Nature and Psychological Comfort: Biophilic Architecture

NATURE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COMFORT
PRABAL DAHAL
BAE/2070/27
February, 2018
Biophilic Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
KATHMANDU ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
KATHMANDU
SEMINAR AND DIRECTED STUDIES: AR 801

CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
3. COMFORT IN ARCHITECTURE
4. BIOPHILIA AND COMFORT:
A CASE OF LITERATURE AND SURVEY
5. INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDIES
6. ANALYSIS
7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
NATURE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COMFORT: BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE
SEMINAR AND DIRECTED STUDIES: AR 801 PRABAL DAHAL BAE/2070/27 2

1. INTRODUCTION: I. Background
1. INTRODUCTION
I. Background
• Human evolution occurred in a natural
environment.
• Evolution occurred mainly in sensory
world.
• Elements of ancestral habitats in built
environment results in positive effects and
relaxed physiological and psychological
states

II. Research Question
How does incorporating nature in a built
space bring about comfort?
Sub Questions:-
A. What is incorporating nature in the built space?
B. How is it done?
C. What is comfort?
D. How does nature bring about comfort to human
psyche?
1. INTRODUCTION: II. Research Question

1. INTRODUCTION: III. Objectives
III. Objectives
• To explore biophilic design and the
impact of biophilic architecture on the
human psychology based upon
literature reviews, case studies and
previously done research findings

IV. Methodology
IV. Methodology
Research Question
Data Collection (Literature Study,
Case Studies, Surveying)
Analysis
Findings and Conclusion

1. INTRODUCTION: IV. Methodology
IV. Methodology
Literature Study
• What is biophilic architecture?
• Biophilic architecture
(report/journal/book)
• Documentaries and TED talk
• What is psychological comfort in
architecture?
• Books and internet articles
• Nature and comfort
• Researches and findings
Research Question
Analysis

IV. Methodology
Case Studies
• Study how principles of biophilic
architecture has been used in
formation of spaces.
• Understand the users experience
in the biophilically designed
spaces
Research Question
Analysis

IV. Methodology
Surveying
• Questions to students and
teachers of Architecture on
whether they like nature in their
built space.
Research Question
Analysis

IV. Methodology
Analysis
• Inferences from Literature Study
that could be used for Case Study
• Cross Case Analysis
• Making Sense of Literature and
Case Studies
Research Question
Analysis

2. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
2. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilia is the inherent
human inclination to
affiliate with nature that
even in the modern world
continues to be critical to
people’s physical and
mental health and
wellbeing (Kellert 1997,
2012).
KHOO TECK PUAT HOSPITAL IN SINGAPORE WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Source: living-future.org

2. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
BIOPHILIC PRINCIPLES:
• Repeated and sustained engagement
with nature.
• Human adaptations to the natural
world.
• Emotional attachment to particular
settings and places.
• Positive interactions between people
and nature
• Mutual reinforcing, interconnected,
and integrated architectural
solutions.
BEING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Source: https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2014/11/gadd5.jpg

2. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
14
Biophilic
Patterns
(Terrapin Bright Green, 2014)

Comfort, according to the Cambridge
Dictionary is a pleasant feeling of
being relaxed and free from pain.
CONTEXTS OF COMFORT:
• Physical context (bodily mechanisms)
• Psycho-spiritual context (beliefs,
consciousness of self)
• Environmental context (temperature,
humidity)
COMFORT DIFFERS BASED UPON SITUATIONS
Source: https://www.petcha.com

Physical Context Attributes Subjective Context Attributes
Safety Territory
Efficiency Home
Environmental Adjustment Privacy
Beauty
Attributes of Comfort in Architecture
Source: Helga Santos da Silva and Mauro César de Oliveira Santos
Architecture is not an isolated field and has to incorporate all these
contexts for it to sustain, inspire and actually cater to the
psychological comfort needs of people that use it.

