Biophilic Design by Antonio Caperna

ISB SUMMER SCHOOL 2013: NEUROERGONOMICS AND PLACEMAKING

BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE ANDBIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE AND

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

By

Dr. Antonio Caperna, PhD

www.biourbanism.org

antonio caperna@biourbanism [email protected]

BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN ! Antonio Caperna PhD | [email protected]


CONTENTS Biophilia Biophilia

Biophilia and Biourbanism

Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design dimensions Biophilic Design dimensions

- Naturalistic

- Structural

- CognitiveCognitive


ISB SUMMER SCHOOL 2013. NEUROERGONOMICS AND PLACEMAKING

BIOPHILIAis the innately emotional affiliation ofis the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms

“Wilson and other Biophilia theorists assert that human beings not only derive specific aesthetic benefits from interacting with nature but that theinteracting with nature, but that the human species has an instinctive, genetically determined need togenetically determined need to deeply affiliate with natural setting and life-forms.” (Besthorn& Saleeby, 2003)



Picking up a word coined by Edward Wilson, we define biophilic architecture is thebiophilic architecture is the one capable of supplying our inborn need of a connection to life and to vital processes. p



Biophilia and biourbanism

“For human survival and mental health and fulfillment, we need the natural setting in which the human mind almost

i l l d d i hi h l h d l dcertainly evolved and in which culture has developed over these millions of years of evolution.”

An intersection between psychology and biology the connection is genetic – it resides in the common parts of our g pDNA


Bi hili d Bi b i


Biophilia and BiourbanismPutting the human body at the center of social (built) relations

Why do many buildings from the past follow formal “bio”-laws?

What types of built forms correspond more closely to biological prototypes?yp p y g p ypand why human beings like and feel comfortable with these types of forms?

Are human beings naturally predisposed to built such types of forms? Is it worthwhile mimicking biological forms in what we build?

Where delight and psycho-physiological benefits come from, when we face an environment capturing the essence of a biological structure?

How some artificial forms can “contradict” biological forms, and harm life?

Do we really understand biological structure well enough to mimic anything other than its superficial appearance?



…why the underlyingprocesses of nature andt diti l hit ttraditional architectureare able to createharmony and beautyharmony and beautywithout effort, while theprocesses of modernprocesses of modernurban construction arenot able to do so…not able to do so…

(scientific question)(scientific question)



The biophilic space is an environment that strengthens life and supports the sociological and psychological components or is able to support:components, or is able to support:• our cognitive system (in collecting and recognising more

information in the quickest and most efficient way);o at o t e qu c est a d ost e c e t ay);• our sensorial system (neuro-motorial influence) avoiding

both depressive and too exciting effects;• and reinforce emotive and neurobiological equilibrium;• the neuro-endocryne and immunological system, especially

in people suffering of poor physical conditionin people suffering of poor physical condition.

(Serafini, 2009; Caperna, 2010)



BIOPHILIC DESIGN

create an environment usable by all people and that reflect the inherent human affinity for naturethat reflect the inherent human affinity for naturenourish our biological, physiological and psychological systemspsychological systems respect the “genetic structure” of the site, create a coherent geometric wholecoherent geometric whole

(Caperna, 2011)



Biophilic design features:• a naturalistic dimension;• a naturalistic dimension;• wholeness, or “the basic/genetic structure of the place” ;• “geometric coherency”.geo et c co e e cy

HOWspace-syntax structured along:• Patterns• Patterns• life sciences laws• Cognitive responseg p



Addressing cities as real structures with relevant intentionality to liferelevant intentionality to life

• Cities are not just environment, they have aCities are not just environment, they have astructure

• Such a structure is not neutral. It affects socialinteractions, feeds back city’s identity andmetabolism, and responds to physical laws.

• Structure is physical, but it has cultural effects,and cultural causes. It’s at the intersection ofh thuman nature.



So, what is sustainability?Design must deal with genergy‐ and environment‐saving technical solutions, but also with functional and restorative connections to the humanconnections to the human neurophysiological system.



BIOPHILIC DESIGNNATURALISTIC DIMENSIONNATURALISTIC DIMENSION



naturalistic dimension of biophilic design, defined as shapes and forms in the built environment that directly, indirectly or symbolically reflect the inherent humanindirectly, or symbolically reflect the inherent human affinity for nature.

