Biophilic Design Interventions
Project summary
A suite of human-centered, techno-biophilic digital-physical interventions, known as Biophilic Illusions, are being designed to enhance human-building interaction by incorporating ambient reflections of nature into built environments. These interventions aim to provide broader, more inclusive, and affordable access to nature experiences in indoor spaces that lack a direct connection to the natural environment. A study involving 350 participants was conducted online using low-fidelity digital prototypes to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in fostering nature connectedness and improving occupant wellbeing.
Driving question
Does exposure to an indoor space with biophilic design interventions (such as wind-animated tree shadows, sun-animated lighting, or location-responsive sounds) enhance nature connectedness and well-being of occupants compared to a space without such interventions?
Major findings
Connectedness to Nature
Location-responsive sounds significantly increased nature connectedness.
Wind-animated tree shadow showed a non-significant, positive increase in connectedness.
Sun-animated lighting unexpectedly decreased connectedness, likely due to its mismatch with typical indoor lighting expectations.
Feelings of Relaxation
Wind-animated tree shadow and location-responsive sounds significantly improved relaxation.
Sun-animated lighting marginally decreased relaxation, possibly due to the rapid lighting changes in the study's online format.
Predictive Relationship
Higher nature connectedness was a significant predictor of greater relaxation, supporting the link between nature connectedness and enhanced well-being.
Project team
Weixuan Lu, MS student, CEE
Huilan Huang, Undergraduate researcher, CEE
Prof. Sarah Billington, CEE
Basma Altaf, PhD student, CEE
Sneha Jain, Post-doctoral Scholar, CEE
Andrea Green, PhD student, CEE
Flora Xu, PhD student, E-IPER Program
Parker Ruth, PhD student, CS