4. BIOPHILIA AND COMFORT
Architectural design attributes generally
regarded as essential to well-being (Daniel
Silvernail Architects)
(5/12 attributes link with biophilia)
i. Connection to nature and natural
processes
ii. Sensory variability
iii. Sound levels similar to nature
iv. Interesting visual environment with
aesthetic integrity
v. Wayfinding and making sense
USE OF
BIOPHILIC
PATTERNS FOR
ASSESSING
CASE STUDIES

SURVEY ON BIOPHILIA AMONG THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF ARCHITECTURE AT KEC
96%
2%
1% 1%
Q1. I love nature
A
D
N
(blank)
A total of 165 individuals participated in the survey.
Survey papers were distributed and upon receiving the filled form, Agreed was input into excel
as A, Disagreed as D and Neutral and N.
6%
85%
9%
Q.18. We need not care about nature.
We should only be concerned about
technological development.
A
D
N

53%
8%
39%
Q.7. HAVING NON-NATURAL ELEMENTS IN MY INDOOR
ENVIRONMENT MAKES ME FEEL DULL.
A
D
N
NATURE FOR COMFORT (STRESS RELIEF)

90%
1%
8% 1%
Q.13. NATURE AND NATURAL MATERIALS IN BUILT
ENVIRONMENT HELP RELIEVE STRESS.
A
D
N
(blank)

60%
4%
36%
Q.15. IF I HAD (MORE) INDOOR PLANTS IN MY
WORKPLACE/COLLEGE, I WOULD BE HAPPIER AND LESS STRESSED.
A
D
N

INCLINATION TO NATURE
82%
4%
13%
1%
Q.19. I PREFER NATURAL VENTILATION TO AIR CONDITIONING (AC)
SYSTEM.
A
D
N
(blank)

INCLINATION TO NATURE
91%
1%
7% 1%
Q.20. I PREFER NATURAL LIGHT TO ARTIFICIAL LIGHT DURING THE
DAY TIME.
A
D
N
(blank)

5. CASE STUDIES INTRODUCTION
Location: Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu,
Nepal
Project Type: Hotel and Resort
Owners: KGH groups
Area: 217800 sq. ft.
Key Biophilic Patterns: Visual Connection
with Nature, Presence of Water, Connection
with natural system, biomorphic forms and
patterns, Refuge
PARK VILLAGE HOTEL: RESTAURANT AND HALL BUILDING
Source: https://ktmgh.com/park-village-resort/gallery.php
NATIONAL: PARK VILLAGE HOTEL AND RESORT

Location: Northern California, USA
Project Address: 370 Santa Teresa St. Stanford,
CA 94305
Project Type: Public Gallery
Area: 4,000 sq ft
Year of Completion: 2014
Design Team: Aidlin Darling Design
Key Biophilia Patterns: Refuge, Visual
Connection with Nature, Dynamic and Diffuse
Light, Material Connection with Nature
INTERNATIONAL: WINDHOVER
CONTEMPLATIVE CENTRE AND ART GALLERY
WINDHOVER COMTEMPLATIVE CENTRE
Source: https://www.designboom.com/wp-content/dbsub/381496/2015-
02-02/img_1_1422888464_29e4a3752d1a4d1ffa0b662a2e3eb263.jpg
2015 Design Merit Award (American Society of Landscape Architects) w/Andrea Cochran Landscape, 2015 Citation Award
(American Institute of Architects), 2015 Honor Award (International Interior Design Association), 2015 Best of Competition Winner
(42ND Annual Interior Design Competition)

6. ANALYSIS
and
FINDINGS

6. ANALYSIS
[P1] Visual Connection with Nature
Lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved
mental engagement/attentiveness, positively
impacted attitude and overall happiness
Psychological/Biological Impacts (Terrapin)
CASE STUDY 1: Park Village CASE STUDY 2: Windhover
• A view to elements of
nature, living systems
and natural processes.
• Natural or mechanical
flow of water,
vegetation, artwork
depicting nature,
animals and insects,
green wall.
LITERATURE
VIEW FROM BALCONY OF MAIN BUILDING
Source: author
A REFLECTION POOL AT THE
SOUTHERN END
Source: Windhover Contemplative
Center, 2015 Terrapin Bright Green
Feel at home
experience
(belongingness).
Comfort

