Civil and Environmental Engineering

Vol. 0, Issue 0, DOI: 10.2478/cee-2020-0008

PROPOSING A FRAMEWORK OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN

PRINCIPLES IN HOT AND ARID CLIMATE OF IRAN
BY USING GROUNDED THEORY
Maryam EBRAHIMPOUR1,*
1
Faculty member of Urban Planning and Architecture, Khavaran institute of higher Education,
Mashhad, Iran.
*
corresponding author: ebrahimpourmaryam20@yahoo.com.

Abstract Keywords:
The relationship between architecture and nature in most of the Biophilic design;
current architectural theories is mostly referring to sustainability. The Hot & dry climate;
Biophilic design concept is the missing relation in sustainable design. Biophilic indicators;
Biophilic design, which combines natural features into the built Meta-Synthesis research;
environment, has increased attention in both the design and healthy Nvivo software.
activities in current cities. The purpose of this research is proposing
framework of Biophilic model based on the hot and dry climate in Iran.
The research is qualitative. The research method Meta-Synthesis
research. In order to analyze data, was used Nvivo software. In this
research has been mentioned 64 open code. Also at finally was
proposed four selective code and framework about Biophilic space in
a hot and dry climate in Iran.

1 Introduction
The concept of Biophilic urbanism offers a unique opportunity to create sustainable and liveable
cities to improve health of residents [1, 2]. Biophilic urbanism presents the idea of integration of urban
nature into cities and proposes a design principle to inform intentional and functional use of natural or
“Biophilic” elements such as city and pocket parks, linear green space, and green roofs and walls in
the built environment [3].
The built environment is a significant focus area in plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and is also acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change [4, 5]. The current design of most
significant cities contributes to both mitigation and adaptation challenges, exacerbated by increased
urbanization and population pressures.
Biophilic concept is defined as an intrinsic human tendency to natural systems [6]. The current
concept (Biophilia) created a new approach in environmental science that contact with nature plays a
fundamental role in human physical and mental well-being. Numerous studies believe on proving the
benefits of nature to restoration and healing in healthcare environments [7, 8]. Biophilia, such as green
space, also plays a vital role in social and family relationships in modern society [9] and is beneficial to
office workers, university students and staff in high density urban areas [10, 11].
Presentation of Biophilic design principles in hot and dry climate based on Iran condition is the
purpose of this research. Climate is a main environmental factor, which affects the planning and
design. So, in order to reach comfortable space in cities, different strategies should be organized for
various, different climates.
The innovation of the present research is to provide for the first time a framework for the
Biophilic design components consistent with the hot and dry climate of Iran. On order that was
qualitative research method. In history of science (especially social science) the qualitative research is
an accepted approach for the investigation of information systems and organizations [12].
So the first step of this research is to study Biophilic design components. Also in this step, it was
studied design indicators of the hot and dry climate of Iran. In this step was used Nvivo software in
order to propose components. The second step of the research will assess and compare hot and dry
indicators in Iran and Biophilic components for proposing framework.
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2 Research method
The purpose of this research is to propose the framework of Biophilic principles that has
adapted with the hot and dry climate of Iran. The research is qualitative. The research method is
content analysis. The interview method was used to collect data. Also, Documentary studies were
used to study Biophilic literature. One the other hand was used open-ended questionnaire. The NVivo
software was used to analyze the data, Fig. 1.
NVivo computer software is designed for qualitative researches. Qualitative researchers Work
with wealthy multimedia information. NVivo Software can classify and summarize data in code [13].

Fig.1: Research method.

3 Literature review

3.1 Biophilic concept

Urban green space has emerged as a critical component to a sustainable city, as it offers a
myriad of social, environmental, and economic benefits. This knowledge and appreciation of urban
green space remain unsystematic, thus inhibiting it is mainstreaming across cities worldwide.
Biophilia concept at first was introduced by the psychologist Erich Fromm and was expanded in
the 1980s as Edward O. Wilson established a new approach in environmental science, which he
defined as the urge to affiliate with other forms of life [14].
Biophilic urbanism tries to establish connection between nature elements and built environment.
Also, it attempts to translate the understanding of Biophilia into the urban planning and design
architecture [15-18]. Biophilia can be achieved through design approaches in the built environment
(Biophilic Design) and systemically throughout cities (Biophilic Urbanism).
Although numerous studies introduce the benefits of nature in to human life However, low
research has been done on the indoor Biophilic features [15].
From an ecosystem services approach, Biophilic elements offer a range of benefits. Evidence of
the importance and role of Biophilic elements in the built environment has been gathered from reports
and studies.
According to Biophilic design definitions, Biophilic elements can be divided into taxonomy
related to the scale. The level of a building, street, and city.
- Building scale elements (natural features) are those that can be integrated onto, into and
around a building.
- Street scale elements are those integrated into and alongside streets, roads and sidewalks.
- City scale Biophilic elements are more substantial size and likely to be fewer in number [19].

3.2 Climatic conditions of hot-arid climate of Iran

The central Iranian plateau consists of Hot and dry Climate. In this climate, the summer is
sweltering, and the winter is freezing and hard. Thus temperature is much variable. Early men built
houses to keep out the elements – rain, wind, sun, and snow. Their purpose was to produce an
environment favorable to their comfort and even to their survival, Table 1, [20].
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The features of urban fabric are:

1. Concentrative urban texture.
2. Narrow alley.
3. Wall to wall building.

Table 1: Design criteria of a hot & dry climate in Iran.

