BIOPHILIC DESIGN


Figure 2. The furniture arrangement in the treatment room orientates the patient to view the vegetation outside of the room, thus creating the opportunity for a cognitive break.


Within the design resolution, the


following patterns of biophilic design were utilised: l Nature in space – visual connection with nature, non-rhythmic sensory stimuli, thermal and airflow variability and dynamic and diffused light.


l Natural analogues –material connection with nature.


l Nature of the space – prospect, refuge and mystery.


It is important to note that many of these patterns overlap with one another as multiple patterns can be used to create the appropriate feeling required by the user of the space.


Nature in space Nature in space refers to the direct, physical, and transient presence of nature in a space or place. This includes the diversity, movement, and multi-sensory


Figure 3. The exclusive use courtyard provides patients with the opportunity to interact with nature at various times of the day, creating moments to which only they are privy to.


interactions we have with a space through the strategic use of plants, water, animals, sounds and scents within the space.


Visual connection to nature A visual connection to nature refers to a view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes. Interior spaces with a view of nature feel whole as it can engage with an individual and provide a sense of place (with reference to weather, time, other living things). Within the assisted ward, the


therapeutic spaces – treatment room, consultation room and group room - have been grouped together along the rear of the building to utilise the views of the Baakens Valley beyond (Fig 2). The activities taking place within these


rooms can lead to cognitive fatigue, which can be countered through the inclusion of views of nature as this provides a visual break to the user. The benefit of nature


increases with a higher biodiversity (i.e. variety) being visible as opposed to increase in the view of a vegetative area (i.e. expanse). With the views out, users can orientate


themselves to time of day and weather conditions. On occasion it is also possible to see some of the natural wildlife of the Baakens Valley. Research has proven that views of nature reduce stress, evokes positive emotional functioning, improves concentration and recovery rates. Viewing scenes of nature stimulates a larger portion of the visual cortex in the brain which triggers more pleasure receptors in the brain, in turn leading to prolonged interest and faster stress recovery.


Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli create a feeling where a user is privy to a unique experience for a moment, which creates a brief distraction. This brief distraction is


Figures 4&5. The linking of the internal and external spaces has been accentuated by the inclusion of a pergola-like structure internally, drawing the user’s eye to the outside. The pergola externally creates a diffused lighting effect as the sun moves from the morning to the evening, creating a sense of drama internally, simulating natural conditions of lighting in nature - such as a tree with foliage casting shadows in different places as the day progresses would.


IFHE DIGEST 2022 89

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