Dissertation

DATA COLLECTION AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

By- Aakancha kumari BARCH/10011/18

CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Need for study

1.2 Aim
1.3 Objective
1.4 Methodology
1.5 Scope & Limitation

Chapter 2: Literature review

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Theories pertaining to biophilia

2.2.1 Theories on psycho- evolutionary & restorative

preferences
2.2.1.1 ART
2.2.1.2 SRT
2.2.1.3 PFA
2.2.2 Theories on Nature based and environmental preferences
2.2.2.1 Savannah Hypothesis
2.2.2.2 Prospect refuge theory
2.2.2.3 Fractal theory
2.2.2.4 Aesthetic appeal of natural contents 2
CONTENTS
Chapter 3: Literature review

3.1 Human senses and environment

3.2 Nature- health relationship

3.2.1 Cognitive Functionality and Performance

3.2.2 Psychological Health and Well-being
3.2.3 Physiological Health and Well-being

3.3 Biophilic patterns

3.3.1 Cognitive Functionality and Performance

3.3.2 Psychological Health and Well-being
3.3.3 Physiological Health and Well-being

Chapter 4: Literature studies

Chapter 5: Qualitative Analysis

Chapter 6: Conclusion

3
INTRODUCTION

Biophilic design principles and their Psychological responses to determine

application for healing spaces.

AIM-
Comparative analysis of biophilic design principles and their psychological responses
to determine its application for healing spaces.

OBJECTIVE-

● To study various biophilic design principles and patterns related to landscape.

● To study Physiological responses of various biophilic design principles

● To study relevant literature studies based on biophilic design patterns as a

sustainable landscape approach.

● Comparative analysis to determine its application for healing spaces.

4
SCOPE-

Biophilic design has a wide scope of applicability in various domains of architectural

spaces like residential, commercial, offices, healthcare and institutional building uses,
also having varied health benefits related to varying problems of each domain. The
scope of the current research is limited to applicability on landscape architectural
level.

LIMITATION-

The limitation to the research are as follows:

1. Studying on biophilic design features and their impacts on individuals may be

various as users can have diverse reactions based on their own perception
and experiences about their environment.
2. A detailed survey, to know the occupants response and level of well being
affected due to various variables, can”t be carried out due to the time
constraints.

5
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

ABSTRACT DISCUSSION; THE NEED FOR STUDY

DEFINING AIM, OBJECTIVES, SCOPE & LIMITATION

RESEARCH PAPER STUDY AND LITERATURE

REVIEW

LITERATURE STUDY

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS BASED ON LITERATURE

STUDY AND REVIEW

CONCLUSION

6
RESEARCH PAPERS

7
TITLE OF THE YEAR.OF.PU AUTHOR”S AIM & METHODOL TOOLS & INFERENCE OF ACHIEVEMENT OF
PAPER BLICATION NAME OBJECTIVE OGY TECHNIQUES PAPER STUDY

14 PATTERNS OF August 2015 William Browning, The main Identification Comparative to achieve the To study about
BIOPHILIC Hon. AIA objective of of relevant analysis of different sustainable physical and virtual
DESIGN Catherine Ryan this paper is to publications taxonomies of principles in exposure in
IMPROVING
design Analysis and ‘nature’ in biophilic architectural biophilic
HEALTH & WELL-
BEING IN THE
application synthesis design projects and environment and
BUILT about biophilic emphase that study how natural
ENVIRONMENT performance nature is the main elements have
as a way to source for calming effects in
effectively achieving indoor spaces
enhance health sustainability in
and well-being architectural
for individuals design.
and society.

