The Empirical Evidence for Biophilic & Wellness Design

Johanne Morin
7 days ago
2 min read

How Science Supports the Benefits of Green, Sustainable Spaces.

Incorporating natural elements and lighting to your space for healthier living.

There is a growing body of empirical research supporting the benefits of wellness design and mindful architecture, particularly in areas like biophilic design and sustainable building practices.

Biophilic Design and Well-Being

Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into built environments, has been shown to positively impact human well-being. A meta-analysis (PubMed) of 49 experimental studies involving over 3,200 participants found that exposure to natural environments significantly increased positive emotions and decreased negative emotions. The study also noted that immersive experiences in nature had a more substantial effect than simulated environments.

Another study evaluated the impact of multisensory biophilic office environments on occupants' cognitive performance, stress levels, and overall satisfaction. The findings indicated improvements in cognitive performance and reductions in stress, suggesting that incorporating natural elements like greenery and natural lighting can enhance workplace well-being.

Low-carbon, energy efficient home can lead to healthier population.

Sustainable Architecture and Health

Research also supports the health benefits of sustainable building practices. A review of studies on green buildings found that they often have better indoor environmental quality, leading to improved occupant health outcomes. For instance, occupants reported fewer sick building syndrome symptoms, and there were measurable reductions in respiratory issues among children in green housing. These benefits are attributed to factors like improved air quality and the use of non-toxic materials.

Furthermore, a study by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford highlighted that transitioning to low-carbon, energy-efficient homes can lead to warmer indoor environments and healthier populations. Enhancements such as better insulation and smart heating controls not only reduce carbon emissions but also decrease health issues like asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

These studies provide empirical evidence that integrating natural elements and sustainable practices into architectural design can significantly enhance human health and well-being.

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