Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This study focuses on the integration of natural elements in the built environment with the goal of identifying combinations that seem to thrive in the built environment. The author conducted systematic observation and analysis of environmental conditions featuring direct sensorial contact with nature in buildings in the colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico. The observations took place during a two week period. Conditions were systematically recorded and a two step a priori coding process was used to distinguish overall themes and to interpret them. The focus was primarily in instances of direct sensorial contact with nature through the presence of vegetation, water features, natural air, natural sounds and scents, and animals although examples of indirect connection to nature (involving mimicking to produce a biophilic human connection) were also recorded. Preliminary findings indicate that successful applications not only mix natural elements within the built environment but also pay great attention to the placement and overall composition of parts, such that the buildings and the natural elements blend in a harmonious sort of choreography that enhances the effect.