OBJECTIVE- 1, 4
8
TITLE OF THE YEAR.OF.PU AUTHOR”S TOOLS & INFERENCE OF ACHIEVEMENT
PAPER BLICATION NAME AIM & OBJECTIVE METHODOLOGY TECHNIQUES PAPER OF STUDY

Activating 17 Sahar The main objective Based on The first strategy To emphasize that To study about
biophilic design DECEMBER, Ismail of this paper is to profound is inspired from nature is the main physical and
2021 present a new nature by source for virtual exposure in
patterns as a Mohamed theoretical and
sustainable implementing the achieving biophilic
sustainable Abdel analytical studies,
landscape approach Biomimetic sustainability in environment.
landscape Hady by activating the principles of design. architectural
approach biophilic design biophilic The second design.
patterns in order to landscape design strategy is
increase landscape patterns were integrated into
efficiency. nature by using
concluded
Biophilic design
and its role in
achieving human
well-being and
improving their
performance.

OBJECTIVE- 1, 3
9
 YEAR.OF.PUBLIC
TITLE OF THE ATION, JOURNAL AUTHOR” AIM & TOOLS & INFERENCE OF ACHIEVEMENT OF
PAPER NAME S NAME OBJECTIVE METHODOLOGY TECHNIQUES PAPER STUDY

Biophilic November 10, 2020 Farhan to enlist The literature Literature To emphasize that Comparative
Architecture for Asim biophilic including biophilic study of various nature is the main analysis of different
design and patterns of design, research papers source for taxonomies of
restoration and , Shreya Rai
retrofitting behaviours and and achieving ‘nature’ in biophilic
therapy within the , Venu strategies, environment were scientifically sustainability in design
built environment Shree which can indexed architectural
identified
improve cogn by web searches, journals of design.
itive function, research papers’ environment,
reduce stress psychology,
reference list and
and provide health and
from articles of
mental peace
prominent, peer architecture.
within the
reviewed.
built
environment.

OBJECTIVE- 2
10
 AIM &
TITLE OF THE YEAR.OF.PU AUTHOR”S OBJECTI TOOLS & INFERENCE OF ACHIEVEMENT OF
PAPER BLICATION NAME VE METHODOLOGY TECHNIQUES PAPER STUDY

A Review of Published: 25 Kaitlyn gillis To focus on Comparative analysis 1. Database To emphasize that Comparative analysis
Psychological August 2015 Birgitta environmen of different literature 2. Source from nature is the main of different taxonomies
Literature on the getersleben tal article source for achieving of ‘nature’ in biophilic
Health and Wellbeing psychology sustainability in design
Benefits of Biophilic literature, architectural design.
Design The paper
also
discusses
differences
in the way
individuals
respond to
nature.

OBJECTIVE- 2
11
TITLE OF THE YEAR.OF.PUBLIC AUTHOR”S AIM & METHODO TOOLS & INFERENCE OF ACHIEVEMENT OF
PAPER ATION NAME OBJECTIVE LOGY TECHNIQUES PAPER STUDY
The role of From: Joe Clancy To study Simulation Analytic In first approach, To know more
biophilic design in Landscape Archit and Catie Ryan benefits of Hierarchy Process visual connection about the biophilic
landscape ecture Frontiers biophilic (AHP) and with nature, in patterns and how
architecture for (Vol. 3, Issue 1) design and comparative second approach different
health and well Consideratio analysis connection with simulations can be
Publisher:
being. ns for nature and in achieved in order to
Higher Education
Biophilic third approach, come to the final
Press Limited
Landscape the environment conclusion
Company
Architecture natural
Feb. 2015 Projects perspective are
more important
in the
performance
design of a space
based on
Biophilic
architecture.

OBJECTIVE- 2

12
OBJECTIVE-1

13
What is Biophilia and Biophilic Design?

"Biophilia" refers to the emotional bonds that human have

with other living organisms.Humans are essentially a part of
nature and therefore their connection to nature is
inherited. Many theories from environmental psychology
demonstrate that humans' need for ‘nature’ is due to an
instinctive feeling towards natural elements. Such theories
explain the mechanism through which physical and mental
functions are generated from contact with ‘nature’

