10 VIII August 2022

https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2022.46441
 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.538
Volume 10 Issue VIII August 2022- Available at www.ijraset.com

A Comparative Analysis of Biophilic Approach in

Building Design
Ar. K. Neha1, Ar. R. Pragadeeswari2, Ar. K. Saranya3, Dr.G.Yogapriya4, Ar. S. Anju5
1, 2
Student, 3, 4, 5Assistant Professor, School of environment architecture and design, SRMIST, Ramapuram

Abstract: Today's growing modern cities become a cause for a greater number of environmental issues like global warming,
earthquake, urban heat effects, and pollution, which ends in environmental degradation. People are spending a large part of
their life in a confined environment, henceforth we need to consider their perspective in those spaces and bring sustainable ideas
in it. As a designer and architect, we play a major role in implementing the nature-based approaches like biophilic design in our
projects to create awareness among people about sustainable built forms. This becomes a connecting component between
humans and nature on an infrastructure level and becomes more effective physically and mentally for the human life to live in.
This study reviews the various outcomes in different climatic zones, its advantages and its well-being in environmental behavior.
This ideology would work efficiently and adaptable to its surrounding environment and helps solve environmental issues in
today’s world.
Keywords: Biophilic, Sustainable, Nature, Human life, Environment

I. INTRODUCTION
The biophilic building generates an intensive connection with the human mind and body. There are various patterns and methods for
implementing these kinds of concepts in our buildings in a way that enhances the human-nature relationship. These concepts can be
implemented on walls, roofing systems, interior spaces as green pockets, nature-inspired forms and characteristics, green roofs,
walls, etc.
The city’s rapid urbanization is deploying today’s environment through modernized constructions and technologies. One of the
outcomes of urbanization would be excluding nature from the living environment. The denser urban fabrics also reduce the green
spaces and technological advancement separates people from Mother Nature. So, this disconnection of nature creates Bio phobic
conditions in people and fear of living. In their day-to-day busy schedules, they need some refreshing space to revive their mind and
well-being. Seasonal changes influence people’s comfort towards nature and improve the mental ability of children.
Bringing natural elements into a life-giving space (Nature in Space) would justify the concept of Biophilic design which creates a
terminology for connecting humans and space. This approach mentioned above will help create and innovate various design
ideologies as a potentially positive impact on our environment.

II. METHODOLOGY
The research methodology involves the analysis of various Biophilic architecture buildings in different climatic zones, which helps
in understanding its impact and their advantages on occupant's life in the surrounding environment.

III. BIOPHILIC APPROACH

This Biophilic design is classified into three broad categories; they are Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues, and Nature of the
Space; these are the basic framework to implement a biophilic design in the environment that enriches the biodiversity of the place.
The relationship between nature, humans and the design of the built environment benefits the humans by creating an experience of
biophilia in building design applications. [1]
Table 1:Biophilic Patterns (Source: Created by authors) [1]
Typologies Patterns Description

Nature in the Space Non-Visual Connection with Nature By implementing a sense of touch,
motions, hearing, smell, and taste
stimulus creates a positive impact on
human minds.

©IJRASET: All Rights are Reserved | SJ Impact Factor 7.538 | ISRA Journal Impact Factor 7.894 | 1560
 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.538
Volume 10 Issue VIII August 2022- Available at www.ijraset.com

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli Natural patterns that are pleasing to the

sensory and last for a short period and it
is analyzed periodically e.g. chirping of
birds, leaves rustling, the scent of
eucalyptus in the air.
Thermal & Airflow Variability Change in temperature, humidity levels,
airflow, and things that depict nature.
Presence of Water A place that is enhanced by the presence
of water by hearing, touching & views
the water.
Dynamic & Diffuse Light Different natural lights and shadows
from trees, plants, etc. that vary with
time will create a pleasing natural
environment.
Connection with Natural Systems Natural processes like seasonal and
temperature changes naturally connect
people with nature.
Natural Analogues Biomorphic Forms & Patterns Incorporating different textures and
arrangements of different patterns at
different levels that exist in nature.
Material Connection with Nature Designing with materials and elements
that are less processed and depict the
local life and sense of the place.
Complexity & Order Providing sensory information that
holds the spatial gradation that confront
in nature.

Nature of the Space Prospect Creating an uninterrupted view from a

distance for observation and planning.
Refuge Designing an enclosed space that is
separated from the activity spaces that
should not create a cramped
environment.
Mystery Creating a space with views that are
partially hidden will create a curiosity in
the people to explore the space.
Risk/Peril Thrilled experience combined with
well-grounded safety measures.

