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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

Apartment with Biophilic Architecture Approach in West

Jakarta

Tiwagar1, AG Prawata1
1 ArchitectureDepartment, Faculty of Engineering, Bina Nusantara University,
Jakarta, Indonesia, 11480

Corresponding author: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract. Nature's exposure to humans is decreasing, especially for apartment dwellers who can
only access nature on the ground floor as a garden function and more often stay indoors. Reduced
exposure to nature has an impact on individual physiology and psychology. Thus, using a
biophilic architectural approach can bring nature closer to occupants on vertical housing. The
purpose of this study is to determine the aspects and attributes on the application of biophilic
architecture concept in apartment. Method applied on research was a qualitative method. The
analysis was carried out by collecting examples of the application on each biophilic aspect and
analysed in terms of position, location, and spatial characteristics. The implementation of biophilic
aspects in apartment buildings relies heavily on visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. All aspects also
have a close relationship with the outdoor environment and make use of vegetation, water
features, natural light, natural materials/colours, and architectural designs in order to implement
biophilic concept.

1. Introduction
The biophilic concept is needed as a way of connecting nature to humans. Nature's exposure to humans
is decreasing, especially for apartment dwellers who can only access nature on the ground floor and are
more often staying indoors. A study stated that humans spend around 80–90% of their time indoors [1].
Occupants tend to be indoors causing a disconnect between humans and nature [2]. Reduced exposure
to nature has an impact on individual physiology and psychology [3]. Connecting with nature is very
beneficial for physical and psychological health [4]. Nature provides more than physical benefits to
humans, which can fulfill intellectual, aesthetic, cognitive and spiritual needs. Thus, humans who
increase their relationship with nature will be healthier, including the space used by each individual [5].

Thus, important to bring nature closer to apartment resident through an architectural approach.
So, with biophilic architecture approach, the building design will adjust in making resident exposed to
nature. Thus, this research will focus on designing apartments with a biophilic architectural approach in
West Jakarta. This can also support the research theme which aims to make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by creating apartments with a biophilic concept.

Based on the problems described above, this study will discuss on how to implement the
concept of biophilic architecture in apartment building. Also, the purpose of this research is to find out

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

the aspects and attributes of the application of biophilic architecture concept in apartments by bringing
nature closer to residents.

2. The Methodology
The research method was carried out in a descriptive qualitative method. Secondary data collection was
carried out for literature studies, precedent studies, and pictures of the application of each biophilic
aspect. Literature study was conducted to find out the theory about apartments and understanding
principles of biophilic architecture.

A precedent study was conducted to find out the aspects most often applied to biophilic
apartments. Three precedents chosen are the Eden Apartment, the Bosco Verticale Apartment, and the
Waterfall Apartment which implements biophilic architecture. There are eight similarities of biophilic
aspects found from 3 precedents as follows: 1. Visual connection with nature, 2. Non-visual connection
with nature, 3. Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli, 4. Thermal & airflow variability, 5. Dynamic & diffuse
light, 6. Connection with natural systems 7. Material connection with nature 8. Prospect. Besides it, two
other aspects found in the Waterfall Apartment precedent because it has the most applied aspects of
biophilic architecture. Two other aspects are as follows: 9. Presence of water, 10. Risk/ peril. So, 10
biophilic aspects are used to analyze each aspect.

Precedent data was collected by looking for application images of each biophilic aspect found
from precedent studies for further analysis regarding the position, location, and spatial properties
required on the application in apartment buildings. The images of each implementation were found by
searching on 17 biophilic apartments and analyzed those images for inclusion in each aspect. Each image
is analyzed with the attributes on each 10 biophilic aspect to find out the characteristics on how it is
applied, place of application, and the spatial characteristics.