14
Theories on psycho- evolutionary & restorative preferences
Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) (Kaplan, 1989,
1995) suggests that mental fatigue and concentration
can be improved by time spent in, or looking at nature.
The capacity of the brain to focus on a specific
stimulus or task is limited and results in 'directed
attention fatigue'.
Stephen and Rachel Kaplan (1989) proposed that
there are four cognitive states, or states of attention,
along the way to restoration:
1. Clearer head, or concentration
2. Mental fatigue recovery
3. Soft fascination, or interest
4. Reflection and restoration
Stress reduction Theory (SRT)
This theory states that looking at scenery containing
natural elements like greenery or water creates
positive emotions and feelings like interest, pleasure,
and calm, and has a restorative effect, easing our state
of alert following a stressful situation.
Perceptual fluency account (PFA)
The perceptual-fluency account relates our positive
affective responses to natural stimuli to the ease of
processing such stimuli and posits that attention
restoration and stress reduction are by-products of
this processing fluency
15
Environmental theories
Savanna hypothesis
The savanna hypothesis of human evolution suggests
that the transition from a predominately arboreal
lifestyle in forest to one in open habitats favoured an
upright posture and selected for bipedalism along with a
shift in diet that necessitated travel over greater
distances across the landscape.
Prospect refuge theory
The theory of “prospect and refuge” seeks to describe why
certain environments feel secure and thereby meet basic
human psychological needs. Environments that meet such
needs will often provide people with the capacity to
observe (prospect) without being seen (refuge).
16
Biophilic design aims to incorporate natural stimuli into our manmade environments to restore, maintain
and enhance our physiological, cognitive and psychological connections with the natural world. It is a
design ethic still in its infancy, with an impressive body of research that is growing at an increasing rate.
Biophilic design can be organized into three categories – Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues, and
Nature of the Space – providing a framework for understanding and enabling thoughtful incorporation of
a rich diversity of strategies into the built environment.

17
BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Biophilic design can be organized into three categories

– Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues, and Nature
of the Space – providing a framework for
understanding and enabling thoughtful incorporation of
a rich diversity of strategies into the built environment.

18
 14 Patterns of biophilic design

Visual Connection with Nature Biomorphic Forms & Patterns Prospect

Non-Visual Connection with Nature Material Connection with Nature Refuge

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli Complexity & Order Mystery

Thermal & Airflow Variability Risk/Peril

Presence of Water

Dynamic & Diffuse Light

Connection with Natural Systems

19
Implementing Patterns in Landscape Architecture
The following patterns draw from 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design [8] as key opportunities
for landscape architecture, as they have broad applications and can be applied to any size
project to help improve health and well-being.

A. Nature inside space:

It represents the immediate nearness of nature in a space or place, such as vegetation, water and,
fragrances.

Visual Connection with Nature-

Providing views of indoor and outdoor nature, ecosystem, and changes.

20
Non-Visual Connection with Nature -

Providing auditory, olfactory, tactile, and

gustatory stimulations from nature, ecosystem,
and their changes.

Dynamic and Diffuse Light-

Providing a vibrant nature-like environment

through various lights and shadows.

21
Prospect -

Providing an open environment to observe, view,

and monitor the surrounding

Refuge -

Providing a space that provides a sense of

security of being protected from environmental
changes.

22
Complexity and Order -

Providing an environment to receive various

kinds of sensory information of nature focusing
on the hierarchy of natural elements

Material Connection with Nature -

Material connection with nature, by minimizing

processing and presenting ecological
characteristics of the region

23
OBJECTIVE- 2

24
Nature-Health Relationship

Nature-Health Relationship
Much of the evidence for biophilia can be linked to research in one or more of three overarching
mind-body systems – cognitive, psychological and physiological – that have been explored and
verified to varying degrees, in laboratory or field studies, to help explain how people’s health and well-
being are impacted by their environment.