The components of human settlement (building–human–nature)

Source. “Biophilic and Bioclimatic Architecture”


Views with less visual richness such


Views with less visual richness, such as a blank wall, are processed in the small forward portion of the visual cortex and trigger far fewer of the mu co e a d gge a e e o e ureceptors, triggering less pleasurable mental reactions (Biederman & Vessel, 2006).( )

Neuroscientists have found that views of complex, dynamic natural scenes is literally a pleasurable experience.



Physiological effects of walking through forest (on average compared with those who walked through urban areas)through urban areas)

- salivary cortisol (a stress hormone) was 13.4-15.8% lower,,- pulse rate was reduced by 3.9-6.0%, - systolic blood pressure was lower in individuals who walked through the gforest,.

Most impressive, overall parasympathetic activity — which occurs when we feel relaxed — increased by 56.1%, whereas sympathetic activity — which occurs

h f l d d d bwhen we feel stressed — decreased by 19.4% in subjects who walked through the forest (Park, 2010).



Nature is critical in children’s formative yearsNature is critical in children’s formative years. Studies show that nature provides children with a buffer against life’s stresses, and enables them to form social bonds. A study of day-lighting in schools also showed that children learn 20-26% faster in natural daylight.

Wells & Evans, 2003; Heschong, 2003.


• Communities with higher-quality environments reveal q ymore positive valuations of nature, superior quality of lif i hb lilife, greater neighborliness, and a stronger sense of place than communities ofplace than communities of lower environmental quality. These findings also occur in gpoor urban as well as more affluent and suburban

i hb h dneighborhoods.



• Contact with nature has been found to enhance healing and recovery g yfrom illness and major surgical procedures, including direct contact ( l li h i i )(e.g., natural lighting, vegetation), as well as representational and symbolic depictions of nature (e g pictures)depictions of nature (e.g., pictures).

Photos courtesy of Legacy Health System

f


The Economics of Biophilia

10%of Employee absence can be attributed to architecture no connection to natureto architecture no connection to nature


Stress (Ulrich, 1993) heart rate, blood pressure, relax

muscle tension, increase alpha waves th t i t d ith l ti (Ul i hthat associated with relaxation. (Ulrich et al., 1991)

immune system functioning (Parsons, 1991)1991)

anxiety, fear, anger, aggression and increased feelings of well begin are common responses to natural settingscommon responses to natural settings (Ulrich, 1979, Hartig, Mang, & Evans, 1991)

Interaction in natural environments Interaction in natural environments also increase problem solving, creativity, capacity to concentrate and focus (Ulrich, 1993, Katcher& Wilkins,focus (Ulrich, 1993, Katcher& Wilkins, 1993)

Enhances feelings of awe, mystery, spiritual transcendence (Besthorn& p (Saleeby, 2003)


f



NATURAL VIEWS REDUCE LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY (AND SAVE MONEY)(AND SAVE MONEY)

Reducing the average length of stay i h it l b 0 41 d tin hospitals by 0.41 days can amount to $ 93 million in reduced hospital costs every year. According to scientific studies, adequate access to daylighting and other biophilic elements can impact p pthe health of patients in such a positive way that they can achieve and possibly go beyond theseand possibly go beyond these estimated savings.


f



One in four people in the U S A suffers from stress and theOne in four people in the U.S.A. suffers from stress, and the associated annual cost to society is estimated to be $300 billion

Source. R.Z. Goetzel et al., “The Relationship between Modifiable Health Risks and Health Care Expenditures,” Journal of Occupational and environmental Medicine, 40 (1998) pp. 213–222.


The most astonishing ventilation systems, however, have been developed by various species of termitesvarious species of termites.

one example of sustainable architecture that uses dramatically less energy by imitating the successfulstrategies of indigenous natural systems. The building, the country's largest commercial and shoppingcomplex, uses the same heating and cooling principles as a local termite mound


Environmentalthe influence of the soil on the microclimate may be greatly modified by vegetation. The effect of forests and trees on the microclimate is very complex. CautiouslyThe effect of forests and trees on the microclimate is very complex. Cautiously positioned trees can save up to 50% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling

Urban ‘Heat Island’s effect


Urban Heat Island s effect


Th f t llThe presence of trees generally- reduces the day–night variation- in summer, shading and evapotranspiration from trees can reduce

surrounding air temperatures as much as 5° C and air temperatures directly under trees by up to 14°C.