3. Results and Discussions

According to Kellert & Wilson [5], biophilic architecture is an attempt to translate the understanding of
human equations that are inherent in systems and processes of nature. From the explanation that has
been given, it can be concluded that biophilic architecture is a concept that is applied by combining
natural principles on buildings for humans. In a journal made by a sustainable consultant, Terrapin
Bright Green entitled "14 Patterns of Biophilic Design" [6], there are three main categories in designing
the biophilic concept, namely nature in the space, natural analogue, & nature of space. Nature in the
space shows the direct presence of natural elements in space such as air, water, plants, soil and related
to the built environment. This category is divided into seven aspects as follows: 1. Visual connection
with nature, 2. Non-visual connection with nature, 3. Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli, 4. Thermal &
airflow variability, 5. Presence of water, 6. Dynamic & diffuse light, 7. Connection with natural systems.
Natural analogue shows where elements of the natural environment can be applied or imitated in the
form of buildings. This category is divided into three aspects as follows: 8. Biomorphic forms &
patterns, 9. Material connection with nature, 10. Complexity and order. Nature of space responds
humans to the environment, creates a stimulus that leads to human well-being. This category is divided
into four aspects as follows: 11. Prospect, 12. Refuge, 13. Mystery, 14. Risk/ Peril.

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

Figure 1. Example of how data collected and analyzed for each biophilic aspect.

Collected images from 17 biophilic apartments precedent are constructed in a table form and
analyzed through each attribute on every aspect like in figure 1. Images were analyzed on how each
biophilic aspect was approached according to the attributes of every aspect. Each image was given
descriptive notes on how the implementation made for every attribute on each aspect. Results found out
the characteristics of each biophilic aspect implementation and able to conclude the design guidelines
needed to implement each aspect on apartment building depending on the attributes. Further discussion
of each 10 aspects is discussed thoroughly below for every attribute needed in each biophilic aspect.

3.1. Visual connection with nature

Visual connection with nature is a view of living systems, natural elements, and natural processes. This
aspect can be applied to buildings with the following attributes, by prioritizing real nature over simulated
nature [7], prioritizing biodiversity/variety over area and quantity [8], and room layout that maintains
line of sight access while in a seated position.
The results of the precedent study based on the visual connection with nature aspect shows
that real nature, biodiversity, and spatial layout has correlation on each other in the application of aspect.
Real nature in the application of this aspect is applied by using vegetation as a medium in the presence
of natural visual connections in buildings. The laying of vegetation in semi-outdoor & outdoor areas to
support natural development of every vegetation. Thus, the ground floor of the building is made with
open areas to maximize placement vegetation.

The lounge areas are placed in a layout form to always support the view on vegetation without
any visual obstructions. For this, 3 types of planter boxes were made, namely, corridor planters,
permanent sitting planters, and semi-permanent sitting planters. Corridor planter is a design for placing
vegetation on the edge of all corridors on the ground floor. A permanent seating planter is a planter
design that is situated in close proximity to the evacuation direction, with the intention of being
unalterable and non-obstructive to the evacuation route in the event of an emergency. A semi-permanent
sitting planter is a placement of vegetation that may be positioned as needed or a change in furniture
layout, which can always support a visual connection with nature.

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

Vegetation on the edge of balcony and with

Full sized window allows users to have direct
the help of full plane window supports
visual with nature from inside café.
visual connection with nature from living
and dining area.

Figure 2. Visualization of cafe. Figure 3. Apartment unit floor plan.

Facilities areas in apartments such as cafes and gyms also use the application of the visual
connection with nature aspect. The café is segregated into two distinct sections, namely the indoor and
outdoor areas. The café's design has been carefully crafted to ensure that all patrons, whether seated
indoors or outdoors, are able to enjoy a view of the surrounding vegetation. To support the visual
connection with nature from inside the café, uses vertical placement of vegetation with the use of ivy
plants placed in planter boxes behind the long seats. Meanwhile, the laying of vegetation is along the
corridor and is supported by full-sized glass overlooking the laying of vegetation outdoors as seen in
figure 2.