25
 Psychological Health and Well-being
Psychological responses encompass our adaptability, alertness,
attention, concentration, and emotion and mood. This includes
responses to nature that impact restoration and stress
management. For instance, empirical studies have reported that
experiences of natural environments provide greater emotional
restoration, with lower instances of tension, anxiety, anger, fatigue,
confusion and total mood disturbance than urban environments
with limited characteristics of nature

Physiological Health and Well-being

Physiological responses encompass our aural, musculoskeletal,
respiratory, circadian systems and overall physical comfort.
Physiological responses triggered by connections with nature include
relaxation of muscles, as well as lowering of diastolic blood pressure
and stress hormone. Short term stress that increases heart rate and
stress hormone levels, such as from encountering an unknown but
complex and information-rich space.

26
27
 Psychological literature search on the Biophilic design experiences

WATER
Water has also been found to be restorative, both
through views of water and sounds of water. Articles
that have focused on the psychological benefits of
water have noted that there is much research on the
physiological benefits of water, however less so on the
psychological wellbeing benefits. As part of the results
of a systematic, meta-analysis conducted by Volker
and Kistemann in 2011, water was found to be
restorative.

PLANTS

Plants have the ability to directly bring green, living

nature into the indoor environment. Psychological
studies have demonstrated the health and wellbeing
benefits of placing plants inside. The results indicate
that small, green, lightly scented plants were the most
optimal for health and wellbeing. Plants with red
flowers were found to be fatiguing after a period of
time.
28
 Psychological literature search on the Biophilic design experiences

WEATHER

Academic literature on the role weather plays on

psychological restoration is limited. People have been
found to prefer sunnier weather and that this weather
also is rated higher in terms of perceived
restorativeness potential.

Natural Landscapes and Ecosystems

Plants have the ability to directly bring green, living
nature into the indoor environment. Psychological
studies have demonstrated the health and wellbeing
benefits of placing plants inside. The results indicate
that small, green, lightly scented plants were the most
optimal for health and wellbeing. Plants with red flowers
were found to be fatiguing after a period of time.

29
 14 Patterns Stress Reduction Cognitive Performance Emotion, Mood & Preference

Visual Connection with Lowered blood pressure and heart rate Improved mental engagement/ Positively impacted attitude and overall
Nature attentiveness happiness
N
A
T Non-Visual Connection Reduced systolic blood pressure and Positively impacted cognitive Perceived improvements in mental health and
U with Nature stress hormone performance tranquility
R
E
Non-Rhythmic Sensory Positively impacted heart rate, systolic Observed and quantified
Stimuli blood pressure and sympathetic nervous behavioral measures of attention
I system activity and exploration
N

T Thermal & Airflow

Variability
Positively impacted comfort, well-being
and productivity
Positively impacted concentration Improved perception of temporal and spatial
pleasure (alliesthesia)
H
E Presence of Water Reduced stress, increased feelings of Improved concentration and Observed preferences and positive emotional
tranquility, lower heart rate and blood memory restoration responses
pressure Enhanced perception and
S psychological responsiveness
P
Dynamic & Diffuse Light Positively impacted circadian system
A functioning
C
E Connection with Natural Enhanced positive health responses; Shifted
Systems perception of environment

30
N 14 Patterns Stress Reduction Cognitive Performance Emotion, Mood & Preference
A
T
U
R Biomorphic Forms & Observed view preference
A
L Patterns

A
N Material Connection with Decreased diastolic blood Improved comfort
A
L Nature pressure
O Improved creative performance
G
U
E
S Complexity & Order Positively impacted perceptual and Observed view preference
physiological stress responses

N Prospect Reduced stress Reduced boredom, irritation, Improved comfort and perceived safety
A fatigue
T
U
R
E
Refuge Improved concentration, attention
O and perception of safety
F

T Induced strong pleasure response

H Mystery 31
E
OBJECTIVE-3

32
PARKROYAL ON PICKERING
HOTEL & SPA
Location - Singapore City, Singapore: tropical
rainforest climate

Project Address - 3 Upper Pickering Street,

Singapore City 058289, Singapore

Project Type - Hotel, owned

Area - 12,121 ft2 (1,126 m2)

