Using Biophilia in Interior Design and its impact factor on performance's and Wellbeing of the occupiers.

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Interior Design and Furniture, Faculty of Applied Art, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.

Abstract

The affiliation of the human to nature is innate and known as Biophilia. It has a direct & strong relation to the human health and wellbeing which have been affected by the quality of interior environments that people live or work in. Nowadays a gap exists in the connection between the human and the nature as a result of modernity. This modern lifestyle impacts negatively on the human’s health, performance and general wellbeing. Using biophilia in interior design, can be considered as an approach to bridge this gap to connect the human with the nature and positively impacting on health and wellbeing. This study proposed a new method to anticipate, before & after designing, the level of presence biophilic elements needed in any interior design and the positive health effects on its occupiers. This method assumes an integer value from 0 to 2 as impact factor to assess the levels of presence biophilic elements in the design of any interior space. The difference levels of presence biophilic elements used in any interior environment can be increased or decreased according to the health & wellbeing requirements. This method is trying to illustrate the importance of connecting the human being with nature in any interior environment to provide positive environment which affects performing the attitude and health of its occupiers. This method can be used to improve or renovate any interior environment to achieve a healthy and aesthetic environment that affects psychologically, physically and mentally the user of this interior space, as well as saving energy and money. The research applied this method on Children’ Oncology Hospital in Cairo 57357 as a case study through analyzing the level of presence of biophilia in its interior design in a health care area.

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References

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