- increases the air humidity and decreases the wind speed;y p- plants can be used as shading as well as windbreaks to control heat

gain and loss correspondingly.



Vegetable Façade

• Edable fruits (e g Wine) Edable fruits (e.g. Wine)• Biomass production• Dust reduction• Heavy metal reduction• Thermal insulation• Energy savings• Noise reduction• Biodiversity Biodiversity• Evapotranspiration cooling





Via verde, Rio de Janeiro



A sensory garden: A self-contained area that concentrates a wide range of sensory experiences.sensory experiences.

The Sonic Garden Lab at "Castello del Bisarno“, Firenze


El t d Att ib t f Bi hili D i


Elements and Attributes of Biophilic DesignDimensions, Elements, and Attributes of Biophilic Design

by Stephen R. Kellerty p

Environmental featuresColorWaterAi

Natural patterns and processesSensory variabilityI f ti i hAir

SunlightPlantsAnimals

Information richnessTransitional spacesIntegration of parts to wholesD i b l d t iAnimals

Natural materialsViews and vistasFaçade greening

Dynamic balance and tensionFractalsHierarchically organized ratios and scales

Façade greeningGeology and landscapeHabitats and ecosystems


scale Biophilic design elements

Biophilic Urban

El t

Building Green roof-topSky gardens and greenRooftop gardenGreen wallsDaylight interior spaces

Elements across scales

block Green courtyardsClustered housing around green areasNative species yards and spaces

street Green streetSidewalk gardenLow impact developmentTreesVegetated swales and skinny streetsEdible landscapingHigh degree of permeability

Sneighbourhood Stream delighting, stream restorationUrban forestsEcology parksCommunity gardensNeighbourhood parks and pockets parksGreening gray fields and brown fieldsg g y

community Urban creeks and riparian areasUrban ecological networksGreen schoolsCity tree canopyCommunity forest and community orchardsy yGreening utility corridors

region River systems and floodplainsRiparian systemRegional green space systemGreening major transport systemg j p y

Source: Modified from Girling and Kellert (Beatly, 2008)


Indicators of a Biophilic City

Percentage of population within 100 meters of a park or greenspace Existence of a connected, integrated ecological network; green urbanism from rooftop to Regiong p g Percentage of city land area in wild or semi-wild nature Percentage forest cover in the city (in some regions this will be less

appropriate) Extent and number of green urban features (e.g., green rooftops, green

walls, trees) Miles per capita of walking trails Adoption of a local biodiversity action plan or strategy

(S Bi hili Citi Ti th B tl )(Source. Biophilic Cities, Timothy Beatley)


A hi l d i b f d d


Architectural design can be founded on scientific principles that are analogous to gstructural laws in theoretical physics and biologybiology

(C. Alexander, 2004)



Nikos Salingaros,

An approach to design based upon scientific concepts such as fractals hierarchical scalingconcepts such as fractals, hierarchical scaling, complexity, and form languages. Classical and traditional architectures are validated for reasons having to do with human biology and neurological adaptation, not simply for continuing a tradition


In A Pattern Language, Alexander and his g g ,colleagues extracted 253 solutions or design

"patterns" that recur in architecturep

Each "pattern" represents a rule governing one working piece of a complex system



Pattern Language use a “genetic approach:Pattern Language use a genetic approach:

- generate the environment indirectly, just asgenerate the environment indirectly, just as biological organisms are generated, indirectly, by a genetic codeby a genetic code- any good environment is that every part of it is extremely highly adapted to its particularitiesextremely highly adapted to its particularities



Mathematical point of view, Pattern LanguageMathematical point of view, Pattern Language arise from:- a way to understanding and possiblya way to understanding and possibly controlling a complex system;- as necessary design tools with which to buildas necessary design tools with which to build something that is functionally and structurally coherent.coherent.



Every complex system has a hierarchical structure; i.e., different

i diff tprocesses are occurring on different scales or levels. Connections exist both on the same levels, and across levels (Mesarovic, Macko et al., 1970).

