The Role of Biophilic Design Approach in Hospital Design

Abstract

Biophilic architecture has recently been observed as a trend in the design field, however it is not only environmentally friendly but also beneficial for our health. In general, using biophilic architecture design principles has influenced the conceptual intelligence system, which comprises of five senses, in order to understand and experience, and has enabled some creative behaviours, such as curiosity, imagination, freshness etc. The goal of the study is to investigate what is biophilic design, learning the history and its basic values that are added in hospital architecture and the current scenario of the same. It further also analyses the experience of incorporating biophilic design patterns as a strategic method to improve hospitals' efficiency, which is reflected in their ability to provide patients, the staff members and visitors with a beneficial experience. Aims: The aim of this research paper is to analyse the elements of biophilic architecture that influence the hospital designObjectives: • To understand how biophilic principles are explored in architectural expression • To identify and analyse the 14 principles of biophilia in the case study of hospitals • To create guidelines for existing or upcoming hospitals for biophilic approach. Keywords: Biophilic architecture, biophilic design, human well-being, efficiency, healing, natural light, spatial organisation Research Questions: - What are the biophilic designs and the relevance of their elements in the hospital environment? - Which are the main biophilic elements that have an impact on the patients’ healing or recovery process- How are these attributes explored in the built form of hospitals in terms of architectural elements of the case studies? Scope: - Biophilic approach caters to all sectors of the built forms, and the framework used can be applied to any of those built forms. - The outcome from the study can help create a guide for designing a hospital including the biophilic patterns. Limitation: - This particular thesis will follow the framework only for assessing the hospital sector. - Patient recovery is subjective in nature so getting an accurate result or a quantitative approach. - In this thesis, biophilic design will be examined using the 14 principles of Biophiliaestablished by William Browning. - The quantitative degree to which each component is used in the case study is not taken into account. Methodology: - Understanding the concept of biophilia and its effect on the environment of the hospital through research papers, articles, books, and secondary surveys. - Primary case study of hospitals. Documentation of the hospitals through photographs and collecting spatial plans. - Survey through questionnaire and focus group discussions with each user group. - Reviewing case studies of existing hospitals with biophilic design elements. - Analysing the elements of architecture used in the case studies using personal knowledge of architecture