While biophilia refers to the inherent need to experience and love nature, biophobia is the inherited human fear of nature and animals. In the case of modern life, humans urge to separate themselves from nature to move towards technology, a cultural impulse where people tend to associate themselves with human artifacts, interests and managed activities.[7]​.

Some anxieties of the natural environment are inherited from threats observed in anthropocentric evolution, including fear of snakes, spiders, and blood.[3]​ In relation to buildings, biophobia is inferred from the aversion to the use of bright colors, heights, closed spaces, darkness, or large open spaces, which has been recorded as contributing to the discomfort of the inhabitants.[8]​.

Contenido

Considerado como uno de los pioneros del diseño biofílico, Stephen Kellert ha creado un marco en el que la naturaleza se utiliza en un entorno construido de una manera que satisface las necesidades humanas. Sus principios están destinados a celebrar y mostrar respeto por la naturaleza, y proporcionar un entorno urbano enriquecedor, es decir, multisensorial. Las dimensiones y atributos que definen el marco biofílico de Kellert se describen a continuación.

Direct experience of nature

Direct experience refers to sensory, tangible contact with natural characteristics:

• - Light: allows orientation about what time of day it is, and what season we are in, and contributes to orientation and comfort; Light can also cause natural patterns and shapes, movements and shadows. In design, this can be applied through clerestories, reflective materials, skylights, glass, and atriums. This provides well-being to the occupants.[9]​.

• - Air: ventilation, temperature and humidity are felt through the air. These conditions can be experienced through the use of windows and other passive strategies, but most importantly, the variation in these elements promotes the comfort and productivity of the inhabitants of that space.

• - Water: Water is multi-sensory and can be used in buildings to provide movement, sounds, touch and sight. It can be incorporated into the design through bodies of water, fountains, wetlands and aquariums. People have a strong connection to water and when used, it can decrease stress and increase health, performance and overall satisfaction.

• - Plants: bringing vegetation to the exterior and interior spaces of a building provides a direct relationship with nature. This must be abundant, that is, use must be made of green walls or many potted plants, and some of that vegetation must bloom. Plants have been proven to increase physical health, performance and productivity and reduce stress.

• - Animals: although it is difficult to achieve, it can be done through aquariums, gardens, animal feeders and green roofs. This interaction promotes focus, mental stimulation, and pleasure.[10]​.

• - Weather: Weather can be observed directly through windows and transition spaces, but can also be simulated by manipulating the air within the space. Climate awareness in ancient times meant human fitness and survival, and now it promotes awareness and mental stimulation.

• - Natural landscapes: This is achieved by creating self-sustaining ecosystems in the built environment. Given human evolution and history, people tend to enjoy savanna-like landscapes as they represent the breadth and abundance of natural life. Contact with this type of environment can be made through views or direct interactions such as gardens. These landscapes are known to increase occupant satisfaction.

• - Fire: This natural element is difficult to incorporate, however, when implemented correctly in the building, it provides color, warmth and movement, all of which are attractive and pleasant to the inhabitants.

Indirect experience of nature

Indirect experience refers to contact with images or representations of nature:

• - Nature Images: This has been shown to be emotionally and intellectually satisfying for occupants. Images of nature can be implemented through paintings, photographs, sculptures, murals, videos, etc.[9]​.

• - Natural materials: People prefer natural materials as they can stimulate the mind. Natural materials are susceptible to the patina of time; This change stimulates people's responses. These materials can be incorporated into buildings through the use of wood and stone. Natural fabrics, furniture and leather can be used in interior design.

• - Natural colors: Natural colors or "earth tones" are those commonly found in nature and are usually faint shades of brown, green and blue. When using colors in buildings, these natural tones should be represented. Brighter colors should only be used in moderation: one study showed that red flowers on plants caused fatigue and distracted occupants.[11]​.

• - Natural Air and Light Simulations: In areas where natural forms of ventilation and light cannot be achieved, creative use of interior lighting and mechanical ventilation can be used to mimic these natural features. Designers can do this by varying lighting through different types of lighting, reflective media, and natural geometries through which the luminaire can shine. Natural airflow can be mimicked by slight changes in temperature, humidity and air speed.

• - Naturalistic forms: natural forms and figures can be achieved in architectural design, placing columns and patterns based on nature on the facades. Including these different elements in spaces can turn a static space into an intriguing and attractive complex area.

• - Evoke nature: using characteristics found in nature to influence the structural design of the project. These may be things that may not occur in nature, rather they are isolated elements that represent natural landscapes, such as imitating different heights of plants found in ecosystems, or imitating particular characteristics of animals, water or plants.

• - Information richness: this can be achieved by providing complex, but not noisy, environments that stimulate the curiosity and imagination of the occupants. Many ecosystems are complex and full of different abiotic and biotic elements, so the goal of this attribute is to include these elements in the building environment.