Finally, this aspect is applied to the balcony of the apartment unit. Access to the placement of
vegetation is designed so that it can be seen from the bedrooms and living room as seen on figure 3.
Overall, this aspect is applied to open spaces that can support the development of vegetation and placed
on the edges of spaces or corridors so that they can support easy visual access for users. In terms of
spatial layout, it can also easily support a visual connection with nature because it is at the edge of the
space which will always be passed by and has the potential to be seen and does not interfere with the
main function of the room. In addition, for a visual connection from inside to outside, full-sized glass is
needed so that there are no visual barriers when sighting from indoors. In terms of room layout, it is
furniture placement is facing away from the opening position in a room. And the vegetation that is placed
at the placement point uses varied vegetation even though the area is limited, such as on the balcony of
an apartment units.

3.2. Non-visual connection with nature

Non-visual connection with nature is auditory, olfactory, or tasting stimulation that is deliberately made
with nature. This aspect can be applied to buildings intentionally with the following attributes, natural
experiences with auditory (hearing sounds of nature), olfactory (smelling the aroma of plants/herbs),
haptic (touching/touching/feeling nature), or gustatory (tasting edible plants), easily accessible from one
or multiple locations enabling daily engagement with individuals and experienced simultaneously with
aspects of visual connection with nature to maximize positive health potential [9].

The results of precedent studies based on non-visual connection with nature aspect shows that
natural experience, ease of access to involve individuals every day, and applications with visual
connection with nature aspects have a relationship between attributes to support the application of this
aspect. Natural media is used in the form of vegetation, water, and materials.

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

Flowering plants along the edge of lounge and corridor

support olfactory experience. Plants placement on the
edge of corridor easier to experience haptic sense with
nature.

Fountains near the drop-off corridor

allows to experience auditory stimulation.

Figure 4. Visualization of lounge. Figure 5. Visualization of drop-off corridor.

This aspect is implemented by using flowering plants along the corridor planters that are on
the edge of the corridor and lounge area as seen in figure 4. Fragrant flowering plants such as roses,
gardenias and mock orange are used to support olfactory stimulation as they pass through it. And by
placing it in the planter corridor, it will be easy for haptic stimulation to occur which can feel the plant.
Apart from those two stimuli, auditory is also applied by having a fountain close to the drop-off area as
seen on figure 5. Thus, every time entering or exiting the building through drop-off area, will always
experience auditory stimulation from the fountain. Overall, this aspect is applied to the main circulation
of the building which can be experienced every day and has easy access. Three non-visual stimuli were
applied namely olfactory, haptic, and auditory. Olfactory stimulation is applied on an open area with
access to airflow to diffuse the aroma of aromas to its surroundings. Haptic stimulation uses vegetation
elements which are placed on the planter corridor to facilitate touch and indirectly experience the visual
connection with nature aspect. Auditory stimulation uses the sound of a fountain that is designed on
drop-off area so that user will always experience as they pass through it.

3.3. Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli

Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli are sensory relationships with nature that can be analyzed but cannot be
predicted precisely. This aspect can be applied to buildings with the following attributes, natural
movements, natural sound, and natural scent.

The results of precedent studies based on aspect of non-rhythmic sensory stimuli show that
natural movement, natural sound, and natural scent have a close relationship. The natural movement and
scent attributes indicate the need for airflow in application of non-rhythmic sensory stimuli aspects. The
natural sound attribute is applied to open spaces.

Landscape near lounge gives potential presence of birds Flowering plants along the edge of lounge gives potential
and insects which allows users to experience natural natural scent to users and natural movement of the plants
sound. itself.

Figure 6. Visualization of lounge tower A. Figure 7. Visualization of lounge tower C.