PROJECT SUMMARY
Year of Completion - 2013
WOHA’s design team takes architecture and landscape
integration to a whole new level with their design of the
Parkroyal on Pickering. The team drew inspiration from
Occupant - Parkroyal Hotels and Resorts
the landscape of the adjacent Hong Lim Park. By
incorporating the same greenery within and around the Design Team - WOHA
Parkroyal Hotel, they created an elevated area of green
space approximately twice the size of the park. A large Keywords - Elevated landscapes, green hotel
platform bridges the towers and provides a private park
space, featuring tall palm trees, shrubs, a flowering Biophilic Patterns - Visual Connection with Nature
understory, a waterfall, and hanging vines. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns Risk/Peril Complexity &
Order
33
Floor Plan: The above plan highlights the integration of two
distinct languages. The rectilinear E-plan interlocks with the
highly dynamic and responsive biomorphic sky-gardens. It also
provides visual access to nature for a larger percent of the floor
plan than a linear design.

34
Elevation: The elevation is stacked at two different rates. Interior
spaces rise floor by floor, while the sky-gardens occur every four
levels. This separation provides visual access to nature from all
guest rooms while considering the scale of the growing
landscape. The elevation is also clearly broken into zones, ground
floor, park level, and guest rooms.

35
[P1] VISUAL CONNECTION WITH
NATURE
WOHA’s vision for the Parkroyal was of a
“hotelas-garden.” Every four-stories,
curvilinear “sky-gardens” wrap the front
of the hotel in local tropical plants. This
design creates over 49,000 ft2 of green
space, doubling the growing potential of
the site. Hanging gardens adorn this
back facade, providing the public at large
with a view to elements of nature, living
systems, and natural processes.
[P8] BIOMORPHIC FORMS &
PATTERNS
organic forms are unique among the
densely packed hard-edged
structures that make-up central
Singapore. Symbolic references to
contoured, patterned, textured or
numerical arrangements that persist
in nature are expressed not only in
the exterior form of the building, but
throughout the interior spaces, in
wall and floor detailing, furniture,
and minutia.
[P14] RISK/PERIL
One of the Parkroyal’s most
distinctive features is its colorful
human-sized bird cages. Perched
on the edge of cantilevered
platforms overlooking the city,
these spaces offer a strong sense
of risk and peril. From inside the
birdcages. These whimsical
forms present an identifiable
threat coupled with a reliable
safeguard providing a moment of
playfulness and excitement.
[P10] COMPLEXITY & ORDER
Intricate geometric and fractal
patterns are a motif of the
Parkroyal’s interior detailing. A
spiral staircase, itself
reminiscent of the pervasive
Fibonacci series, is enclosed in a
complex lattice of wood and
metal. Through its use of rich
sensory information that
adheres to a spatial hierarchy
similar to those encountered in
nature, the Parkroyal creates a
visual environment that is
36
stimulating, but not stressful.
ÖSTRA HOSPITAL Location - Göteborg, Sweden

PSYCHIATRIC FACILITY Project Address - Östra Sjukhuset Journalvägen 5

416 50 Göteborg, Sweden

Project Type - Medical Facility

Area - 193,750 (18,000 m2)

Year of Completion - 2006

Occupant - Patients, Staff, Guests

PROJECT SUMMARY
White Architects created a welcoming and caring
environment that treats the facility’s design as an
element of patient care. The new facility is also
integrated into the campus that delivers somatic care,
helping to reduce the stigma and isolation of mental
illnesses. Nature is a significant influence throughout
the facility as access to nature has been shown to have
positive effects on health and wellbeing.
Design Team - White Architects
Keywords - mental health, wellbeing, healthcare,
central courtyard, light court
Biophilic Patterns - Complexity & Order Visual
Connection to Nature Dynamic and Diffuse Light
Refuge
37
Module Detail: Space is arrange in a processional order from Private ¨
Semi-private ¨ Semi-public ¨ Public. This transect from refuge to social
space gives patients the opportunity to engage with one another on their
own terms.