• - Change and the Patina of Time: People are intrigued by nature and how it changes, adapts and ages over time, just like us. In buildings, this can be achieved by using organic materials that are susceptible to weathering and color change; This allows us to observe slight changes in our built environment over time.

Experience of space and place

The experience of space and place uses spatial relationships to improve well-being:.

• - Perspective and refuge: Refuge refers to the ability of buildings to provide comfortable and enriching interiors (cosy corners, soft lighting), while perspective emphasizes horizons, movement and sources of danger.[10]​ Examples of design elements include balconies, alcoves, changes in lighting and openness of areas (savanna environment).

• - Organized complexity: This principle is intended to simulate the need for controlled variability. This is done in the design through repetition, change and the architectural details of the building.

• - Integration of parts: when the different parts make up a whole, it provides satisfaction to the occupants. Design elements include interior spaces that use clear boundaries and/or the integration of a central focal point "Focus (geometry)").[9]​.

• - Transitional spaces: this element aims to connect interior spaces with the exterior or create comfort, by providing access from one space to another environment, through the use of porches, terraces, atriums, doors, bridges, fenestrations and vestibules.

• - Mobility: the ability of people to move comfortably between spaces, even when they are complex; It provides a sense of security to occupants and can be achieved by making entry and exit points clear.

• - Cultural and ecological place attachment: Creating a cultural sense of place in the built environment creates human connection and identity. This is done by incorporating the geography and history of the area into the design. Ecological identity is achieved through the creation of ecosystems that promote the use of native flora and fauna.

Each of these experiences must be considered individually, when used in a project, since from biophilia there is no single correct answer for each construction. Architects and owners of building projects should collaborate to include biophilic principles that they believe fit within their scope to more effectively reach their occupants.

Timothy Beatley believes that the key goal of biophilic cities is to create an environment where residents want to actively participate in, preserve and connect with the natural landscape around them. He set out ways to achieve this through a framework of infrastructure, governance, knowledge and behaviour. These dimensions may also be indicators of pre-existing biophilic attributes that can already be found in our current cities.

• - Biophilic conditions and infrastructure: The idea that a certain number of people at any given time should be near a green space or park. This could be done by creating an integrated ecological network, and walking trails throughout the city, designating certain portions of land area for vegetation and forests, green and biophilic building design features. and the use of flora and fauna throughout the city.[12]​.

• - Biophilic Activities: This refers to more time spent outdoors and visiting parks, longer periods outdoors in schools, better foot traffic in the city, better participation in community gardens and conservatory clubs, greater participation in local volunteer efforts.

• - Biophilic attitudes and knowledge: In areas with elements of urban biophilic design, there will be an improved number of residents who care about nature and can identify local native species. It also increases residents' curiosity about their local ecosystems.

• - Biophilic institutions and governance: local government bodies allocate part of the budget to nature and biophilic activities. Indicators of this include increased regulation requiring more ecological and biophilic design principles, grant programs that promote the use of nature and biophilia, the inclusion of natural history museums and educational programs, and greater participation by nature-focused non-governmental organizations and community groups.

Se argumenta que el diseño biofílico tiene una gran cantidad de beneficios para los ocupantes de los edificios y los entornos urbanos, al mejorar las conexiones con la naturaleza. Para las ciudades, muchos creen que la mayor defensa del concepto es su capacidad para hacer que la ciudad sea más resistente a cualquier factor de estrés ambiental que ella pueda enfrentar.

Health benefits

Catherine Ryan et al. found that things like nature sounds improved mental health 37% faster than traditional urban noise after exposure to stressors; the same study found that when surgery patients were exposed to aromatherapy, 45% used less morphine and 56% used fewer pain relievers overall.[13] Another study by Kaitlyn Gillis and Birgitta Gatersleben found that including plants in indoor environments reduces stress and increases pain tolerance; the use of aquatic features and the incorporation of views of nature are also mentally restorative for occupants.[11] When investigating the effects of biophilia on hospital patients, Peter Newman and Jana Soderlund found that increasing the quality of views in hospital rooms reduces depression and pain in patients, which in turn shortens hospital stays from 3.67 to 2.6 days.[14] In biophilic cities, Andrew Dannenberg, et al. indicated that there are higher levels of social connectivity and better capacity to manage life crises; this has resulted in lower levels of violence and aggression in the crime rate.[15] The same study found that the implementation of outdoor facilities, such as makeshift gyms such as the Green Gyms in the United Kingdom, allow people to help build walking paths, clear overgrown vegetation or plant foliage, and exercise more easily (walking, running, climbing, etc.). This has been shown to build social capital (Social Capital (Sociology)), increase physical activity, improve mental health and quality of life for those who participate. Additionally, Dannenberg, et alii also found that children who grow up in green neighborhoods have lower levels of asthma. Lower mortality rates and health disparities between rich and poor were also observed in greener neighborhoods.

