experiments. Although the disparity was not statistically significant, the IME group displayed a more pronounced reduction in stress levels compared to the VR group. Discussion: The research underscores the significance of considering the built environment and sensory design in addressing mental health challenges among college students. Further exploration and integration of such approaches into educational settings could significantly contribute to establishing more supportive and conducive environments for student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies indicate that natural wooden materials positively affect students' well-being in classrooms. In addition, students spend a considerable amount of their time in classrooms predominantly seated, making school interiors a suitable place to reduce sedentary behaviors of children. A mixed team of experts in human factors, architecture, design and engineering designed a prototype wooden standing desk for indoor use and formed focus groups with students and teachers to gather feedback on the development process and to evaluate the suitability of the prototype. The prototype desk was well received by the primary school teachers and students. The students appreciated plywood as the main material for the construction of the desk; however, they criticized that the wooden tabletop should be more resistant. The height adjustability of the desk and the tiltable tabletop were the most appreciated features of the prototype. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the optimal material, shape and color of the school desk, especially the tabletop, and additional efforts should be made to design furniture that promotes a less sedentary classroom and improves students' well-being at school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]