Reduced systolic blood pressure and stress hormone,
Positively impacted on cognitive performance and
perceived improvements in mental health and
tranquility.
• Auditory, haptic,
olfactory, or gustatory
stimuli that engender a
deliberate and positive
reference to nature,
living systems or natural
processes.
• Fragrant herbs, natural
sounds of flowing water,
chirping of birds,
fireplace, domesticated
pets, honeybee apiary,
sun patches.
6. ANALYSIS
[P2] Non-Visual Connection with Nature
CASE STUDY 1: Park Village CASE STUDY 2: WindhoverLITERATURE
Comfort to senses other
than the eye.
Comfort
Source: Royal Nursery Source: The Flower Expert
Source: Windhover Contemplative Center,
2015 Terrapin Bright Green
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/birdforarab/bird/?lp=true
Exterior courtyards,
meditation labyrinth,
floor texture.
Source:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/315885
361340121381/Birds chirping, fragrant flowers

Positively impacted comfort, well-being and
productivity; positively impacted concentration and
improved perception of temporal and spatial
pleasure.
• Subtle changes in air
temperature, relative
humidity, airflow across
the skin, and surface
temperatures that mimic
natural environments.
• Solar hear gain, shadow,
space orientation,
window glazing and
treatment, cross
ventilation, vegetation
with seasonal
densification.
6. ANALYSIS
[P4] Thermal & Airflow Variability
Physical comfort,
metabolic comfort
Comfort
NATURAL AIR FLOW IN THE RESTAURANT
Source: author
INTERNAL COURT
Source: Matthew Millman
Photography
NATURAL AIR FLOW IN THE CENTRE
Source: https://www.architonic.com/en/project/aidlin-darling-design-windhover-contemplative-center/5103570

Reduced Stress, increased feeling of tranquility,
lower heart rate and blood pressure, improved
concentration, memory restoration, enhanced
perception, positive emotional response
• A condition that
enhances the
experience of a place
through seeing, hearing
or touching water.
• River, stream, pond,
wetland, water wall,
aquarium, fountain,
imagery with water in
the composition.
6. ANALYSIS
[P5] Presence of Water
Feeling of tranquility
and peace with water
on site or sound of it.
Comfort
VIEW OF THE SWIMMING POOL
Source:
http://pix10.agoda.net/hotelImages/772/77265/7
7265_120404122047443.jpg?s=1024x768
WATER POOL VIEWABLE FROM INTERIOR
Source:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/87/aa/c
687aa99f076f49b5758f52c1110ea92.jpg
Source: Matthew Millman Photography

Positively impacted circadian system
functioning, increased visual comfort.
• Leverages varying
intensities of light and
shadow that change
over time to create
conditions that occur in
nature.
• Daylight from multiple
angles, direct sun light,
firelight,
bioluminescence,
illuminance, accent
lighting, personal user
dimming controls, color
tuning.
6. ANALYSIS
[P6] Dynamic & Diffuse Light
Sense of inspiring awe
and healthy fresh
environment.
Comfort
DYNAMIC LIGTHING ACTIVATING SENSORY
STIMULI AT THE PATHWAYS
Source: https://ktmgh.com/park-village-
resort/images/adv_s.jpg
DIFFUSED LIGHTING IN THE MEDITATIVE
SPACE
Source: Matthew Millman Photography
DIFFUSED LIGHT VIA INTERNAL COURT
Source: https://www.architonic.com/en/project/aidlin-darling-design-
windhover-contemplative-center/5103570

Observed View preference
• Symbolic references to
contoured, patterned,
textured or numerical
arrangements that
persist in nature.
• Woodwork, masonry,
wall paint style, texture,
arrangement of
structural system,
building form, furniture
form, window details.
6. ANALYSIS
[P8] Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
Feeling of ancient
connection with space.
Comfort
VARIOUS
BIOMORPHIC
FORMS
Source: author
VERTICAL LOUVRES
MIMICKING TREE TRUNKS
Source: Windhover Contemplative
Center, 2015 Terrapin Bright
Green

Decreased diastolic blood pressure, improved
creative performance, and improved comfort.
• Materials and elements
from nature that,
through minimal
processing, reflect the
local ecology or geology
and create a distinct
sense of place.
• Interior surfaces (veneer,
countertops),
woodworks, stone works,
natural color palette, wall
construction with wood,
stone; structure system
by timber, façade
material, furniture form.
6. ANALYSIS
[P9] Material Connection with Nature
Feeling or Walking in
natural textures brings
joy.
Comfort
NATURAL MATERIALS AND TEXTURES IN
WAITING LOUNGE
Source: author
NATURAL MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
Source: Windhover Contemplative Center,
2015 Terrapin Bright Green