Environmental benefits

Some argue that by adding physical natural elements, such as plants, trees, infiltration gardens, and green roofs, to the built environment, buildings and cities can better manage stormwater runoff because there are less impenetrable surfaces and better infiltration. To maintain these natural systems cost-effectively, excess gray water can be reused to water plants and vegetation; Vegetable walls and roofs also reduce contaminated water, since plants act as biofilters.[14]​.

Adding vegetation also reduces carbon emissions, the heat island effect and increases biodiversity. Carbon is reduced through the capture, precisely of carbon, in the roots of plants during photosynthesis. Green, high-albedo roofs and facades, and shading from vegetated streets and structures can reduce the amount of heat absorption normally found in asphalt or dark surfaces. This can reduce heating and cooling needs by 25%, and reduce temperature fluctuations by 50%. Additionally, adding green facades can increase the biodiversity of an area if native species are used. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore has seen a resurgence of 103 species of butterflies on site, thanks to the use of greenery around the exterior of the building.

Economic benefits

Biophilia may have slightly higher costs, due to the addition of natural items that require maintenance, higher priced organic items, etc. However, the perceived health and environmental benefits are thought to negate this. Peter Newman found that by adding biophilic landscaping and design, cities like New York City can achieve savings of around US$470 million due to increased productivity of their workers, and US$1.7 billion due to reduced spending on crime control.[14][16] They also found that storefronts on vegetated streets increased foot traffic, attracting consumers who were likely to be willing to spend 25% more. The same study showed that increasing natural lighting through skylights in a store increases sales by 40% (with a variation of +/- 7%). Properties with biophilic design also benefit from higher sales prices, with many selling for 16% more than conventional buildings.

Sustainability and resilience

On an urban scale, Timothy Beatley believes that biophilic design will allow cities to better adapt to the stresses caused by changing climates and therefore local environments. To better show this, he created a biophilic cities framework, where paths can be taken to increase the resilience and sustainability of cities. This includes three sections:

• - Biophilic urbanism: biophilic and ecological physical measures that can be taken to increase the resilience of the city.

• - Adaptability: how community behaviors will adapt as a result of these physical changes.

• - Resilient results: what can happen. if both steps are achieved.

In the Biophilic Urbanism section, one of the ways a city can increase resilience is by following the biophysical route. By safeguarding and promoting the inclusion of natural systems, the city's natural protective barrier is increased.[17]​ For example, New Orleans is a city that has been built on its natural wet plains and has been exposed to flooding. It is estimated that by keeping the wetlands intact, the city could save $23 billion annually in storm protection.

In the Adaptiveness section, Beatley states that commitment to place and the path to home creates stimulating and interesting natural environments for residents. This will create stronger ties to home, making citizens more likely to take care of where they live.[17]​ It goes further to say that in times of shock or stress, these people are more likely to rebuild or support the community rather than flee. This can also increase government action to protect the city from future disasters.

By achieving biophilic urbanism and adaptive capacity, Beatley believes that one of the greatest resilient outcomes of this framework will be greater adaptability of residents. Because the steps leading to resilience encourage people to walk outdoors and participate in activities, citizens become healthier and more physically fit; Those who walk in nature have been found to experience decreased depression, anger, and increased vigor compared to those who walk indoors.[17]​.

Dada la mayor información que respalda los beneficios del diseño biofílico, las organizaciones están comenzando a incorporar el concepto en sus estándares y sistemas de clasificación para alentar a los profesionales de la construcción a utilizar la biofilia en sus proyectos. A partir de ahora, los partidarios más destacados del diseño biofílico son WELL Building Standard y Living Building Challenge.

WELL Construction Standard

The International WELL Building Institute uses biophilic design in its WELL Standard as a qualitative and quantitative metric. Qualitative metrics should incorporate nature (environmental elements, natural lighting and spatial qualities), natural patterns and interaction of nature inside and outside the building; These efforts must be documented through a professional narrative to be considered for certification.[18]​.

For the quantitative part, projects must have outdoor biophilia (25% of the project must have accessible landscaped land or rooftop gardens and 70% of that 25% must be crops), indoor biophilia (seedbeds and pots must cover 1% of the surface of the floor areas and green walls must cover 2% of the floor area). Water characteristics (projects larger than 100,000 square feet (9,290 m) must have a water area that is 1.8 m high or 4 m surface area).[19] Verification is enforced through letters of guarantee from architects and owners, and through on-site checks. In general, both types of metrics can be applied to all types of buildings addressed by the WELL standard, with two exceptions: core and shell construction need not include quantitative interior biophilia, and existing interiors do not need to include interaction of a qualitative nature.

