Abstract

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Biophilia is the practice of incorporating nature and natural elements into the built environment. Biophilic design has been proved in previous studies to have improved well-being through reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function and creativity. This paper aims to strengthen our knowledge of different aspects of biophilia and delves into the virtual world to help us gain a thorough understanding of how biophilia in any form can impact wellbeing. This study will investigate the effects that passive and active indirect biophilic design techniques have on a buildings’ occupants by comparing four previous case studies, all of which investigate how indirect biophilia influences health and well-being. Upon comparison of these studies, findings suggested that occupants prefer an environment with a more passive indirect biophilic design as opposed to an active design. However, an additional finding was that there are limitations to the preferred levels of indirect biophilia.

 

Keywords; Indirect Biophilia; Active; Passive; Health; Well-being