To What Extent Is Biophilia Implemented in the Built Environment to Improve Health and Wellbeing?—State-of-the-Art Review and a Holistic Biophilic Design Framework

2021 ◽  
pp. 227-247
Author(s):  
Carolyn Thomas ◽  
Yangang Xing
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Improve Health

scholarly journals Biophilic Design Applications: Putting Theory and Patterns into Built Environment Practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Downton ◽  
David Jones ◽  
Josh Zeunert ◽  
Phillip Roös
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Design Strategy ◽  
Environment Design ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health And Well Being

<p>In 1984 E.O. Wilson (1984) introduced and popularized the <em>Biophilia</em> hypothesis defining <em>biophilia</em> as "the urge to affiliate with other forms of life" (Kellert &amp; Wilson 1995: 416).<sup>  </sup>Wilson’s <em>biophilia</em> hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctivebond between human beings and other living systems.  More recently, in the USA, Browning <em>et al</em> (2014) have proposed ‘14 Patterns of Biophilic Design’ within a framework for linking the human biological sciences and nature to built environment design offering a series of tools for enriching design opportunities, and avenues for design applications as a way to effectively enhance the health and well-being of individuals and society.  While <em>biophilia</em> is the theory, <em>biophilic design</em> as advocated by Kellert <em>et al</em> (2008) and Beatley (2010) internationally offers a sustainable design strategy that seeks to reconnect people with the ‘natural environment’.  Overall, from what little research has been undertaken internationally in the last 10 years, there is a solid understanding as to the applied application of this theory, its principles and processes to built environment design and no research about to how to retrofit the existing urban fabric using this approach.  This paper reviews the application of <em>biophilic design</em> in Australia, including the scope of design, health and wellbeing literature, the ‘14 Patterns of Biophilic Design’ and performative measures now unfolding, brings forward a new <em>Biophilic Design</em> Pattern, and considers the value the approach offers to built environment practice as well as to human and non-human occupants.</p>

scholarly journals Associations of the natural and built environment with mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19: Irish perspectives from the GreenCOVID study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. S20
Author(s):  
Viveka Guzman ◽  
Marco Garrido-Cumbrera ◽  
Olta Braçe ◽  
Denise Hewlett ◽  
Ronan Foley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

scholarly journals A Holistic Strategy for Successful Photovoltaic (PV) Implementation into Singapore’s Built Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6452
Author(s):  
Vesna Kosorić ◽  
Siu-Kit Lau ◽  
Abel Tablada ◽  
Monika Bieri ◽  
André M. Nobre
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Structural Safety ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Holistic Strategy

Based on the findings from a recent study by the authors which examined factors affecting diffusion of photovoltaics (PV), while comprehensively considering the local PV and construction industry as well as characteristics of the built environment, this paper proposes a holistic strategy for PV implementation into Singapore’s built environment. It consists of (1) a multilevel mechanism framework, encompassing eleven mechanism categories of instruments and activities and (2) a general design framework including design principles, general project instructions and the main design guidelines. Relying on a survey conducted among PV experts on established mechanisms, the present study suggests that building codes (e.g., fire safety, structural safety, etc.) and initiatives and incentives related to PV/building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) should be the highest priority for authorities, followed by assessment of BIPV/PV properties, working toward social acceptance, conducting research projects and information exchange, and education and training activities. Considering all three pillars of sustainability, the design framework is based on the following interrelated design principles: (1) compatibility and coherence with the local context, (2) technical soundness, (3) economic viability, (4) user-centered design, (5) connecting with community and socio-cultural context, and (6) adaptability and flexibility. Despite Singapore’s scarcity of land, the established design guidelines cover a wide spectrum of solutions, including PV integration into both buildings and non-building structures. The synthesis of the two interconnected and inseparable frameworks aims to create an environment conducive to long-term widespread PV integration and stimulate the deployment of BIPV, which should help Singapore and other cities reduce their dependency on imported fossil fuels, while also making them more livable and enjoyable.

A Person-Centered Design Framework for Serious Games for Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Bella Yigong Zhang ◽  
Mark Chignell
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Strategic Design ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Initial Design ◽  
Active Research ◽  
Active Research Area

With the rapidly aging population and the rising number of people living with dementia (PLWD), there is an urgent need for programming and activities that can promote the health and wellbeing of PLWD. Due to staffing and budgetary constraints, there is considerable interest in using technology to support this effort. Serious games for dementia have become a very active research area. However, much of the work is being done without a strong theoretical basis. We incorporate a Montessori approach with highly tactile interactions. We have developed a person-centered design framework for serious games for dementia with initial design recommendations. This framework has the potential to facilitate future strategic design and development in the field of serious games for dementia.

scholarly journals Identifying and overcoming barriers to healthier lives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riz Firestone ◽  
Tevita Funaki ◽  
Sally Dalhousie ◽  
Akarere Henry ◽  
Mereaumate Vano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Healthier Living ◽  
Sociocultural Experiences ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Improve Health

