The benefits of Biophilia

Recent research in environmental science and psychology has shown that incorporating elements of nature into the built environment has numerous benefits. Even limited contact with nature, such as introducing plants or providing views of natural landscapes, can have significant positive effects on human health and well-being. This approach, known as biophilic design, not only improves quality of life but also offers financial advantages. A white paper titled „The Economics of Biophilia“ by Terrapin Bright Green highlights the social and economic benefits of biophilic design, including increased property values, enhanced worker productivity, improved public health, phytoremediation of industrial areas, and potential reduction in violence and crime.

Over the past three decades, numerous studies have focused on exploring the relationship between nature and human health, particularly within healthcare settings. These studies consistently indicate that intentional exposure to nature positively influences human well-being and mental health. A notable study conducted by Roger Ulrich examined the impact of environmental factors on postoperative patients recovering from gallbladder surgery. The research revealed that patients with a room providing an unobstructed view of trees experienced fewer complications, required less medication, had faster recovery times, and expressed higher satisfaction compared to patients with a window facing a wall.

Research conducted in the 1990s revealed that incorporating nature, such as indoor plants, in workplaces has numerous positive effects. Workers in environments with views of natural elements demonstrated higher job satisfaction and performance levels. Introducing plants in windowless workspaces increased productivity, improved cognitive function, reduced stress, and enhanced well-being. Access to daylight and other biophilic elements also provided physical and psychological benefits, including decreased fatigue, improved respiratory health, and enhanced academic performance in educational settings. These findings highlight the significant advantages of integrating biophilic elements for improved outcomes in various environments.

Examples for Biophilic Design

The New California Academy of Science Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, exemplifies the successful incorporation of biophilic elements and sustainable practices in architectural design. The museum, which received a double platinum LEED certification, showcases ecological materials and innovative systems. Built on the site of the old academy building damaged in the 1989 earthquake, the design harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape, resembling the nearby hills. The project emphasizes minimal disturbance to the natural world and was praised by the New York Times for its use of recycled materials, extensive natural lighting, and a large vegetated roof. The roof, created in collaboration with Rana Creek ecological design firm, provides excellent thermal insulation and aids in rainwater recycling. The New California Academy of Science Museum stands as a model for promoting environmental appreciation and sustainable architecture.

Another example of an integrated biophilic approach to the built environment is the Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies at Oberlin College in Ohio. Internationally renowned for his Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) approach to design, the lead architect William McDonough and partners envisioned the Lewis Center „to be as bountiful and effective as a tree.“ The building integrates many innovative systems minimizing its energy usage; for instance, a vegetated wetland ecosystem surrounding the building that purifies wastewater to be reused for irrigation and sanitation, and a passive air circulation system achieving the level of performance, reliability, and comfort that exceed those of conventional man-made technologies.

In the 1980s, Professor Wolverton conducted research for NASA on finding efficient ways to produce fresh food and recycle air and water in spacecraft. His findings showed that certain plants not only convert carbon dioxide into oxygen but also effectively capture harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. While not yet utilized in space exploration, Wolverton's research led to the publication of the popular book „How to Grow Fresh Air“ and the development of innovative products such as the 'Plant Air Purifier' and the 'ANDREA' system.

The 'Plant Air Purifier' is a plant pot with an active ventilating system and hydroculture that significantly enhances the natural air-cleaning ability of houseplants. Similarly, the 'ANDREA' system, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur and Harvard professor David Edwards, encapsulates a living plant to improve the purification process. It uses an electric fan to force air through a self-watering substrate containing activated charcoal, allowing the plant's root system to decompose pollutants. Studies have shown that this system outperforms conventional air filtration systems.

The 'Latro Lamp' is a design concept by Mike Thompson that captures the electric charge generated by algae during photosynthesis and converts it into light. Developed with the assistance of Plant Physiology specialist Professor Vredenberg, the lamp utilizes the energy collected from algae during the day to illuminate at night. While current challenges exist in terms of efficiency and cost, advancements in Nanotechnology, such as carbon nanotube production, hold promise for creating more efficient and affordable versions of the lamp in the future.

The 'Microbial Home' concept, developed by the Phillips probe project design team and awarded the red dot luminary award in 2011, aims to create cyclical ecosystems within the home. The system utilizes proven technology and biological processes to optimize resource usage and challenge the notion of waste. Key devices in the system include the Bio-digester kitchen island, which converts bathroom and food waste into methane gas for energy and produces compost; the Larder, designed to keep food fresh through evaporative cooling; the Filtering Squatting Toilet, which separates waste and directs it to the Bio-digester; the Bio-light, which uses bioluminescent bacteria fed with methane and composted material; and the Paternoster waste up-cycler, utilizing fungi with powerful enzymes to decompose plastic. The innovative aspect lies in combining existing technologies within an elegant, interdependent system designed for urban habitats.

Biophilic Design principles

Nature in the space

1- visual connection with nature.

Visual connection with nature in biophilic design refers to intentionally incorporating outdoor views and natural elements within built environments, aiming to enhance well-being and foster a sense of connection with the natural world.

2- non-visual connection with nature. 

Designing spaces that engage all 5 senses lies at the heart of biophilic design. Sensory spaces are more interesting, they feel better and can contribute to bringing people closer to the natural world.

-touch.

-hearing.

-smell.

-taste.