IV. COMPARATIVE STUDY

Table 2: Comparative study (Source: Created by authors) [2] [3] [4][5][6]
Description

©IJRASET: All Rights are Reserved | SJ Impact Factor 7.538 | ISRA Journal Impact Factor 7.894 | 1561
 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.538
Volume 10 Issue VIII August 2022- Available at www.ijraset.com

East gate center The Gherkin Parkroyal Pickering Glumac shanghai

office
Location Zimbabwe London Singapore China
Area 31,600Sq.m(340140 sq. 47,950 Sq.m(516,100 29,812 Sq.m 929 Sq.m
ft) sq. ft) (320,890 sq. ft) (10,000 sq. ft)
Building 9 Floors 180m (41 floors) 89m (15 floors above 1 Floor
Height ground)
Architect Mick Pearceo Foster + Partners WOHA Louis Sullivan
Approach Biomorphic Biomorphic Biophilic Biophilic
Typology Shopping complex, office building Hotel office building
Office Building
Green Rating Green Building Council LEED Platinum BCA Green Mark LEED Platinum
of South Africa (GBCSA) Platinum
certified
Climate Subtropical climate Humid continental Tropical climate Temperate Monsoon
climate Climate
Concept Natural analogues- Natural analogues- Nature in the space- Nature in the space-
Biomorphic Forms & Biomorphic Forms & Visual Connection with Visual Connection with
Patterns (Termite Hill) – Patterns (Venus’s Nature - Hanging Nature - Shanghai
They have a ventilation flower basket sponge) – garden features in the office is designed with
core at the center which is The structural system back façade creates a curative views with
inspired from the termite and form which are pleasant Naturalistic elements of natural
mound to keep the replicated water sponge style to the building. living systems which
building cool as a result gives the same Natural analogues- improves productivity.
of stack effect. structural ability system Biomorphic Forms & Natural analogues-
in air Patterns, Complexity & Dynamic & Diffuse
Order - Textured Light, Connection with
contoured spaces create Natural System -
a natural form to that Differing light
place. intensities and shadow
Nature of the space - changes from time to
Risk/Peril – The time create a natural
complex form creates a environmental feel
risk feel with the inside the building.
moment of excitement Nature of the space -
sensation. Biomorphic Forms &
Patterns- Textured
contoured spaces
creates a natural form
to that place.
Inference By replicating the cooling This glass sponge It provides recuperative Glumac Shanghai
tower concept it saves typology which has an experiences for the office design assists
more energy compared to exoskeleton round guests as well as for its people to explore the
other commercial sectors structure provides residents; it is a visual benefits of biophilic
and has low stiffness and diverts treat that depicts the design in the built
environmental impact. forces from strong Singaporean culture environment and helps
currents and creates a and ecology of the to promote human
natural ventilation place. health and ecological
system. balance.

©IJRASET: All Rights are Reserved | SJ Impact Factor 7.538 | ISRA Journal Impact Factor 7.894 | 1562
 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.538
Volume 10 Issue VIII August 2022- Available at www.ijraset.com

V. CONCLUSION
The blending of natural strategies in all scales of an urban infrastructure balances the built structure and the surrounding
environment's sustainability. The incorporation of these biophilic concepts satisfies both the aesthetical importance and functionality
of that space. Using this typology in the building will also reduce the negative impact on the environment such as carbon footprint,
waste emission, and pollution, and safeguard nature for the upcoming generations to live in. Incorporating green spaces, water
elements, plants, and natural materials would be a comforting habitat for peaceful and a healthy life. Growing urban lifestyle affects
the physical and mental health of a person, so the process should be a supportive format for the physical and psychological well-
being of a person. Bringing the outdoor spaces inside helps in stress relief, improves mental health, and makes them live happier and
healthier. So, merging the natural elements in the buildings makes the city and its surroundings a pleasant environment.

REFERENCE
[1] https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/
[2] https://inhabitat.com/video-inhabitat-interviews-janine-benyus-author-and-founder-of-biomimicry-3-8/
[3] https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/biophilic-design-case-studies/
[4] https://www.mickpearce.com/Eastgate.html
[5] https://steemit.com/architecture/@snaves/biomimetic-architecture-thegherkin#:~:text=The%20Gherkin%20mimics%20the%20shape,drive%20the%20natural%
20ventilation%20system.
[6] https://inhabitat.com/building-modelled-on-termites-eastgate-centre-in-zimbabwe/

©IJRASET: All Rights are Reserved | SJ Impact Factor 7.538 | ISRA Journal Impact Factor 7.894 | 1563