Living Building Challenge

The International Living Future Institute is the creator of the Living Building Challenge – a rigorous construction standard that aims to maximize building performance. This standard classifies the use of a biophilic environment as an imperative element in its health and happiness section. The living construction challenge requires that a framework be created that shows the following: how the project will incorporate nature through environmental features, light and space, natural silhouettes and forms, natural patterns and place-based relationships.[20]​ The challenge also requires that occupants be able to connect with nature directly through interaction, inside and outside the building. These are then verified through a preliminary audit procedure.

Biophilic design is considered still in its infancy, as it has not been implemented in contemporary construction projects until very recent times. Because of this, there has been little research exploring the long-term challenges, negative aspects, and even true benefits of biophilia for buildings and cities.[21]​.

Other concerns are the startup and maintenance costs of projects that implement expensive biophilic design principles. This could be due to the lack of research, as there is little information about the period in which investors' money is effectively recovered. Another problem is the prices of the necessary technology, although there is an eventual downward trend in these technological costs, as the concept becomes more common.[22]​.

The waterfall house

The Fallingwater House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous buildings, exemplifies many biophilic characteristics. The house has human nature connectivity through the integrative use of the waterfall and stream in its architecture; The sound produced by the water can be heard throughout the interior of the house.[23]​.

This allows visitors to feel like they are "participating" in nature rather than just "observing" it, as if the waterfall were downstream.[24] Additionally, the structure is built around existing foliage and embraces local geology by incorporating a large boulder in the center of the living area. There are also many glass walls to connect occupants with the surrounding forests and outdoor nature. To improve the flow of space, Wright included many transitional spaces in the home (porches and decks); He also enhanced direct and indirect experiences of nature, through the use of multiple fireplaces and a large number of shapes, colors and organic materials. Kellert's use of biophilic design principles is prominent throughout the structure, even though this house was built before such ideas were developed.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Known as a “garden hospital,” KTP has an abundance of native plants and water features surrounding its exterior. This inclusion of vegetation has increased the biodiversity of the local ecosystem, bringing in butterflies and bird species; The hospital's rooftop is also used by local residents to grow produce.[24] Unlike many other hospitals, 15% of visitors come to Khoo Teck Puat for recreational reasons, such as gardening or relaxation.[25] The design behind this hospital was to increase the productivity of its doctors, the well-being of its visitors and to increase the healing time and pain resistance of its patients. To do this, the designers incorporated greenery from the hospital courtyard to the upper floors, where patients have balconies covered in scented foliage. The hospital is centered on Yishun Pond, and like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, the architects made this natural feature part of the hospital by having water flow through its courtyard, creating the illusion that the water was "drawn" from the pond. The hospital also uses natural ventilation as much as possible in common areas and corridors by orienting them in the direction of the prevailing north and southeast winds; This has reduced power consumption by 60% and increased airflow by 20-30%. This creates thermally suitable environments for both patients and medical staff. Using Kellert's strategies above, it is evident that most of the strategies used for Khoo Teck Puat are direct experiences in nature. The hospital also uses transitional spaces to make occupants more connected to the outside and has organized complexity throughout its overall architectural design. KTP has created a sense of place for occupants and neighbors as it acts as a common place for both those who work there and those who live nearby.

Singapore

Nicknamed a “city in a garden,” Singapore has dedicated many resources to creating a system of nature reserves, parks and connectors such as the Southern Ridges, and tree-lined streets that promote the return of wildlife and reduce the heat island effect often seen in dense urban centers; The local government agrees that daily doses of nature improve the well-being of its citizens.[26]​[27]​ To manage stormwater, the Singapore government has implemented the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Project, where the old concrete water drains were excavated for the reconstruction of the Kallang River, allowing residents in the area to enjoy the physical and physiological health benefits of having a green space with water. The reinvention of the park has increased the biodiversity of the local ecosystem, with dragonflies, butterflies, hornbills and smooth-coated otters returning to the Singapore region. The river also acts as a natural stormwater management system, increasing infiltration and movement of excess water.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is located between the Oslo Fjord. Forests are an important feature of this municipality. More than two thirds of the city are protected forests. In recent surveys, more than 81% of Oslo residents said they had gone to these forests at least once in the last year.[27] These forests are protected, as Oslo adheres to the ISO14001 standard for its forest management: the trees are managed to "living forest" standards, meaning that limited harvesting is acceptable.

To connect the city to its fjords, the Oslo government has begun the process of putting its roads underground in tunnels. This, combined with the construction of aesthetically creative architecture (Project Barcode) on the promenade paths, is transforming this area into a place where residents can enjoy unobstructed views of the fjord.[28] Oslo has a "Noise Action Plan" to help alleviate urban noise levels. Some of these areas (mostly recreational) have noise levels as low as 50 dB.[27]​.

• - Green architecture.

• - Green building.

• - Sustainable city.

