Stage 1 : Dissertation Topic/Introduction
1. Title: Biophilic Design For Airport Passenger Well-Being
The importance of biophilic design for humans and architecture
People’s attraction to nature is a primordial instinct. Our ancestors felt most comfortable in places
where there was an abundance of greenery, because they were sure to find plenty of food and water
and could therefore concentrate on other tasks. The psychological legacy of this survival instinct is the
basis of Biophilic Design: “it is a design strategy or ethic that takes into account the spontaneous
tendency of humans to feel good in the midst of nature,” explains Oliver Heath, one of the gurus in the
field. “A space designed in a way that makes us feel protected and in contact with natural elements (or
references to them) can therefore help improve our stress and be more productive. Direct elements
are used, such as plants, water, sounds. And indirect ones, such as natural materials, those colors that
we call neutral but which are actually typical of our original habitat, and space management that takes
into account the need for a broad, circular vision.
Heath points out how ‘a biophilic approach to design can improve the Triple Bottom Line, i.e., the
wellbeing of building occupants, the productivity of company employees, and the rate of return for
customers. Considering that our health and well-being are intrinsically linked to those of the
natural environment around us, surely we should want to protect and flourish in it’. Nature, in a context
designed and thus focused on human parameters, is good for you. It slows the heartbeat, induces the
production of compensatory hormones that support a feeling of interconnectedness and collaboration.
This is not a contemporary trend: ‘The term biophilia (literally, ‘passion for life’) has been coined twice
independently: by the German psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964 and by the American biologist Edward
O. Wilson in 1984,’ points out Giuseppe Barbiero, lecturer in Biology and Ecopsychology, director
of the Groupe de Recherche en Education à l’Environnement et à la Nature and of the Affective Ecology
Laboratory at the University of Valle d’Aosta. “Fromm uses the term biophilia to describe the
psychological orientation to be attracted to everything that is alive and vital. Wilson uses it to describe
the human tendency – innate and evolutionarily adaptive – to be attracted to it.”
Best examples of biophilic design research studies
1.biophilic design benefits - reduction in stress and anxiety Vegetation can reduce stress, increase
healing through stimulation of nature views and accessibility (Bratman).Biophilic elements increased
physiological stress recovery (lowered blood pressure), reduced anxiety, lowered heart rate (Yin, Dec
2019) .The Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) (Ulrich/ Jimenez) states that stress is reduced in nature due
to our natural affinity and comfort with the natural world Increased healing/recovery rates due to
lower stress . Views of vegetation has been proven to decrease hospital stay times and increase
healing (related to stress/pain levels) Exposure to natural light increases a neurotransmitter in the body
called serotonin, which increases happiness. Research shows that exposure to the natural world can
reduce negative thought and rumination (Bratman)Two groups, one walked in nature one on a busy
street Those in nature: increase in positive thought, decrease in negative thought/rumination (the part
of the brain linked to depression), decrease in stress/anxiety Biophysical services (if larger scale/parks
etc.) The physical changes that nature creates causes benefits to humans (ex: if more parks, people may
be more encouraged to go on a run near their house and will cause decrease in mental disorders,
rumination, obesity, etc).
2. Biophilic design benefits - increase cognitive function, concentration and memory
Improved memory, cognitive performance in office setting in VR (Aristizabal) in a study involving three
groups over a 10-week Virtual Reality open office biophilic design study. Working memory and
cognitive performance improved in all biophilic design conditions compared to baseline.
Lower levels of absenteeism/higher productivity levels (Kellert) when daylight is incorporated into
office and school buildings Student test scores increase, lower dropout rate. In school buildings
with increased natural light, students test scores on average rise between 7-25% due to increased
cognitive capacities.
3. Biophilic design benefits - enhance positive mood states, promoting a sense of vitality and purpose
Exposure to natural light increases a neurotransmitter in the body called serotonin, which increases
happiness Research shows that exposure to the natural world can reduce negative thought patterns
(Bratman). Two groups were assessed, one walked in nature and the other on a busy street, the former
experienced an increase in positive thought patterns and a decrease in negative thought patterns
(interestingly, this is the same part of the brain linked to depression), whilst also stated
they felt a decrease in overall stress levels and anxiety.Biophysical services (if larger scale/parks etc.).
The physical changes that nature creates causes benefits to humans (ex: if more parks, people may be
more encouraged to go on a run near their house for example, thereby reducing obesity risks,
cardiovascular disease, and so on).
2. Research Gap
1. What is the importance of biophilic design?
2. How biophilic design elements, such as indoor plants, gardens, and views of nature, contribute to
reducing travel-related stress and enhancing the emotional well-being of passengers.
3. How can biophilic design balance sustainability with Aesthetics in a cost-effective manner?
4. What are the potential benefits or drawbacks of Simulated biophilic experiences compared to direct
Interactions with natural environments?
5. What metrics can be standardized to measure long-term Impacts of biophilic elements on mental
health and Stress reduction?
3. Aim
Creating environments that reconnect people with nature, Enhancing well-being, health, productivity,
and Sustainability in built spaces , By integrating natural Elements into the design of buildings.
4. Objectives
1. To study scenario OF AIRPORTS.
2. To syudy the concept of biophilic design.
3. To identify biophilic design strategies to improve the user experiance.
4. To formulate design guidelines for airports incorporating biophilic design concept to achieve
better user comfort.