3- non-rhythmic sensory stimuli.

unpredictable and non-repetitive movements recalling those happening in nature (birds chirping, leaves moving in a breeze…)

4- thermal and airflow variability.

variability in air temperature and flow, changes in relative humidity and varying surface temperatures.

5- the presence of water.

use of water and water-mimicking solutions as design features.

6- dynamic and diffuse light.

varying lighting intensities and light changes over time evoking the natural cycle of day and night.

7- connection with natural systems.

awareness of seasonal and temporal changes stimulated by design solutions.

8- biomorphic forms and patterns.

nature-inspired textures, shapes and patterns.

9- material connection with nature.

natural materials and elements that reflect the local environment in terms of ecology or geology.

10- complexity and order.

rich sensory features recalling natural spatial hierarchies (otherwise called fractal patterns).

11- prospect.

uninterrupted views over a distance creating feelings of calm and safety.

12- refuge.

sense of protection from movements and activities happening in the surroundings.

13- mystery.

partially obscured views stimulating curiosity about the unknown.

14- risk/peril.

balanced combination of a perceived sense of risk and the rational knowledge of safety.

Introduction to Refuge space project

Problem statement

As we all know, nature has a positive impact on human life, so it is important to interact with nature and always have a sense and view of it. Unfortunately, not all cities have access to natural landscape views, many cities, like Cairo, have limited opportunities for residents to interact with nature or even enjoy a scenic view from their windows. This lack of connection with the natural world can have detrimental effects on our well-being.

- The Impact of Limited Access to Nature in Urban Environments:

- Decreased well-being and increased stress levels.

- Reduced productivity and creativity.

- Higher rates of mental health issues.

Research conducted by the University of Exeter in the UK

suggests that living in urban areas with less green space is associated

with higher levels of mental distress and decreased overall well-being.

As an example of the importance of this matter Tokyo, one of the most

densely populated cities in the world has made efforts to incorporate

green spaces within the city, such as rooftop gardens and urban parks,

to provide residents with opportunities to connect with nature despite

limited space.

Refuge space: Enhancing Urban Well-being Through Nature Integration

The project task is to bring nature indoors, creating a refuge space for employees, By providing a sanctuary within the workplace to help them escape their stress, improve employees' mental well-being, and enhance their work efficiency.

Target Group.

The project's target group is big companies which are located in urban cities with limited access to natural views.

Workplace Refuge: Bringing Nature's Serenity Indoors

Let’s imagine a hard day at work, with so many things to do and the tasks keep building up higher and higher and you feel stuck, then you start getting anxious and stressed. you decided to go look out the window or have a walk, but everything around you is loud and crowded. Now imagine if there is a space inside your building where you can just go there take off your shoes and feel the grass under your feet. feel the natural breeze., sit on the grass. relax, sleep, or read something. Hearing the sounds of birds and nature through 360 degrees speakers, and relaxing under the natural light You used all your senses to feel nature around you. Now you are ready to go back to work.

Embracing the principles of biophilic design.

- Biophilic design principles integrated into this project:

- Visual connection with nature.

- Non-visual connection with nature.

- Touch, Hearing, Smell.

- Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli.

- Presence of water.

- Dynamic and diffuse light.

Also taking into consideration the nature of the space while designing the room:

- Prospect: Uninterrupted views over distance. (wide view of nature).

- The concept of refuge which is a secluded area that makes a space feel intimate and comforting. Knowing that there are some main points to creating a refuge space:

- Comfortable space.

- Small in size.

- Shielded from the rest of the space. Ideally, a refuge should provide protection from three sides, Leaving the fourth open to the surroundings.

Storyboard

Moodboard

Ideation

Refuge Capsule

The Project Idea then changed from being a refuge space or a room to being a refuge capsule to be smaller in size and flexible in where to place them.

The project task is to create a refuge space for workplaces in urban areas, offering employees a stress-relieving sanctuary, to help them escape their stress, improve employees' mental well-being, and enhance their work efficiency.

The project's target group is big companies which are located in urban cities with limited access to natural views.

Refuge capsule introduction

-Different capsules with various natural themes:

-Green and Grass.

-Beach and Sand.

-Sea and Water.

-Nature and natural materials integrated inside:

-It depends on the capsule theme:

1-Green and Grass:

-Grass ground, Plants on the surface, Speakers for natural sounds, and Natural sunlight.

2-Beach and Sand:

-Sand ground, Water and Wave sounds, and Natural sunlight.

3-Sea and Water:

-Wooden floor, Small water pool, Natural sounds, and natural sunlight.

Embracing the principles of Biophilic Design

- Visual connection with nature.

-Non-visual connection with nature.

  Touch, Hearing, and Smell.

-Presence of water.

Also taking into consideration the nature of space:

- The concept of refuge itself which is a secluded areas that makes a space feel intimate and comforting.

- Small in size.

- Shielded from the rest of the space.

Refuge Capsule storyboard

Refuge capsule moodboard

Sketches

Render

How does it work

The Capsule will be placed in certain places in the company building, On the roof, in the Outdoor break area if available on the company grounds, or anywhere with good access to sunlight. The user can go inside, take off his shoes, and relax on the grass or lay down on the couch inside. He can adjust the shields to control the amount of light that will get inside, and also control the temperature of the space, and the volume of the speakers inside. He will be able to control everything once he connect his phone with the capsule.

Parts

Section View

Technical Drawings

Final render

Thank you