• - This work contains a translation derived from «Biophilic design» from English Wikipedia, published by its editors under the GNU Free Documentation License and the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

While biophilia refers to the inherent need to experience and love nature, biophobia is the inherited human fear of nature and animals. In the case of modern life, humans urge to separate themselves from nature to move towards technology, a cultural impulse where people tend to associate themselves with human artifacts, interests and managed activities.[7]​.

Some anxieties of the natural environment are inherited from threats observed in anthropocentric evolution, including fear of snakes, spiders, and blood.[3]​ In relation to buildings, biophobia is inferred from the aversion to the use of bright colors, heights, closed spaces, darkness, or large open spaces, which has been recorded as contributing to the discomfort of the inhabitants.[8]​.

Contenido

Considerado como uno de los pioneros del diseño biofílico, Stephen Kellert ha creado un marco en el que la naturaleza se utiliza en un entorno construido de una manera que satisface las necesidades humanas. Sus principios están destinados a celebrar y mostrar respeto por la naturaleza, y proporcionar un entorno urbano enriquecedor, es decir, multisensorial. Las dimensiones y atributos que definen el marco biofílico de Kellert se describen a continuación.

Direct experience of nature

Direct experience refers to sensory, tangible contact with natural characteristics:

• - Light: allows orientation about what time of day it is, and what season we are in, and contributes to orientation and comfort; Light can also cause natural patterns and shapes, movements and shadows. In design, this can be applied through clerestories, reflective materials, skylights, glass, and atriums. This provides well-being to the occupants.[9]​.

• - Air: ventilation, temperature and humidity are felt through the air. These conditions can be experienced through the use of windows and other passive strategies, but most importantly, the variation in these elements promotes the comfort and productivity of the inhabitants of that space.

• - Water: Water is multi-sensory and can be used in buildings to provide movement, sounds, touch and sight. It can be incorporated into the design through bodies of water, fountains, wetlands and aquariums. People have a strong connection to water and when used, it can decrease stress and increase health, performance and overall satisfaction.

• - Plants: bringing vegetation to the exterior and interior spaces of a building provides a direct relationship with nature. This must be abundant, that is, use must be made of green walls or many potted plants, and some of that vegetation must bloom. Plants have been proven to increase physical health, performance and productivity and reduce stress.

• - Animals: although it is difficult to achieve, it can be done through aquariums, gardens, animal feeders and green roofs. This interaction promotes focus, mental stimulation, and pleasure.[10]​.

• - Weather: Weather can be observed directly through windows and transition spaces, but can also be simulated by manipulating the air within the space. Climate awareness in ancient times meant human fitness and survival, and now it promotes awareness and mental stimulation.

• - Natural landscapes: This is achieved by creating self-sustaining ecosystems in the built environment. Given human evolution and history, people tend to enjoy savanna-like landscapes as they represent the breadth and abundance of natural life. Contact with this type of environment can be made through views or direct interactions such as gardens. These landscapes are known to increase occupant satisfaction.

• - Fire: This natural element is difficult to incorporate, however, when implemented correctly in the building, it provides color, warmth and movement, all of which are attractive and pleasant to the inhabitants.

Indirect experience of nature

Indirect experience refers to contact with images or representations of nature:

• - Nature Images: This has been shown to be emotionally and intellectually satisfying for occupants. Images of nature can be implemented through paintings, photographs, sculptures, murals, videos, etc.[9]​.

• - Natural materials: People prefer natural materials as they can stimulate the mind. Natural materials are susceptible to the patina of time; This change stimulates people's responses. These materials can be incorporated into buildings through the use of wood and stone. Natural fabrics, furniture and leather can be used in interior design.

• - Natural colors: Natural colors or "earth tones" are those commonly found in nature and are usually faint shades of brown, green and blue. When using colors in buildings, these natural tones should be represented. Brighter colors should only be used in moderation: one study showed that red flowers on plants caused fatigue and distracted occupants.[11]​.

• - Natural Air and Light Simulations: In areas where natural forms of ventilation and light cannot be achieved, creative use of interior lighting and mechanical ventilation can be used to mimic these natural features. Designers can do this by varying lighting through different types of lighting, reflective media, and natural geometries through which the luminaire can shine. Natural airflow can be mimicked by slight changes in temperature, humidity and air speed.

• - Naturalistic forms: natural forms and figures can be achieved in architectural design, placing columns and patterns based on nature on the facades. Including these different elements in spaces can turn a static space into an intriguing and attractive complex area.

• - Evoke nature: using characteristics found in nature to influence the structural design of the project. These may be things that may not occur in nature, rather they are isolated elements that represent natural landscapes, such as imitating different heights of plants found in ecosystems, or imitating particular characteristics of animals, water or plants.

• - Information richness: this can be achieved by providing complex, but not noisy, environments that stimulate the curiosity and imagination of the occupants. Many ecosystems are complex and full of different abiotic and biotic elements, so the goal of this attribute is to include these elements in the building environment.