Flowering plants on the edge of lounges or corridors can potentially attract the presence of
insects as seen in figure 6. Thus, users have the potential to see natural movement. Aside from it, the
natural movement of vegetation due to wind currents or the movement of vegetation shadows can trigger

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

the user to see naturally occurring movements as seen on figure 7. Fragrance from flowering plants can
provide a natural scent experience from flowers nearby because the aroma that reaches the user will
depend on the airflow and which is not rhythmic and unpredictable. Natural sound can be experienced
by users where there is a potential for the presence of birds in the courtyard area with the presence of
trees. Apart from birds, there is the potential for the presence of other insects in the landscape in the
courtyard which can be heard by users when passing in the corridors or in the lounge. Overall, all
attributes are applied to semi-outdoor or outdoor open areas to support this aspect to occur naturally.
Also, vegetation is used as a medium that can apply these three attributes.

3.4. Thermal & airflow variability

Thermal & airflow variability are changes in air temperature, humidity, skin airflow, and surface
temperature that mimic the natural environment. This aspect can be applied to buildings with the
following attributes, access for natural ventilation, materials with good thermal insulation, and
shadows/shades.

The results of the precedent study based on the aspect of thermal & airflow variability shows
that three attributes, access for natural ventilation, materials with good thermal insulation, and
shadow/shade are closely related and used simultaneously for the occurrence of thermal variability and
airflow in buildings.
Hollow steel and concrete
material used to support
thermal variability.

Shadow from the lattice and vegetation gives shade in

walkway. Holes on lattice allows airflow inside
walkway.

Figure 8. Visualization of walkway.

The ground floor is mostly open to support a variety of airflow. According to data collected,
the wind direction on the site comes from both east and west. The area between the wind movements
walkway is placed which connects tower B and C lobbies. The walkway has the potential for variations
in airflow. The walkway is made of concrete as the main structure and lattice along the edge of the
walkway with hollow steel material. The two materials have different thermal insulation so that thermal
variations can occur. And exposure to sunlight on the lattice form shadows on the inside of the walkway
and shadows from the surrounding vegetation to support variations in the occurrence of thermal
variations as seen on figure 8. Overall, this aspect applies to areas where natural wind flow occurs for
natural ventilation. And the use of various thermal insulation materials to support the occurrence of
thermal variations. Shading from surrounding vegetation or shading device also supports thermal
variations.

3.5. Presence of water

Presence of water is a condition that enhances the experience of a place through the sight, hearing or
touch of water. This aspect can be applied to buildings with the following attributes, multi-sensory
experience of water (visual, auditory, or tactile) and prioritize naturally fluctuating water movements
over predictable or stagnant movements [10].
The results of precedent studies based on the presence of water aspect show that multi-sensory
experiences in the presence of water are important for establishing a connection with water.

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

Fountain supports hearing sound of water and

sight of water while passing through corridor.
Overflowing water supports by hearing sound of water,
sight and touch of water while passing through corridor.

Figure 9. Visualization of pedestrian entrance. Figure 10. Visualization of drop-off corridor.

This aspect is applied on the pedestrian entrance by using the three senses. Users who pass
through the pedestrian walkway can see, touch, and hear the sound of water overflowing as seen on
figure 9. Also, can simultaneously experience all three senses from the garden above. Apart from the
pedestrian area, it is also applied to the drop-off area. The application in the drop-off area is made with
a fountain to support the senses of sight and hearing of water as seen on figure 10. Also, another is
implemented as part of the apartment facilities, namely the swimming pool. Swimming pools can
support the senses of sight and touch for users with stagnant water flow. Overall, the implementation of
this aspect uses a minimum of two senses for the user regarding the placement of water in buildings.
The location of the implementation of this aspect is designed for main circulation and open facility areas
so that it can be easily accessed by users and will be experienced by all users.

3.6. Dynamic & diffuse light

Dynamic & diffuse light is a variety of light and shadow intensities that change over time according to
what happens in nature. This aspect can be applied to buildings with the following attributes [11], natural
light, filtered and diffused light, light and shadow, and reflected light.