Improved concentration, attention and
perception of safety
• A place for withdrawal
from environmental
conditions or the main flow
of activity, protected from
behind and overhead.
• Small protection space,
partial cover, extensive
refuge; weather
protection, speech
protection; meditation and
relaxation, controlled
operable shades, blinds.
6. ANALYSIS
[P12] Refuge
The need to be alone
from time to time to
contemplate.
Comfort
VARIOUS
REFUGE AREAS
Source:
https://ktmgh.com/
park-village-
resort/gallery.php
LOCATED AT A PEACEFUL
ENVIRONMENT WITH NATURAL
MATERIALS
Source: https://www.architonic.com/en/project/aidlin-
darling-design-windhover-contemplative-center/5103570

• Presence of biophilia in human beings.
• Comfort in architecture is achievable by the use
of nature.
• Study of biophilic patterns can be used to
assess comfort in a built space.
• Different biophilic patterns have different
psychological or biological advantages.
• Awareness of biophilia in design can enhance
positive user experience in built spaces.
• Biophilic designs can be highly energy efficient
and sustainable along with inspiring for better
life.
CONCLUSION
Source:
https://taliaarbit.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/shutterstock_169292036.jpg?w=1000&h=667&
crop=1
https://www.greenbiz.com/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_full/public/images/article
s/featured/interfacebiophilia.jpg?itok=8FR4-zIp

The biophilia hypothesis also called BET suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with
nature and other forms of life. Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book, Biophilia (1984).
He defines biophilia as "the urge to affiliate with other forms of life".
-WIKIPEDIA

• BIOPHILIC RATING SYSTEM:
A biophilia assessing rating
system could be developed to
rate the built space in terms of
the biophilic attributes and
biophilic quality.
• ASPIRE TO USE BIOPHILIC DESIGN
APPROACHES
RECOMMENDATION
AWARENESS OF
BIOPHILIA
SUSTAINABILITY
LOVE OF THE
PLANET EARTH
BIOPHILIA FOR THE PLANET

REFERENCES
Advisor, P. (n.d.). http://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/mood-disorders/nature-cognitive-anxiety-depression-mood/article/448018/3/.
Retrieved 11 2017
Green, C. N. (2015). Windhover Contemplative Center. Terrapin Bright Green.
Group, M. (2016). Biophilic Design: Enhancing the Human-Nature Relationship in the Built Environment. Mohawk Group.
Helga Santos da Silva, M. C. (n.d.). The meaning of comfort in residential environments. Retrieved December 2017
Hotels, K. (n.d.). Park Village Resort. Retrieved from Kathmandu Guest House: https://ktmgh.com/park-village-resort/index.php
Ltd, H. S. (n.d.). Park Village. Retrieved from HIMALAYAN SCENERY TREKS & EXPEDITION PVT. LTD:
http://www.himalayanst.com/park-village.html
Silvernail, D. (2017). Psychosocial Value of Architectural Space. Retrieved from SantaCruzArchitect.wordpress.com:
https://santacruzarchitect.wordpress.com/2016/05/03/psychosocial-value-of-architectural-space
William Browning, C. R. (2014). 14 PATTERNS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN IMPROVING HEALTH & WELL-BEING IN THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENT. New York: Terrapin Bright Green LLC. Retrieved January 2018, from terrapinbrightgreen:
http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/14-Patterns-of-Biophilic-Design-Terrapin-2014p.pdf
Kellert, S., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008). Biophilic design: The theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life.
Hoboken, N.J., Wiley.
Joye, Y., Architectural Lessons from Environmental Psychology: the Case of Biophilic Architecture 323
Stephen R. Kellert, Elizabeth F. Calabrese. "The Practice of Biophilic Design." The Practice of Biophilic Design (n.d.). PDF.
January 2018. <www.biophilic-design.com>.
Schmid, 2005, A. A ideia de conforto: reflexões sobre o ambiente construído. Curitiba, Pacto Ambiental.

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