• - Change and the Patina of Time: People are intrigued by nature and how it changes, adapts and ages over time, just like us. In buildings, this can be achieved by using organic materials that are susceptible to weathering and color change; This allows us to observe slight changes in our built environment over time.

Experience of space and place

The experience of space and place uses spatial relationships to improve well-being:.

• - Perspective and refuge: Refuge refers to the ability of buildings to provide comfortable and enriching interiors (cosy corners, soft lighting), while perspective emphasizes horizons, movement and sources of danger.[10]​ Examples of design elements include balconies, alcoves, changes in lighting and openness of areas (savanna environment).

• - Organized complexity: This principle is intended to simulate the need for controlled variability. This is done in the design through repetition, change and the architectural details of the building.

• - Integration of parts: when the different parts make up a whole, it provides satisfaction to the occupants. Design elements include interior spaces that use clear boundaries and/or the integration of a central focal point "Focus (geometry)").[9]​.

• - Transitional spaces: this element aims to connect interior spaces with the exterior or create comfort, by providing access from one space to another environment, through the use of porches, terraces, atriums, doors, bridges, fenestrations and vestibules.

• - Mobility: the ability of people to move comfortably between spaces, even when they are complex; It provides a sense of security to occupants and can be achieved by making entry and exit points clear.

• - Cultural and ecological place attachment: Creating a cultural sense of place in the built environment creates human connection and identity. This is done by incorporating the geography and history of the area into the design. Ecological identity is achieved through the creation of ecosystems that promote the use of native flora and fauna.

Each of these experiences must be considered individually, when used in a project, since from biophilia there is no single correct answer for each construction. Architects and owners of building projects should collaborate to include biophilic principles that they believe fit within their scope to more effectively reach their occupants.

Timothy Beatley believes that the key goal of biophilic cities is to create an environment where residents want to actively participate in, preserve and connect with the natural landscape around them. He set out ways to achieve this through a framework of infrastructure, governance, knowledge and behaviour. These dimensions may also be indicators of pre-existing biophilic attributes that can already be found in our current cities.

• - Biophilic conditions and infrastructure: The idea that a certain number of people at any given time should be near a green space or park. This could be done by creating an integrated ecological network, and walking trails throughout the city, designating certain portions of land area for vegetation and forests, green and biophilic building design features. and the use of flora and fauna throughout the city.[12]​.

• - Biophilic Activities: This refers to more time spent outdoors and visiting parks, longer periods outdoors in schools, better foot traffic in the city, better participation in community gardens and conservatory clubs, greater participation in local volunteer efforts.

• - Biophilic attitudes and knowledge: In areas with elements of urban biophilic design, there will be an improved number of residents who care about nature and can identify local native species. It also increases residents' curiosity about their local ecosystems.

• - Biophilic institutions and governance: local government bodies allocate part of the budget to nature and biophilic activities. Indicators of this include increased regulation requiring more ecological and biophilic design principles, grant programs that promote the use of nature and biophilia, the inclusion of natural history museums and educational programs, and greater participation by nature-focused non-governmental organizations and community groups.

Se argumenta que el diseño biofílico tiene una gran cantidad de beneficios para los ocupantes de los edificios y los entornos urbanos, al mejorar las conexiones con la naturaleza. Para las ciudades, muchos creen que la mayor defensa del concepto es su capacidad para hacer que la ciudad sea más resistente a cualquier factor de estrés ambiental que ella pueda enfrentar.

Health benefits

Catherine Ryan et al. found that things like nature sounds improved mental health 37% faster than traditional urban noise after exposure to stressors; the same study found that when surgery patients were exposed to aromatherapy, 45% used less morphine and 56% used fewer pain relievers overall.[13] Another study by Kaitlyn Gillis and Birgitta Gatersleben found that including plants in indoor environments reduces stress and increases pain tolerance; the use of aquatic features and the incorporation of views of nature are also mentally restorative for occupants.[11] When investigating the effects of biophilia on hospital patients, Peter Newman and Jana Soderlund found that increasing the quality of views in hospital rooms reduces depression and pain in patients, which in turn shortens hospital stays from 3.67 to 2.6 days.[14] In biophilic cities, Andrew Dannenberg, et al. indicated that there are higher levels of social connectivity and better capacity to manage life crises; this has resulted in lower levels of violence and aggression in the crime rate.[15] The same study found that the implementation of outdoor facilities, such as makeshift gyms such as the Green Gyms in the United Kingdom, allow people to help build walking paths, clear overgrown vegetation or plant foliage, and exercise more easily (walking, running, climbing, etc.). This has been shown to build social capital (Social Capital (Sociology)), increase physical activity, improve mental health and quality of life for those who participate. Additionally, Dannenberg, et alii also found that children who grow up in green neighborhoods have lower levels of asthma. Lower mortality rates and health disparities between rich and poor were also observed in greener neighborhoods.