38
Floor Plan: The building layout is comprised of four modules with
garden courtyards between each. The modules are connected by the
building’s spine. Repeated spatial arrangements simplify navigation
for staff, patients, and visitors.
39
[P10] COMPLEXITY & ORDER [P1] VISUAL CONNECTION W/ [P6] DYNAMIC & DIFFUSE LIGHT [P12] REFUGE
NATURE
The Östra design works to ensure Access to dynamic and diffuse Studies have shown that
The floor plan is composed of four
all patients have consistent access light — varying intensities of light prospect and refuge spaces
repeating L-shaped departments, three
to a view of elements of nature, and shadow that change over reduce stress and allow patients
outdoor courtyards, and a connecting
living systems, and natural time to create conditions that to feel in control of their
“spine.” Each department is self-
processes. The placement of the occur in nature — is seen surroundings. “If patients are
sufficient and contains treatment rooms,
three central courtyards between throughout the facility. Several allowed to personalize and
administrative offices and living areas.
the departments ensures that even studies have successfully otherwise show their territories,
Östra’s subdivision of space at the
rooms in the center of the building demonstrated the beneficial the researchers tell us, then the
departmental scale is an example of
have access to nature views. This, effect of natural light on social atmosphere should
complexity and order: sensory
along with the interior light courts, depression, sleep disturbances, improve and the environment be
information that adheres to a spatial
brings nature into the space. circadian rhythm and physical perceived in a more positive
hierarchy similar to those encountered in
aggressiveness, making it an light. The garden courtyards also
nature.
important design aspect of provide Refuge conditions.
40
facility.
GREENACRE PARK POCKET
PARK Location - New York, USA

Project Address - 217 E 51st St, New York, NY

10022 USA

Project Type - Publically accessible private park

Area - 6,000 ft2 (557 m2)

Year of Completion - 1971

PROJECT SUMMARY
Occupant - Public
Greenacre Park is a 6,000-square foot oasis nestled
among the tall towers of midtown Manhattan. Inside Design Team - Sasaki, Dawson, DeMay and
the park a 25-foot tall waterfall cools the air and mutes Associates
the noise of the surrounding traffic, creating space for
quietude—a rarity in the hectic city center. The park has Keywords - Waterfall Pocket park
three distinct levels which provide users several
choices of environmental conditions. The spatial Biophilic Patterns - Refuge, Presence of Water,
configuration and excellent use of biophilic design Non-Visual connection with Nature, Mystery
principles imbue this popular park with a sense of
tranquility even during periods of heavy utilization. 41
The site plan is divided into three different spaces using plants, water,
and trellises. A T-shaped flower bed acts as a physical divider, the water
bordering the lower level and a steel trellis demarcating the raised
platform. This section highlights the elevation change between the street
and space levels.

42
 It is depressed several feet beneath ground level. When seated,
visitors are unable to see the street and are instead surrounded by
plant life and water. In addition to being visually obscured from the
street, the lower level is further secluded from the surrounding
activity by the sound of the waterfall, which blocks all street noise
and screens out the sounds of conversation. The lower level is the
smallest area of the park and offers less seating than the other two
areas, resulting in a higher ratio of individuals sitting alone than in
groups, encouraging introspection.

43
These non-visual sensory stimuli engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems, or natural
processes, creating a restorative atmosphere. The experience at Greenacre park is enhanced through the capacity
to see, hear, and touch water. The sound of rushing water that emanates from the waterfall, accompanied by the
gentle trickle from the water sculptures, drowns out the urban noise and creates a tranquil environment that seems
miles away from the city. The promise of more information entices the individual to travel deeper into the
environment, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery.
44
 HEALTH BENEFITS

The design of Greenacre park makes

it an ideal space to relax and
recharge, or to get some work done.
These uses are supported by the
biophilic experience of the space. Key
patterns have the potential to support
the following positive health
responses:

[P12] Refuge Improved concentration,

attention, and perception of safety.