Indicator Criteria
Density Texture dispersion -
Sunlight
Climate orientation Buildings
Wind
Patterns
Housing Material Determine design strategies based on materials
Verity spaces
Types of road patterns
Patterns
Studying different materials
Open space Material
Designing diverse spaces for different times
Verity spaces
in proportion to the climate of the area
The amount, type and level of vegetation
Plans cover
in different climates
Water - -

4 Results and discussions

According to the proposed purpose of this research, has been used NVivo software for
analyzing. The process of NVivo software are three steps: Descriptive coding, Axial Coding, and
Selective Coding.
The first section of NVivo software summarize the qualitative data in to open or descriptive
codes. The results of this step should be a list of characterizing codes and categories attached to the
text and supported by code notes that were produced to explain the content of codes [21]. Axial
coding consists of identifying relationships among the open codes [22, 23].

4.1 Qualitative data analysis

Based on the above description, the statistical society is Professors and science of architecture.
Data gathered through open-ended questionnaire and interview. Also was used 56 documental
sources. Both of them were used in order to create codes. First, was created open codes. Then was
selected between pen cod as axial cod. At finally was produced selective cods. Figs. 2 - 4 show
descriptive coding, axial coding, and selective coding in NVivo software.

Fig. 2: Open coding in NVivo software.

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Fig. 3: Axial coding in NVivo software.

Fig. 4: Selective coding in NVivo software.

In Nvivo software, is identified 64 open code in the first round. Some concluded open code are :
Air condition, animal patterns, belonging to the place, Biomimicry, Biomorphic, color, Complex forms of
nature, culture & environment, Discipline and complexity, diversity of space, Dynamic balance,
Environmental factors, focal points, Fractals, hot light, Imagination, indoor & outdoor space,
landscape, Light & space, light as form and figure, native elements, Natural elements, Natural forms,
natural light, Natural patterns, Oval forms, plants, plants patterns, prospect, relation between culture
and environment, relation between history and environment, security, sense of playfulness, simulation
of natural characteristics, Space Harmony, transfer space, water and etc. Tables 2 and 3 show the
final axial and selective code that it is concluded from NVivo software. Finally, it was proposed the
components of Biophilic design (Fig. 5).
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Table 2: Axial cod (Source: researchers).

Animal patterns
Biomimicry
Complex forms of nature
Biomorphic
Oval forms
Plants patterns
Simulation of natural characteristics
Air condition
Color
Environmental factors Landscape
Natural elements
Plants
Imagination
Prospect
Environmental features
Security
Sense of playfulness
Relation between culture and environment
Environmental relationships
Relation between history and environment
Diversity of space
Hot light
Indoor & outdoor space
Light & space Light as form and figure
Natural light
Space Harmony
Transfer space

Table 3: Selective cod (Source: researchers).

Animal patterns
Biomimicry
Complex forms of nature
Biomorphic
Oval forms
Plants patterns
Simulation of natural characteristics
Air condition
Color
Landscape Environmental factors Diversity of sense
Natural elements
Plants
Imagination
Prospect
Environmental features Identity
Security
Sense of playfulness
The relation between culture and environment
Environmental relationships
The relation between history and environment
Diversity of space
Hot light
Vitality
Indoor & outdoor space
Light as form and figure Light & space
Natural light
Space Harmony
Transfer space
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Fig. 5: Components of the Biophilic design (Source: researchers).

Due to the purpose of this research that it is proposing a framework of Biophilic design principle
in a hot and dry climate, so in the second section of the paper was used adaptive research method. In
order to in literature review, hot and dry design condition is studied. Some indicators are density,
climate orientation, housing, open space, plant cover, water, etc. Table 4 shows an adaptive
comparison between Biophilic principle and Iran architecture principles.

Table 4: Adaptive comparison between Biophilic principle and Iran architecture principles.
Biophilic concept Hot and dry climate
Various scales (local up to regional) + +
Citizen participation +
Climate orientation + +
Environment Variety +
Local governmen +
Natural design + +
Natural elements + +
Density + +
Bio imitation + +
Land use Variety +
Connectivity + +
Identity + +

According to Table 4, the final indicators are Identity, Connectivity, Land use Variety, Bio
imitation, Density, The Importance of Microorganisms, Natural elements, Natural design, Local
government, Climate orientation, Emphasis on the participation of residents, Emphasis on the different
scales. Biophilic concept and a hot and dry design condition adapt in 8 indicators. Based on adaptive
research and Meta-Synthesis research has been proposed final framework of Principles of Biophilic
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design matched with Iran architecture principles. The concept model consists of three factors. They
are culture, biomorphic, and Training and awareness, Fig. 6.

Fig. 6: Concept model of Biophilic principles in a hot and dry climate in Iran.

According to the concept model, the framework of adapted Biophilic principles with Iran
architecture principles is proposed. The frame work classified three sections. Culture, Biomorphic and
awareness. Fig. 7 shows the framework.

Fig. 7: Final framework.

5 Conclusion
This paper outlines the characteristics of an emerging new design paradigm called Biophilic
urbanism and architecture, which, over several years, has demonstrated how high density does not
have to mean reduced natural systems.
The results of NVivo software is led to 64 open code in the first round. Some concluded open
code are: Air condition, animal patterns, belonging to the place, Biomimicry, Biomorphic, color,
Complex forms of nature, culture & environment, Discipline and complexity, diversity of space,
Dynamic balance, Environmental factors, focal points, Fractals, hot light, Imagination, indoor &
outdoor space, landscape, Light & space, light as form and figure, simulation of natural characteristics,
Space Harmony, transfer space, water and etc.
Also, according to qualitative findings five axial code and finally four selective code. The final
framework consists of three sections. They are culture, biomorphic, and awareness. The components
of culture are: imagination, prospect, security, sense of playfulness. The Biomorphic consist of animal
patterns, biomimicry, complex forms of nature, oval forms, plants patterns, simulation natural
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characteristics. In awareness should be paying attention to the relation between culture and the
environment and relation between history and environment.

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