Enhancing Learning Environments through Biophilic Design (case of pre-primary and primary school)

Abstract

Biophilia is referred as a human tendency to connect with the nature or ‘the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes’ according to biologist E. O. Wilson (Rogers, 2023) (Wilson, 1993). We, humans love connecting ourselves with the nature. Similarly, the concept of connecting buildings with the nature is referred as Biophilic design. Since prehistoric times, our lives have centred on natural habitats. Humans are drawn towards natural environments; it is a part of our genetic makeup, since our predecessors spent the majority of their time in nature. It explains why we desire to go for a nature trip every now and then; enjoy a beach walk, or trek to mountains, Watch the sun's beams through lush greenery, or simply be intrigued by sky. It has countless impacts on our well-being and health. The human need for connection with the environment is huge. One of the biggest inadequacies of it was felt by most of us during a recent scenario the COVID-19 pandemic, where people were locked into their respective premises without the nature.

The educational facilities are frequently a collection of enclosed classrooms as per the current scenario. Schools that were formerly designed with big playgrounds that are converted into tall buildings due to a shortage of space and rapid urbanization. Urban kids spend 90% of their time indoors (PWC, 2015) The consequence is a general lack of touch with nature. Many health disorders, such as anxiety, sadness, and stress, are becoming increasingly prevalent among children. Studies shows that being near nature and greenery offers children with cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits such as better concentration, improved academic achievement, and lower stress (Wong & Moore, 1997) (Pyle, 2002) (Louv, 2007). Children are especially sensitive to their surroundings. Adolescents spend the majority of their waking hours at school, which can have long-lasting effects on their minds.