Abstract

This study aims to identify the most important implicit visual elements/features of the biophilic design (BD) perceived in interior environments using virtual reality (VR) technology. It also suggests ideas for expanding the concept of BD in residential environments and emphasizing its psychological function. The study employed participation observations (a representative sample of ten heads of the family from Medina) when VR was applied to redesign their living rooms; semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted after the experience. The concept of BD in residential environments was developed using an inductive approach. The results showed that all participants perceived more than 50 percent of the visual BD features included in the design. Environmental features of color, water, and natural materials were most easily perceived; among natural shapes and forms, biomimicry, botanical motifs, shapes resisting straight lines, and biomorphy were perceived more compared to egg-shaped, oval, and tubular forms. Although arches, vaults, and domes, as well as biomimicry, were mentioned in the interviews, they were not mentioned in the spontaneous description based on observations. This study introduces a research method for applying VR to the perception of BD. The study selected ten families and redesigned their living rooms with BD elements. The participants viewed the modified environment through VR glasses and expressed their feelings during the interviews. Data analysis was conducted to determine the significance of each BD element and the degree to which it was perceived. Exploration with advanced VR technology that allows participants to walk among the redesigned interiors is required.