The results of the precedent study based on the dynamic & diffuse light aspect shows that
natural light is the main attribute needed in the application of this aspect because the other three attributes
depend on natural light. Regarding natural light, the main element needed in a building is glass and
openings as a medium that emits natural light to enter the building. The placement of openings/glass
always faces outside the building with the potential for light to enter and is not blocked by massive
objects or other buildings. Also, it acts as a separator between outside and inside of the building.

Filtered and diffused light from shadow

of vegetation and light pass-through
curtain.
Light and shadow occurrence from the
shadow of lattice arrangements on the
edge of corridor.

Figure 11. Visualization of gym. Figure 12. Visualization of master bedroom.

The lattice on the walkway is made along the road to support this aspect where the occurrence
of light and shadow. The lattice also aims to respond to sunlight from the hot west side and reduce glare
while passing through it. Light exposed to the lattice will cast dark and light shadows and will change
over time. The vegetation around the walkway also helps in the occurrence of filtered and diffused light

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

so that the light that’s exposed on walkway is filtered. The same is applied to the gym area, where the
same lattice modules are placed along the corridor facing the garden area as seen on figure 11. This
lattice aims to reduce the glare effect of the western sun and support the occurrence of light and shadow
in the gym. In the kids' indoor playroom, this aspect is also implemented by using blinds on windows
exposed to western sunlight. The blinds support the occurrence of diffused and filtered light and the
vegetation in the garden helps to create light and shadow from exposure to sunlight. In the spa room,
openings are made with slope so that natural light can enter and still block views from outside. The
vegetation in front of the opening aims to create filtered light that enters the space and light and shadow
can occur from incoming light by passing through the plants in front instead.

Lastly, applied to the apartment unit by using a shading device on the edge of the balcony as
seen on figure 12. The lattice designs on the east and west sides are distinguished by the spacing between
the wooden lattice spacing. With a shading device, light and shadow can occur in the room and filtered
and diffuse light is applied by having hanging plants on the edge of the balcony and curtains on the
windows. Overall, this aspect is applied to open circulation areas and facilities with openings to let
sunlight into the room. Vegetation and the design of architectural openings are media that can create
light and shadow as well as filtered and diffuse light.

3.7. Connection with natural systems

Connection with natural systems is awareness of natural processes, which are usually recognized by
seasonal changes and are temporary. This aspect can be applied to buildings with the following attributes
that can be seen over time, changes in weather or seasons, change of light, local/neighborhood
landscape, and animal behavior.

The result of precedent studies based on the connection with natural systems aspect show that
there is a correlation between changes in weather and changes in light and between the surrounding
landscape and animal behavior in the application of this aspect.

Courtyard in between building tower allows to see changes

in weather and light. The landscape is potential for animal
habitat.

Figure 13. Visualization of courtyard.

This aspect is applied to the ground floor open area where users can see the four attributes in
this aspect. The courtyard which is in the middle between the buildings has facilities such as a swimming
pool, spa and gazebo as seen in figure 13. Around the facility is equipped with a green area or landscape.
With this green area there is the potential to see animals or insects in the area. And in space, the area is
open where changes in weather and light can be seen directly. Overall, this aspect is only applied to the
ground floor which is open with green open areas to be able to see the 4 attributes for users.

3.8. Material connection with nature

Materials and elements derived from nature that mirror the indigenous ecology or geology, thereby
engendering a unique sense of locale, are referred to as material connections with nature. This aspect
can be applied to buildings with the following attributes, natural materials are preferred for use in various

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

interior and exterior designs and natural colors (sand/soil colors, rocks, vegetation, bright flower colors,
rainbows, blue skies and other colorful features in the natural world) [12].