URBAN OASIS [P13] Mystery Induced strong

pleasure response.
Opportunities for exploration and relaxation are
maximized by the spatial configuration, dense
plantings, and water features at Greenacre Park.
Visitors who reviewed the park on Yelp have described
the space as “an escape hatch to peace and serenity,” a
“genuine urban oasis” and “a little bit of Eden in
Midtown East.”
45
PALEY PARK Location - NewYork City, USA

URBAN REFUGE Project Address - E53rd Street, New

York, NY 10022

Project Type - Public/Private Park

Square Feet - 2,400 sq ft

Year of Completion - 1967

Occupant - Public
PROJECT SUMMARY
Design Team - Zion Breen Richardson
Zion first introduced his idea for pocket parks, very small Associates
parks accessible to the general public, at “New York Parks for
New York” in 1963. Paley Park—the first of its kind—opened Keywords - Urban Park
just four years later in May 1967. The entrance to this small
space faces south to maximize sun exposure at midday, and
Biophilic Patterns - Presence of
the east and west walls are covered with ivy. The north wall is
Water ,Thermal & Airflow, Variability ,Dynamic
dominated by the park’s 20 foot tall waterfall, which acts as
and Diffuse Light ,Refuge
the focal point for the space. Honey locust trees are planted
between rough hewn stone tiles, arranged in a loose
formation to strengthen the ordered casualness of the space.
46
This site plan shows the honey locust trees arranged loosely to assure the casualness
of the space. A tall waterfall acts as a focal point and dominates the space. Also, the
movable site furniture allows flexible seating throughout the space, which creates a
dynamic series of layouts.

47
By providing access to water, the space draws users in from the
street. The soothing sound of water striking stone drowns out
the street noise, yet is not so overpowering to be unpleasant,
offering a calming auditory and visual experience.While
unintentional, kids play in the mist and splash the water pooling
on the ground, creating a multisensory experience and
increasing the feature’s positive physiological impact.

48
Rivulet
POCKET PARK
Location - Giza, Egypt

Project Address - 26th of July Corridor, Sheikh

Zayed City, Giza Governorate 3247603, Egypt

Project Type - Shopping mall complex

Area - (9000 m2)

Year of Completion - 1971

Occupant - Public
Meticulously designed and inspired by contemporary
modern architecture, Rivulet boasts an array of water Biophilic Patterns - Refuge, Presence of Water,
features and nuances intended to create a Non-Visual connection with Nature, Mystery
pleasurable and memorable experience for visitors.
With a varied mix of commercial, dining & leisure
pursuits, ranging from restaurants, cafés to stylish
shopping outlets to basics services, everything you
require can be found and done at Rivulet. 49
The plan shows the green wall and water fountain that is located beside
the entrance; the palm trees are arranged with fixed spaces between them;
besides the reflecting pool that acts as a focal point in the space, some seat
steps are provided by the water features.

50
The section cut through the centre of the plan showing the reflecting
pool area with its deck, railings, and palm trees. It also shows the
green wall

51
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

52
 BIOPHILIC STRESS COGNITIVE
CASE STUDY PATTERNS REDUCTION PERFORMANCE EMOTION, MOOD PREFERENCE ARCHITECTURE SPACE
Reduced systolic Positively impacted Perceived improvements in mental Sound of water fountain
NON-VISUAL
blood pressure cognitive performance health and tranquility Cool air coming from the water.
CONNECTION WITH
and stress
NATURE
hormones
Reduced stress, Improved concentration Observed preferences and positive Water fountain and reflecting pool
increased feelings and memory restoration emotional responses
PRESENCE OF of tranquility,
Rivulet WATER lower heart rate Enhanced perception
and blood and psychological
pressure responsiveness
Improved Limited visual access to street
REFUGE concentration, attention
and perception of safety
Induced strong pleasure response Some zones of space are not visible
MYSTERY from the entryway.

