A regeneration idea: providing wellness experience through biophilic design at reutotars

garden resort, villasis pangasinan

A thesis presented to

The faculty of the

-- of urdaneta city university

 Introduction

Background of the study

Background of the Study

Regenerative tourism represents a sustainable way of travelling and discovering new

places. Its main goal is for visitors to have a positive impact on their holiday destination,
meaning that they leave it in a better condition than how they found it. A concept that goes
beyond "not damaging" the environment and that aims to actively revitalise and regenerate it,
resulting in a positive cycle of impacts on local communities and economies: sustainable
regeneration. Concrete examples include farmers that together with tourism professionals restore
degraded lands (desert), local communities conserving pristine rainforest with ecolodges, or
restoring biodiversity by stopping livestock grazing and reintroducing wild animals. Beam Inc
Consult

“Regenerative tourism” is the idea that tourism should leave a place better than it was
before. (“Sustainability,” in comparison, is leaving something as it is so that it stays the same; in
other words, not causing any extra damage). Also, in the case of sustainable tourism, this often
results in what tourism expert Jasper Heslinga calls a trade-off between negative and positive
impacts of tourism. Kosmos Journal

Yet, a new concept is gaining popularity among experts: Regenerative Tourism. The aim of
regenerative tourism is to bring a positive impact to the local systems, social and environmental.
It can take various forms, but the idea is for the traveler to receive a real local experience and go
home with not only memories, but also friends, while participating in projects that bring value to
the local communities or environment. Visitors can then also be perceived in a better light by the
residents, truly defining a tourism loop that is constructive for all of society.

Overall, regenerative tourism is holistic and has a living systems approach. It fosters
collaboration and partnerships among all stakeholders of the local tourism and encourages
diversity in the local economic systems to avoid extreme reliance on tourism for a population’s
survival. These local populations are included in decision-making processes in an inclusive and
equitable space to bring value to the communities as well as responsibility towards the
environment and biodiversity of the location.
As mentioned earlier, the concept of regenerative tourism aims to bring transformational
experiences to guests so they can go home inspired and bring a positive outlook on one’s travel,
whilst making sure that the local cultural heritage and traditions are conserved from one
generation to the next. Holidays therefore become meaningful rather than egoistic, where the
tourist serves a true purpose to the local populations. Natacha Reymond

Regenerative design is a form of sustainable design which incorporates the interlocking

of communities with the natural ecological cycles, the larger society and environmental costs.
The overall goals for regenerative developments are to design communities which exist within
natural limits and are interconnected to the regional society for needs outside the given site.
Regenerative design incorporates diverse ecological, cultural, social and economic systems while
maintaining their integrity within a dynamic whole. The integrated framework is an effort to
direct site specific design through a flexible and extensive structure. (Hodges, Nancy 2006)

In this research, our writer will explain about the regeneration idea: providing wellness
experience through biophilic design at Reutotars garden resort in Villasis, Pangasinan.

Biophilic design celebrates the idea of a city as a combination of urbanism, evolution,

technology, and the natural environment. It enables us to experience nature and feel part of it,
even in the most crowded cities. It’s safe to say, because of our intertwined connection with
nature, biophilic design will become a standard in design. But other reasons back up our
theory…

Climate change, pandemic, innovation, focus on mental well-being. Currently, these are catalysts
accelerating the adoption of biophilic design, proving its impact goes beyond only aesthetic
qualities. Green infrastructure can help decrease CO2 emissions, boost the biodiversity of plants
and wildlife and even regulate the temperature of buildings.

Biophilia is the innate human desire to connect with nature and other life forms. The term comes
from the Greek words for “life” and “love’’- literally meaning “love of life.’’ As such, humans
have a deeply ingrained love of nature and a psychological need to be in contact with the natural
world. This idea is also the basis of biophilic design, which incorporates natural materials,
patterns and elements in a space to resemble a natural environment. Think spaces that utilize
natural light, indoor planting and water features. Not to mention that biophilia is more than just a
design concept. Researchers have found that biophilic design supports cognitive function,
physical health and psychological wellbeing such as improved productivity, lower levels of
stress, enhanced learning and improved rates of recovery from illness.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to regenerate the wellness experience through biophilic design to the selected

resort around the Municipality of Villasis, Pangasinan. Specifically, this aims to answer the the

following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of;

a) Age

b) Sex

2. How biophilic design can help improves the tourists’ wellness;

a) Reduces Stress and Anxiety

b) Promotes Physical Health and Activity

c) Encourages Social Interaction

d) Enhances Productivity

e) Boosts Energy

Setting of the study

This study was be conducted in Villasis Pangasinan. officially the Municipality of Villasis, is a
1st class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census,
it has a population of 65,047 people. Under mayor Nonato S. Abrenica.

Villasis was a barrio of Malasiqui in the early 17th century and was known by its former name,
“Pandoyocan” because it is the nesting ground of bees called “oyocan”. The town's accessibility
to all kinds of transportation has made Villasis a bustling center of trade and commerce.

Moreover, the researchers decided upon conducting the research in the Reutotars Garden Resort
in Villasis Pangasinan, to give more attention to our idea to Provide the tourist the wellness
experience through using Biophilic Design in this resort. Reotutar's Garden & Resort offers all
kinds of fun in a one-hectare property at Lipay, Villasis, Pangasinan. Initially opened to the
public in 2010 as a garden venue and a butterfly sanctuary, it has since expanded its portfolio of
offerings to include water park, enclosed event venues, and accommodation. In March 2018, it
has earned Department of Tourism's certification as a Tourist Inn, the first in establishment in
Villasis, Pangasinan to hold such distinction

Theorotical Framework

This study is founded on the theory of Dr Prem Jagyasi and Team (It) Biophilic design
in wellness resorts is directly linked with the guests’ intent who always look for relaxing and
rejuvenating escapes to soothe their stressed minds and body. The design supports wellness
resorts in creating healing and restorative spaces where guests feel refreshed and revitalized
ready to take on the world with heightened zeal.

Biophilic means love for living things. Human beings are deeply in love with nature throughout
different evolutionary phases. Biophilic design is purposed to reset the human-nature interaction
that is lost in the urban concrete jungles.

The vacationing intent of individuals is evolving. Travelers are keen on healthy and pleasant
sensory engagements to promote their well-being. Biophilic design in wellness resorts plays a
great role in fulfilling this objective.

Nature-inspired biophilic design in wellness resorts typically (but is not restricted to) covers the
following features:

 Non-disruptive – Unrestricted view of nature

 Natural auditory elements – Chirping of birds, flowing water, swaying of branches
 Natural olfactory factors – fragrant blooms, the aroma of the foliage
 Pleasant sensory stimuli- Birds flying, flowing water, fleeting clouds
 Aesthetic Landscaping – lush pastures, decorated gardens
 Variations in temperature and airflow – Fresh breeze, mellow sunrays
 Natural daylight – Sunlit rooms
 Biomorphic patterns and shapes – Conches, leaf motifs, shells
 Natural modifications – rock formations, pebbles, designed tree branches
 Spatial Orientation – positioning of rooms, walking spaces, lounges, and other shared
spaces
 Location-based cultural and ecological elements – traditional art and artifacts
 Provisions for healthy relationships and communication
Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Determining the
A study on how biophilic design that
providing wellness provide the wellness
experience through experience in Reutotars
biophilic design at garden resort, as well as
reutotars garden how it will affect the
resort, villasis tourist satisfaction of it
in various factors