The results of precedent studies based on the material connection with nature aspect shows
that choice of material and color greatly influences this aspect. Wood material is dominantly used in all
elements of space in this building to create a natural feel from a broad perspective. Most of the space in
the building uses wood, either real wood, processed, or veneer. The natural colors that are used
predominantly in buildings are gray for structures, white for ceilings, and black for iron frames. The
lounges of each tower use natural materials such as wooden decks, rocks, slate tiles and merbau wood.
Wooden decking is used as the floor for the lounge area, pebbles is used for the gutter area so that it is
indirectly seen as a place for gutters, slate tiles as layers for corridor planters and merbau wood as a seat
for permanent sitting planters.

White ceiling

Wood Wall
Cladding Stone Wall
ceiling Cladding

Grass carpet

Wooden
parquet Material with natural Wooden Material with natural
material and colors. parquet material and colors.

Figure 14. Visualization of kid’s indoor Figure 15. Visualization of couple spa room.
playroom.

In the café area, use wood as a parquet floor in the outdoor café area and as a ceiling with a
wooden grille ceiling. The planter box in the café uses multiplex wood and layers of wood in the café
counter area. The gym room also uses wood as a parquet floor in the middle and as a ceiling with a
wooden grille ceiling. The natural color used is gray on the carpet to differentiate circulation zones and
do sports. The kids' indoor playroom also uses a wooden parquet floor on the middle floor and carpet
with a grass texture around the room as seen on figure 14. Thus, the material's connection with nature
can be achieved even when using artificial textures such as grass textures. The spa room uses wood
paneling on the walls and ceiling, and stone cladding on the walls to make the spa room feel closer to
nature as seen in figure 15. Finally, the apartment units are applied with parquet wood floors in the
bedrooms, wooden decks on the balconies, wooden ceilings on the balconies, merbau wood as shading
devices, granite floors in the living room area, and marble on the kitchen tabletop. Apart from the
material, the color is the same where white is used as the color for the ceiling, gray for the structure, and
black for the iron frame such as window frames and sills. Overall, wood is dominantly applied to floors,
walls and ceilings. Apart from wood, slate tiles, marble and granite are also used as materials. In terms
of color, gray is dominant because it is used as the color for the structure, white as the color for the
ceiling, and black as the color for the iron framing of the building.

3.9. Prospect
Prospect is a seamless view from a distance for monitoring and planning. Prospect in space will feel
open and free, and provide a sense of secure, especially when in unfamiliar surroundings. This aspect
can be applied on buildings with the following attributes, visual access to outdoor views, activity centers
or destinations, visual connections between spaces, and provides a focal length of ≥ 6 meters, preferably
30 meters [13].

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

The results of precedent studies based on the prospect aspect shows that visual access, visual
connections between spaces and focal lengths are interconnected in the application of buildings,
especially in interior.

Full plane glass

window

Open floor plan

layout for living,
dining, and
kitchen. Enhances
connection
between spaces.

Focal length of more than 6 metres made

on open floor plan with the help of full
Windows for visual
plane glass.
access from spaces

Figure 16. Apartment unit floor plan Figure 17. Apartment unit section drawing.
drawing.

This aspect is applied to apartment units where the functions of the family room, dining room
and kitchen are combined as an open floor plan to create a visual connection between rooms as seen on
figure 16. With an open floor plan, the visual distance from the entrance to the balcony can be designed
with > 6 meters. And using full-length glass on the divider between the inner room and the balcony so
that visual access to the outside view can be seen without any visual barriers as seen on figure 17.
Overall, all apartment units apply this aspect whereby an open floor plan can support a visual distance
of at least 6-meters for monitoring distance which is assisted by dividing the inside and outside with
full-plane glass.

3.10. Risk/ peril

Risk/Peril is threat that can be identified with reliable protection and makes an individual feel that it
may be harmful, but interesting, worth exploring and maybe even intolerable. The design attributes for
this aspect are height, gravity, water, predator-prey.

The results of the precedent study based on the risk/peril aspect shows that only use of height
attribute is significantly applied on apartment buildings. The height attribute is used as a source of
anxiety and an impression of danger to the user.

Frameless glass railing

enhances the sense of
risk and danger while
standing in balcony.