The same is true for a patternThe same is true for a pattern language. The "language" generates a connective network by which the ordering of nodes on one level creates nodes at a higher level. This process goes on all the way up, and Drawing an analogy with biological

systems, the system works becauseall the way down in levels

systems, the system works because of the connections between subsystems (Passioura, 1979)


COLLECTION OF MATERIAL ELEMENTS LIKE:

PEOPLE, CARS, MOLECULES, HOUSES, WATER, ETC.PEOPLE, CARS, MOLECULES, HOUSES, WATER, ETC.

SYSTEMWHEN THIS

ELEMENTS WORKING SYSTEMTOGETHER OR CO-OPERATE

ALEXANDER’S MODEL = TOWN AS SEMI-LATTICE

CHANGES IN A PART CAN CAUSE STRESS IN OTHER PARTS



The value of Alexander's Pattern Language is that it is not about specific building types but about building blocks that can bespecific building types, but about building blocks that can be

combined in an infinite number of ways

a more mathematical, combinatoric approach to design



The idea that materialized in the published pattern language was first of all, of course, intended just to get a handle on some of the physical structures that make the environment nurturing for human beings And secondly it was done innurturing for human beings. And, secondly, it was done in a way that would allow this to happen on a really large scale. And, what I mean by that is that we wanted toscale. And, what I mean by that is that we wanted to generate the environment indirectly, just as biological organisms are generated, indirectly, by a genetic code

(C. Alexander)



This decision to use a genetic approach was not only because of th l bl It i t t f th b i i bthe scale problem. It was important from the beginning, because one of the characteristics of any good environment is that every part of it is extremely highly adapted to its particularities. That local adaptation can happen successfully only if people (who are locally knowledgeable) do it for themselves. In traditional society where lay people either built or laid out their own houses, their own y p p ,streets, and so on, the adaptation was natural. It occurred successfully because it was in the hands of the people that were directly using the buildings and streets. So, with the help of thedirectly using the buildings and streets. So, with the help of the shared pattern languages which existed in traditional society, people were able to generate a complete living structure.

(C. Alexander)



archetypal

Introduction; relationship with above patterns

Main point of a problem

Full Description

Solution (heart of the problem)Solution (heart of the problem)

Chart, components of the solution

relationship with lower patterns



Combining Alexandrine patterns for generating “map”

The goal is to cluster patterns into groups of about five or fewer on each level of scalefewer on each level of scale.







Like all languages, a PL has vocabulary, syntax, and grammar:- Vocabulary described solutions to problems in a field of interest (design patterns, such as settlements, buildings, rooms, windows, etc.)

Each solution includes "syntax," that shows where the solution fits in a larger, more comprehensive or more abstract design.

The solution includes "grammar" that describes how the solution solves a problem or produces a benefit.

In Alexander's book, the patterns are in decreasing order by size



…Communities and neighborhoods12 COMMUNITY OF 700013 SUBCULTURE BOUNDARY14 IDENTIFIABLE NEIGHBORHOOD15 NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARY

…Character of local environments21 FOUR-STORY LIMIT22 NINE PER CENT PARKING22 NINE PER CENT PARKING23 PARALLEL ROADS24 SACRED SITES25 ACCESS TO WATER25 ACCESS TO WATER26 LIFE CYCLE27 MEN AND WOMEN

Source: http://www.patternlanguage.com/leveltwo/patternsframegreen.htm?/leveltwo/../apl/twopanelnlb.htm



61 .SMALL PUBLIC SQUARES . . . this pattern forms the core which makes an ACTIVITY NODE (30): it can also help to generate a node, by its mere existence, provided that it is correctly placed along the intersection of the paths which people use most often. And it can also help to generate a PROMENADE (31), a WORK COMMUNITY (41), an IDENTIFIABLE NEIGHBORHOOD (14), through the action of the people who gather there. But it is essential, ( ) g p p gin every case, that it is not too large.

A town needs public squares; they are the largest, most public rooms, that the town has. But when they are too large, they look and feel deserted. Therefore:Make a public square much smaller than you would at first imagine; usually no more than 45 to 60 feet across,Make a public square much smaller than you would at first imagine; usually no more than 45 to 60 feet across, never more than 70 feet across. This applies only to its width in the short direction. In the long direction it can certainly be longer.

