article · Ain Shams Engineering Journal
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements to enhance psychological well-being, yet its application in academic settings remains underexplored compared to healthcare and office environments. To understand how specific biophilic attributes affect student satisfaction, an experimental study was conducted with fifty-two participants in an architectural design studio setting. The experiment utilised virtual reality simulations to compare existing room conditions with modified biophilic environments. Participants completed cognitive and performance assessments before and after exposure to each setting, and the resulting data were analysed using statistical software. The findings demonstrate that incorporating natural lighting, natural ventilation, greenery, large windows, indirect connections to nature, and natural finishing materials significantly improves student satisfaction levels within learning spaces.
Student satisfaction serves as an essential indicator of effective learning environments, but academic spaces often lack supportive design features. Demonstrating that nature-inspired interventions measurably improve psychological and cognitive responses helps university planners, architects, and estate managers create healthier, more stimulating educational facilities that foster student well-being through evidence-based architectural choices.
This research provides early-stage experimental evidence for architects, interior designers, and academic facility managers seeking to upgrade educational spaces. Virtual reality is highlighted as an applied testing tool to model architectural modifications before physical construction. Real-world application depends on translating these virtual simulation findings into physical building retrofits or new construction projects, meaning direct commercial deployment remains at an architectural planning stage.
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Biophilic design is a new approach that can enhance human psychological well-being. Most recent studies focus on applying biophilic design to hospitals or office buildings, not academic buildings. While usually ignored, students' level of satisfaction is one of the most important key indicators for a successful learning environment. This paper aims to identify the biophilic design attributes that can potentially contribute to enhancing the students' level of satisfaction. This will be done through an experimental research design using virtual reality in a design studio at The British University in Egypt. Each participant (N = 52) was exposed to the existing condition and then the virtual experience. Before and following each exposure, cognitive and performance assessments were administered, this assessment was analyzed with the use of SPSS. Results show a highly positive impact of Natural Lighting, Natural Ventilation Greenery, Large Windows, Indirect Connection to Nature, and Natural Finishing Material on the student’s level of satisfaction.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.asej.2023.102304
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