Figure 18. Detail frameless balcony railing. Figure 19. Visualization of balcony.

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

This aspect is applied to all apartment unit balconies by using a frameless glass railing as a
balcony edge barrier as seen on figure 18. Frameless glass is used to increase the sense of danger from
heights as seen in figure 19.

The application of the biophilic concept to apartments is known to have at most 10 aspects that are used
through the results of precedent studies from three biophilic apartments. Thus, the method of
implementation of the 10 aspects is known in the results of the analysis on residential buildings through
examples of the implementation of each of the existing aspects.
Table 1. Result of Guidelines for Application of Biophilic Aspects.
No. Biophilic Aspect Conclusion
- Vegetation on the edge of a space (semi-outdoor
or outdoor)
- Uses glass elements on wall facing outside
1 Visual connection with nature
building
- Placement of biodiversity area on ground floor
- Room layout faces opening
- Have airflow, vegetation/ natural material, and
Non-visual connection with water features fountain
2
nature - Easy access from main circulation area or main
function area of a space
- Visual access towards the placement of
vegetation
- Openings/ outdoor area near varieties of
3 Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli vegetation
- Semi-outdoor or outdoor area to support natural
occurrence.
- Media used is vegetation
- Applied in outdoor area to allow airflow
4 Thermal & airflow variability - Good insulator material application on space
- Use of vegetation for shade in space
- Use of water pools or swimming pools or water
fountain
5 Presence of water - Applied on corridors or facilities areas and
entrances/ lobbies with open space
- Predictable and/ or stagnant water fluctuation
- Use of vegetation, balconies, building shading,
architectural opening designs, and water features
6 Dynamic & diffuse light for creating light variations
- Applied on lobbies/ entrances, corridors, outdoor
facilities, and balconies
- Presence of courtyard
7 Connection with natural systems
- Visual access to outdoor
- Usage of natural wood material
- White color for ceiling
8 Material connection with nature - Gray color on structure or walls
- Black color on iron/steel frame
- Brown color on floor, leather, and furniture.
- Use of full plane wall with glass material for
9 Prospect
wide vision from inside space

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The 7 th International Conference on Eco Engineering Development 2023 (ICEED 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

No. Biophilic Aspect Conclusion

- Use of open floor plan layout
- Space/ room with at least one side of the length
more than 6 metres
- Use of transparent/ glass material as barrier on
10 Risk/ peril
edge of a space from heights

4. Conclusion
The concept of biophilic architecture in buildings has three main principles in design, (1) nature in the
space, (2) natural analogue, and (3) nature of space. The results of precedent studies from three vertical
residential buildings show that the principle of nature in the space plays a large role in the application
of biophilic architecture and has strong relationships between principles. Every application of biophilic
aspects to buildings looks important and interconnected between aspects. Every aspect has an approach
to nature in terms of sight, hearing, touch, or smell. Visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli were the
dominant ones applied to precedents. All aspects also have a close relationship with the outdoor
environment in terms of all sensory stimuli to feel closeness to real nature.

The form of application to buildings always uses vegetation, water features, natural light,
natural materials/colors, and architectural designs. The application of significant biophilic concepts is
applied to the main functions and supporting functions of apartment building. The application on
apartment design significantly uses visual connection with nature and material connection with nature
aspects in the majority of spaces. This is because the aspect of visual connection with nature needs to
provide a place for placing vegetation that can support the layout to be seen without visual barriers. The
material connection with nature aspect can be easily applied because it includes building materials, all
space is needed. However, for other aspects it can only be applied to certain areas or spaces, due to
several attributes needing to be followed so that each aspect is implemented well through design. Most
of them are in the facilities and public spaces on the ground floor of the apartment. In apartment units,
only 5 biophilic aspects can be implemented, namely visual connection with nature, dynamic and diffuse
light, material connection with nature, prospects, and risk/peril.

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1324 (2024) 012018 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012018

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