Reduced systolic Positively impacted Perceived improvements in mental The sound of water, the smell of
NON-VISUAL
blood pressure cognitive performance health and tranquility plants, and the haptic experience of
CONNECTION WITH
and stress cool air and rough stone
NATURE
hormones
Reduced stress, Improved concentration Observed preferences and positive Water trickles through a stone
increased feelings and memory restoration emotional responses sculpture and relief wall into the
PRESENCE OF of tranquility, runnel that spans the length of the
WATER lower heart rate Enhanced perception eastern wall. A 25 ft tall waterfall
GREENACRE PARK and blood and psychological cascades down the north wall.
pressure responsiveness
Improved . Three walled enclosure with a covered
REFUGE concentration, attention entryway, lower level obscured by plantings,
covered upper level, sounds of the waterfall.
and perception of safety
Induced strong pleasure response The lower level where the waterfall
MYSTERY empties is not visible from the
entryway.
53
 COGNITIVE
CASE STUDY BIOPHILIC PATTERNS STRESS REDUCTION PERFORMANCE EMOTION, MOOD PREFERENCE ARCHITECTURE SPACE
Lowered blood Improved mental Positively impacted attitude and overall Views of the sky gardens are accessible
VISUAL CONNECTION
pressure and heart rate engagement/ happiness from nearly every guest room, abundant
WITH NATURE
attentiveness indoor plantings and water feature.
Observed view preference The topographic layers of podium and
Biomorphic Forms & sky- garden; woodwork on the lobby
Patterns ceiling and front desk; Furniture and
PARKROYAL ON
light fixtures
PICKERING
Positively impacted Observed view preference Lattice pattern in the spiral staircase,
perceptual and function room and other interior design
Complexity & Order
physiological stress elements; spatial configuration.
responses
Resulted in strong dopamine or Cantilevered bird-cages and open air
Risk/Peril pleasure responses platforms which overlook the city from
great heights.
Reduced systolic blood Positively impacted Perceived improvements in mental . Patient rooms have views to the
VISUAL CONNECTION
pressure and stress cognitive health and tranquility central gardens; light courts are planted
WITH NATURE
hormones performance with low vegetation
Positively impacted Observed view preference Repeated L-shaped pattern of the
perceptual and spatial configuration
Complexity & Order
physiological stress
responses
ÖSTRA HOSPITAL
Improved Arbor-like seating off the path in the
concentration, garden courtyards; nested private to
REFUGE
attention and public spaces within the departments
perception of safety
Positively impacted . Light courts in the heart of each
Dynamic & diffuse light circadian system department bring natural light into the
functioning space 54
 COGNITIVE
CASE STUDY BIOPHILIC PATTERNS STRESS REDUCTION PERFORMANCE EMOTION, MOOD PREFERENCE ARCHITECTURE SPACE
Lowered blood Improved mental Positively impacted attitude and overall Views of locust trees, ivy, and waterfall
VISUAL CONNECTION
pressure and heart rate engagement/ happiness
WITH NATURE
attentiveness

Reduced stress, Improved Observed preferences and positive 20 foot waterfall covering the northern
increased feelings of concentration and emotional responses wall
PALEY PARK
tranquility, lower heart memory restoration
PRESENCE OF WATER rate and blood pressure
Enhanced perception
and psychological
responsiveness

Material connection Resulted in strong dopamine or . Ivy covered walls

with nature pleasure responses

Non-VISUAL Reduced systolic blood Positively impacted Perceived improvements in mental Sound of splashing water from waterfall
CONNECTION WITH pressure and stress cognitive health and tranquility
NATURE hormones performance
Positively impacted Observed view preference . Raised entrance and seating provides
perceptual and views to busy street beyond
Prospect
physiological stress
responses
Improved Limited visual access to street, inward-
concentration, facing and protected benches, sound of
REFUGE waterfall
attention and
perception of safety
Positively impacted Dappled light filtering through tree
Dynamic & diffuse light circadian system canopy, ivy covered walls allow different
functioning levels of light penetration 55