Environmental benefits

Some argue that by adding physical natural elements, such as plants, trees, infiltration gardens, and green roofs, to the built environment, buildings and cities can better manage stormwater runoff because there are less impenetrable surfaces and better infiltration. To maintain these natural systems cost-effectively, excess gray water can be reused to water plants and vegetation; Vegetable walls and roofs also reduce contaminated water, since plants act as biofilters.[14]​.

Adding vegetation also reduces carbon emissions, the heat island effect and increases biodiversity. Carbon is reduced through the capture, precisely of carbon, in the roots of plants during photosynthesis. Green, high-albedo roofs and facades, and shading from vegetated streets and structures can reduce the amount of heat absorption normally found in asphalt or dark surfaces. This can reduce heating and cooling needs by 25%, and reduce temperature fluctuations by 50%. Additionally, adding green facades can increase the biodiversity of an area if native species are used. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore has seen a resurgence of 103 species of butterflies on site, thanks to the use of greenery around the exterior of the building.

Economic benefits

Biophilia may have slightly higher costs, due to the addition of natural items that require maintenance, higher priced organic items, etc. However, the perceived health and environmental benefits are thought to negate this. Peter Newman found that by adding biophilic landscaping and design, cities like New York City can achieve savings of around US$470 million due to increased productivity of their workers, and US$1.7 billion due to reduced spending on crime control.[14][16] They also found that storefronts on vegetated streets increased foot traffic, attracting consumers who were likely to be willing to spend 25% more. The same study showed that increasing natural lighting through skylights in a store increases sales by 40% (with a variation of +/- 7%). Properties with biophilic design also benefit from higher sales prices, with many selling for 16% more than conventional buildings.

Sustainability and resilience

On an urban scale, Timothy Beatley believes that biophilic design will allow cities to better adapt to the stresses caused by changing climates and therefore local environments. To better show this, he created a biophilic cities framework, where paths can be taken to increase the resilience and sustainability of cities. This includes three sections:

• - Biophilic urbanism: biophilic and ecological physical measures that can be taken to increase the resilience of the city.

• - Adaptability: how community behaviors will adapt as a result of these physical changes.

• - Resilient results: what can happen. if both steps are achieved.

In the Biophilic Urbanism section, one of the ways a city can increase resilience is by following the biophysical route. By safeguarding and promoting the inclusion of natural systems, the city's natural protective barrier is increased.[17]​ For example, New Orleans is a city that has been built on its natural wet plains and has been exposed to flooding. It is estimated that by keeping the wetlands intact, the city could save $23 billion annually in storm protection.

In the Adaptiveness section, Beatley states that commitment to place and the path to home creates stimulating and interesting natural environments for residents. This will create stronger ties to home, making citizens more likely to take care of where they live.[17]​ It goes further to say that in times of shock or stress, these people are more likely to rebuild or support the community rather than flee. This can also increase government action to protect the city from future disasters.

By achieving biophilic urbanism and adaptive capacity, Beatley believes that one of the greatest resilient outcomes of this framework will be greater adaptability of residents. Because the steps leading to resilience encourage people to walk outdoors and participate in activities, citizens become healthier and more physically fit; Those who walk in nature have been found to experience decreased depression, anger, and increased vigor compared to those who walk indoors.[17]​.

Dada la mayor información que respalda los beneficios del diseño biofílico, las organizaciones están comenzando a incorporar el concepto en sus estándares y sistemas de clasificación para alentar a los profesionales de la construcción a utilizar la biofilia en sus proyectos. A partir de ahora, los partidarios más destacados del diseño biofílico son WELL Building Standard y Living Building Challenge.

WELL Construction Standard

The International WELL Building Institute uses biophilic design in its WELL Standard as a qualitative and quantitative metric. Qualitative metrics should incorporate nature (environmental elements, natural lighting and spatial qualities), natural patterns and interaction of nature inside and outside the building; These efforts must be documented through a professional narrative to be considered for certification.[18]​.

For the quantitative part, projects must have outdoor biophilia (25% of the project must have accessible landscaped land or rooftop gardens and 70% of that 25% must be crops), indoor biophilia (seedbeds and pots must cover 1% of the surface of the floor areas and green walls must cover 2% of the floor area). Water characteristics (projects larger than 100,000 square feet (9,290 m) must have a water area that is 1.8 m high or 4 m surface area).[19] Verification is enforced through letters of guarantee from architects and owners, and through on-site checks. In general, both types of metrics can be applied to all types of buildings addressed by the WELL standard, with two exceptions: core and shell construction need not include quantitative interior biophilia, and existing interiors do not need to include interaction of a qualitative nature.

