Abstract
This study focuses on biophilic design in nursing homes and the potential to harness environmental design to connect people to nature and improve well-being and quality of life. While there are a growing number of studies relating to biophilic design in schools, offices, and hospitals, this paper addresses the lack of studies focused specifically on nursing homes as a hybrid housing/care environment typology. The theory of biophilia and biophilic design suggests that humans have an innate affinity towards nature. This study is framed using Stephen Kellert ‘s (2008) six biophilic design “elements”: environmental features; natural shapes and forms; natural patterns and processes; light and space; place-based relationships; and evolved human-nature relationships. Kellert’s design elements are general findings - without concern for a specific site or climate, consideration of whether a space is a new build or renovation, or program type - all of which are significant drivers of architectural design. This paper interprets the biophilic design elements for nursing homes. This paper addresses the growing interest in quantifying biophilic design in architectural practice by identifying and evaluating peer-reviewed studies and findings specific to this program type and identifying and analyzing relevant architectural design case studies.This study presents preliminary results of a larger research study on biophilic design in nursing homes, with a literature review and examples of built projects.
Presenters
Terri PetersAssistant Professor, Architectural Science , Ryerson , Ontario, Canada Ashita Parekh
Research Assistant, Architectural Science, Ryerson University, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2020 Special Focus—Embedded Natures: Human Environments and Ecosystemic Effects
KEYWORDS
Architecture, Nature, Biophilic Design, Well-being, Elderly, Nursing Homes, Environmental Design
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