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Board 1: WIP: Biophilic Design and Its Effects on Mental and Physical Health

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Conference

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Baltimore , Maryland

Publication Date

June 25, 2023

Start Date

June 25, 2023

End Date

June 28, 2023

Conference Session

Architectural Engineering Division (ARCHE) Poster Session

Tagged Division

Architectural Engineering Division (ARCHE)

Page Count

6

DOI

10.18260/1-2--42373

Permanent URL

https://strategy.asee.org/42373

Download Count

192

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Paper Authors

biography

Alexandria S. Lahman Western Kentucky University

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Alexandria is an undergraduate student at Western Kentucky University studying Architectural Sciences. She is passionate about how architecture can impact one's experience and hopes to improve mental and physical health by creating healthier architecture.

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biography

Shahnaz J. Aly Western Kentucky University

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Shahnaz Aly, OAA, LEED AP, M. Arch, is a licensed Architect in India and Canada and Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Kentucky University. She has 10 years professional experience in the architecture and cons

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Sheila Sullivan Flener Western Kentucky University

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Abstract

The design of interior spaces can greatly impact one’s mental health. Because people are spending more time indoors, the importance of well-designed interior spaces has increased dramatically. People living in urban areas have also lost their connection to the natural environment in their daily lives. Using biophilic design in architecture can increase productivity and creativity and positively impact mental health. Biophilic design involves incorporating organic materials, patterns, colors, textures, and plants into the built environment. Social psychologist Erich Fromm first used the term “Biophilia” to describe people’s fundamental tendencies to sustain life from death and positively integrate with other living things. Biologist Edward O. Wilson changed the meaning in the 1980s to focus on the emotional connection with life after humankind moved out of nature and into an urban environment (Zhong et al., 2022). This project aims to highlight the importance of biophilic design in architecture and how it can be incorporated into interior architecture. Through a detailed literature review, a guide was created that emphasizes the most important aspects of biophilic design and how it can be incorporated into preexisting buildings and new construction. The guide provides an accessible way for students to incorporate biophilic design into their projects. Once the guide was created, elements of biophilic design were incorporated into an existing building on Western Kentucky University’s campus. We created a 3D model of a popular student space and added biophilic design elements into the space. We then asked users to experience the space through virtual reality and solicited feedback on the design (with biophilic elements) and experience. Based on feedback from the users, we refined the guide. Having a guide will enable faculty teaching design studios in the architectural science program to incorporate projects involving biophilic elements into design projects. With the aid of the guide, students will be able to implement biophilic elements into their designs, enabling a healthier environment.

Lahman, A. S., & Aly, S. J., & Flener, S. S. (2023, June), Board 1: WIP: Biophilic Design and Its Effects on Mental and Physical Health Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--42373

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