Living Building Challenge

The International Living Future Institute is the creator of the Living Building Challenge – a rigorous construction standard that aims to maximize building performance. This standard classifies the use of a biophilic environment as an imperative element in its health and happiness section. The living construction challenge requires that a framework be created that shows the following: how the project will incorporate nature through environmental features, light and space, natural silhouettes and forms, natural patterns and place-based relationships.[20]​ The challenge also requires that occupants be able to connect with nature directly through interaction, inside and outside the building. These are then verified through a preliminary audit procedure.

Biophilic design is considered still in its infancy, as it has not been implemented in contemporary construction projects until very recent times. Because of this, there has been little research exploring the long-term challenges, negative aspects, and even true benefits of biophilia for buildings and cities.[21]​.

Other concerns are the startup and maintenance costs of projects that implement expensive biophilic design principles. This could be due to the lack of research, as there is little information about the period in which investors' money is effectively recovered. Another problem is the prices of the necessary technology, although there is an eventual downward trend in these technological costs, as the concept becomes more common.[22]​.

The waterfall house

The Fallingwater House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous buildings, exemplifies many biophilic characteristics. The house has human nature connectivity through the integrative use of the waterfall and stream in its architecture; The sound produced by the water can be heard throughout the interior of the house.[23]​.

This allows visitors to feel like they are "participating" in nature rather than just "observing" it, as if the waterfall were downstream.[24] Additionally, the structure is built around existing foliage and embraces local geology by incorporating a large boulder in the center of the living area. There are also many glass walls to connect occupants with the surrounding forests and outdoor nature. To improve the flow of space, Wright included many transitional spaces in the home (porches and decks); He also enhanced direct and indirect experiences of nature, through the use of multiple fireplaces and a large number of shapes, colors and organic materials. Kellert's use of biophilic design principles is prominent throughout the structure, even though this house was built before such ideas were developed.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Known as a “garden hospital,” KTP has an abundance of native plants and water features surrounding its exterior. This inclusion of vegetation has increased the biodiversity of the local ecosystem, bringing in butterflies and bird species; The hospital's rooftop is also used by local residents to grow produce.[24] Unlike many other hospitals, 15% of visitors come to Khoo Teck Puat for recreational reasons, such as gardening or relaxation.[25] The design behind this hospital was to increase the productivity of its doctors, the well-being of its visitors and to increase the healing time and pain resistance of its patients. To do this, the designers incorporated greenery from the hospital courtyard to the upper floors, where patients have balconies covered in scented foliage. The hospital is centered on Yishun Pond, and like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, the architects made this natural feature part of the hospital by having water flow through its courtyard, creating the illusion that the water was "drawn" from the pond. The hospital also uses natural ventilation as much as possible in common areas and corridors by orienting them in the direction of the prevailing north and southeast winds; This has reduced power consumption by 60% and increased airflow by 20-30%. This creates thermally suitable environments for both patients and medical staff. Using Kellert's strategies above, it is evident that most of the strategies used for Khoo Teck Puat are direct experiences in nature. The hospital also uses transitional spaces to make occupants more connected to the outside and has organized complexity throughout its overall architectural design. KTP has created a sense of place for occupants and neighbors as it acts as a common place for both those who work there and those who live nearby.

Singapore

Nicknamed a “city in a garden,” Singapore has dedicated many resources to creating a system of nature reserves, parks and connectors such as the Southern Ridges, and tree-lined streets that promote the return of wildlife and reduce the heat island effect often seen in dense urban centers; The local government agrees that daily doses of nature improve the well-being of its citizens.[26]​[27]​ To manage stormwater, the Singapore government has implemented the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Project, where the old concrete water drains were excavated for the reconstruction of the Kallang River, allowing residents in the area to enjoy the physical and physiological health benefits of having a green space with water. The reinvention of the park has increased the biodiversity of the local ecosystem, with dragonflies, butterflies, hornbills and smooth-coated otters returning to the Singapore region. The river also acts as a natural stormwater management system, increasing infiltration and movement of excess water.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is located between the Oslo Fjord. Forests are an important feature of this municipality. More than two thirds of the city are protected forests. In recent surveys, more than 81% of Oslo residents said they had gone to these forests at least once in the last year.[27] These forests are protected, as Oslo adheres to the ISO14001 standard for its forest management: the trees are managed to "living forest" standards, meaning that limited harvesting is acceptable.

To connect the city to its fjords, the Oslo government has begun the process of putting its roads underground in tunnels. This, combined with the construction of aesthetically creative architecture (Project Barcode) on the promenade paths, is transforming this area into a place where residents can enjoy unobstructed views of the fjord.[28] Oslo has a "Noise Action Plan" to help alleviate urban noise levels. Some of these areas (mostly recreational) have noise levels as low as 50 dB.[27]​.

• - Green architecture.

• - Green building.

• - Sustainable city.

• - This work contains a translation derived from «Biophilic design» from English Wikipedia, published by its editors under the GNU Free Documentation License and the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.