Biophilic Design
The concept of Biophilic Design refers to the inclusion of nature inside the built environment.
Moss Wall: Biophilic Design
Participants: Solo Project
Duration: Spring 2019
Tools: Revit + Photoshop + Procreate
Introduction
Connecting people to nature is a crucial step for society to become conscious about our limited natural resources. Moreover, nature has been proven to contribute to your physical and mental well being. In recent years, with the rise of climate change awareness, people have realized the importance of nature. In this research, nature will be discussed on its major importance and benefits through the concept of Biophilic Design in college campuses such as San Francisco State University.
The Problem
Students' life can be stressful during college. Stress will affect the student’s creativity and wellbeing resulting in lower academic development and achievement.
The Purpose
The purpose of this study is to bring awareness and incentive schools and other institutions to include nature to its built environment. Study shows that nature bringing out creativity in students and lower stress.
Research Findings
Survey - Literature - Panel of Experts - Observation
“Biophilic design is not about greening our buildings or simply increasing their aesthetic appeal through inserting trees and shrubs. Much more, it is about humanity’s place in nature, and the natural world’s place in human society...”²
“In offices, indoor plants reduce sick building syndromes 21 percent. A view of nature can result in 6 to 7 percent faster call handling time at call centers. And natural ventilation can cut sick leave more than 57 percent and doctor visits almost 17 percent.” â‚„
“Further research shows that optimizing exposure to daylight alone can improve school attendance by an average of 3.5 days/year and test scores by 5-14% whilst increasing the speed of learning by 20-26%.” ₃
Panel of Experts
These selected experts were selected for an interview in hopes for further clarification and support for this research. These experts were significant for this project as they provided in-depth knowledge in the field of the Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, and Mental Health within the San Francisco State Campus and beyond. Theses fields of study, of course, are close related to the benefits in which Biophilic Design may bring to staff and students of the university.
Design Proposal
The product must be designed to include elements that nurture the innate human connection, thus using Biophilic Design at its core. The idea behind this study and product design is to develop a green wall and create seating areas, that uses recycled organic goods to embrace nature in shared open spaces. By green wall, in this context, it is meant less in terms of a modified garden or flowerpot hanged on a wall - as certain plants can be hard to maintain - but more as an element essential to school environments and students.
Inspiration
Proposed Concept Design
Moss Wall
The living wall brings nature inside the built environment. Moreover, the moss wall choice derives from research as it is the least maintenance required plant.
Shelves
Including shelves to the living wall will allow students to also display they design work and inspire their peers.
Seating Area
The seating area will connect nature to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the design building. This will be a shared space that will showcase the character of the design building and its creative space.
Building Entrance
Early Sketches
Early Prototypes
Material Exploration
Storyboard
Moss Wall
San Francisco State University - Design Building
San Francisco State University Design Building
San Francisco State University Design Building