Understanding the key determinants of health from a community perspective is essential to address and improve the health and wellbeing of its members.  This qualitative study aimed to explore and better understand New Zealand-based Pasifika communities’ sociocultural experiences and knowledge of health and wellbeing. Fifty-seven participants were involved in six separate focus groups. Community coordinators co-facilitated and transcribed the discussions and conducted thematic analysis. The findings suggested two overarching themes: (1) ‘Pasifika experiences on poor health and well-being’: were based on sub-themes: (i) ‘recognisable issues’ (e.g., poor diet and lifestyle behaviours); (ii) ‘systemic issues’ that support the perpetual health issues (e.g., lack of knowledge and education) and; (iii) ‘profound issues’ that are often unspoken of and create long-term barriers (e.g., cultural lifestyle and responsibilities).  (2) ‘Hopes and dreams’ to improve health and well-being requires: (i) a family-centric approach to health; (ii) tackling systemic barriers; and (iii) addressing community social justice issues.  This study provides deepened insights on Pasifika communities’ understanding healthier living in the context of their cultural environment and family responsibilities. If we are to develop effective, sustainable programmes that prioritises health and well-being based on the needs of Pasifika communities, the findings from this study highlight their needs as step forward in overcoming barriers to healthier lives.

scholarly journals Yoga Module to Improve Health and Wellbeing During COVID 19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-268
Author(s):  
Kaushik Halder ◽  
Anjana Pathak ◽  
Mantu Saha ◽  
Som Nath Singh ◽  
Bhuvnesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Mental Function ◽  
Moderate Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Maximum Benefit ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Improve Health

After the initial outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, the disease spreads rapidly across the whole world. It is observed that there is a rampant rise in the rate of infection in spite of best possible precautionary measures taken into consideration against Corona. As there is no scientifically validated full proofed medicine against COVID-19 till date, the only possible way is prevention against this infection by improving self-immunity, mass immunisation and controlling non-communicable diseases, if suffered from. Another possible way from the prevention from this deadly virus is development of herd immunity, but the process takes time and can be fatal for people with higher age groups and with co-morbidities. Yoga, an Indian way of mind-body purification, has been reported to improve functionality of human physiological systems and to prevent diseases. It is also observed that yoga, being a low to moderate intensity physical activity, breathing maneuvers and meditation, can also be performed by any person irrespective of age, with maximum benefit and having less stress in the vital organs during the practice. Therefore, a yoga package for improving immunity and other physical and physiological capacities and mental function to prevent Corona like disease has been formulated on the basis of knowledge from traditional yogic literature and evidence from available research publications on yoga. The yoga package might be beneficial across all age groups for improving health and wellbeing in this pandemic situation.

scholarly journals Psychosocial and Biological Outcomes of Immersive, Mindfulness-Based Treks in Nature for Groups of Young Adults and Caregivers Affected by Cancer: Results from a Single Arm Program Evaluation from 2016–2021

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12622
Author(s):  
David Victorson ◽  
Gretchen Doninger ◽  
Scott Victorson ◽  
Gwen Victorson ◽  
Lars Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Short Forms ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
Educational Career ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Biological Outcomes ◽  
Improve Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many individuals suffering from “connection deficit disorder” given changes to the way we work, go to school, socialize, and engage in daily activities. Young adults affected by cancer between the ages of 18–39 have known this connection deficit long before the pandemic. Being diagnosed and treated for cancer during this time can significantly disrupt engagement in important educational, career, social, and reproductive pursuits, and contribute to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative outcomes. Experiencing meaningful connection—with nature, with peers who understand, and with oneself, may help assuage this adverse effect of disconnect. A single arm within-subjects program evaluation was conducted to examine outcomes following participation in immersive, multi-night, mindfulness-based treks in nature in a sample of young adults (n = 157) and caregivers (n = 50) affected by cancer from 2016–2021. Pre to post-trek changes included significant (p < 0.001) self-reported improvements in feeling connected to nature (d = 0.93–0.95), peers (d = 1.1–1.3), and oneself (d = 0.57–1.5); significant (p < 0.001) improvements on PROMIS Anxiety (d = 0.62–0.78), Depression (d = 0.87–0.89), and Sleep Disturbance (d = 0.37–0.48) short forms; and significant (p < 0.05) changes in pro-inflammatory biomarkers (d = 0.55–0.82). Connection-promoting experiences like this have the potential to improve health and wellbeing in this population and serve as a model for others.

Visioning the future of health promotion

2021 ◽  
pp. 175797592110357
Author(s):  
Ilona Kickbusch
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Human Impact ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Public Purpose ◽  
The World ◽  
The Future ◽  
Sustainable Societies ◽  
Transformative Approach ◽  
Improve Health

COVID-19 has shown us clearly that the world must commit to a transformative approach that promotes health and wellbeing. Living in the Anthropocene – an epoch defined by human impact on our ecosystems – moves us into unknown territory. The challenge is to find a way of living that aims to meet the needs of all people within the means of the living planet. We will require foresight, agility and resilience to be well prepared. The global risks we face are enormous and they are interconnected – yet the opportunity to accelerate change for the better is extraordinary as well. We have models, knowledge and technologies at our disposal that could significantly improve health and wellbeing and create fairer and more sustainable societies – yet they have not been used widely to serve the public purpose and to address inequities.

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