Impact of Biophilic Design Strategies on Wellbeing: A review

Abstract

Increasing urbanization and technological development continue to have impact on people’s connection to nature and access to greenery and open spaces. Emerging from these concerns is a new set of design principles and practices where nature seems to play significant role, especially in the built environments. “Biophilic architecture.” is a design approach that suggests that humans have an innate connection with nature and could assist to create healthy living and workspace for human’s comfort and wellbeing. A significant amount of literature in environmental psychology field provides empirical evidence that nature benefits humans, and that landscape and built environments can be designed to link humans and nature. The paper is aimed at providing a narrative review on biophilic design and human health outcomes. The initial review found that elements such as natural daylight, ventilation, and living architecture (green roofs and walls) which are integrated on or within a building envelope could be useful in creating well designed buildings capable of improving users’ health and well-being. To achieve the status of a restorative-built environment, the study suggests that architects and designers need to shift focus on the value and the use of natural elements such as forest-like landscapes, natural water features, and natural light in their designs.