Benefits
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:
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].