PEDESTRIAN DENSITY (123); ACTIVITY POCKETS (124) ; POSITIVE OUTDOOR SPACE (106),


PEDESTRIAN DENSITY (123); ACTIVITY POCKETS (124) ; POSITIVE OUTDOOR SPACE (106), HIERARCHY OF OPEN SPACE (114), BUILDING FRONTS (122), STAIR SEATS ( 125). . . .


Patterns for stairs. Alexander arguesgthat stairs that merely connect two levels of a building work further to disconnect the building and tear its processes apart. In the patterns for stairs, he suggests flaring out the bottom and widening them as well as, if possible, making the stairs part of the outer perimeter of the room so the steps can be used as seats.S h tt t f t i i tSuch patterns transform stairs intosocial spaces where people would be naturally inclined to sit, chat or engage in other activitiesengage in other activities.

(Pattern 133: ‘Staircase as a Stage’, A Pattern Language, pp. 637–40.)g g )





MEDITERRANEAN URBAN ANDMEDITERRANEAN URBAN AND BUILDING CODES AND SYMBOLS



E l f ifi dExamples of specific codes

The essence of the traditional system prevalent in the Mediterranean region is found in the ethics and values related to habitatregion is found in the ethics and values related to habitat



FINA: This is an invisible space about 1 00 1 50 t id l id ll1.00‐1.50 meters wide alongside all exterior walls of a building which is not attached to other walls, and primarily alongside streets and access paths. It extends vertically alongside the walls of the building. The owner or tenant of the building has certain rights and responsibilities associated with his fina.

Maintenance of streets and private passage ways, by keeping them clean and safe from obstructions was also relatedsafe from obstructions, was also related to the responsibilities associated with using the fina.



FINAA street in old Tunis, Tunisia. Note the steps for the house on the

A street in Amorgos town on the island of Amorgos, Greece. Note the steps to the houses on the right, the balconies on the upper level, Note the steps for the house on the

right are within the fina. Windows are above eye level, and the sabats. Photo taken by Besim Akim in the mid‐1970s.

g , pp ,and the upper level room projection are all within the fina space of the houses. Sketch by author after a photo in Greek Island Villages by N F C JNorman F. Carver Jr.



Source. BesimSource. BesimAkim



A street in Ostuni, Puglia region, Italy, near the Adriatic coast. Note the projecting lamp is high enough for traffic below and it, and it is within the fina of the house. The sabat belongs to the house on the right The arch spanning theThe sabat belongs to the house on the right. The arch spanning the street is built to reinforce the stability of the walls, implemented after agreement between owners of the houses across the street. Sketch by author after a photo in Italian Hilltowns by Norman F. Carver Jr.

A street in Casares, Andalucia region, Spain. Note the steps to the front doors of the houses on the right are within the fina space of the housesthe fina space of the houses. Source. Besim HakimPhoto courtesy: Casares



Calle Tintor, Campo S. Giacomo dall'Orio, Santa Croce A l h l i iAs passageways get longer, the tunnel sensation isreinforced.

Calle de Mezzo, looking onto Rio del Megio, Santa Croce Occasionally, such a passage will terminate at a canal, with or y, p g ,without the benefit of water stairs.



Abbazio S. Gregorio, DorsoduroThis sottoportego is on a processional route one of theprocessional route, one of the main ways to reach the Salute church by land. A th l i t fi d li i lAnthropologists find liminal (threshold) moments in most rituals, including procession. Here we have a physical threshold, extended beyond the typical short span involved in crossing a doorsill, which thereby intensifies the psychological effects ofpsychological effects of participating in the ritual.



Habitat Spaces with Thermal Role. Habitat spaces on bioclimatic concept in arid climate

Gallery. This is an intermediary space surrounding the patios; it is an outside opensurrounding the patios; it is an outside open corridor with a porch used for traffic. It protects not only the doors, the windows but also external walls

Loggia. is an architectural feature that refers to a gallery or corridor at ground level, sometimes higher, on the façade of a building and open to the air on one side where it is supported by columns or piercedside, where it is supported by columns or pierced openings in the wall.




Patio (courtyard). is for the traditional dwelling theis for the traditional dwelling the outside space that creates a microclimate and the most efficient form of using the inside space of g phouse. The system’s efficiency can be amplified by supplying the place with fountains, water pools, and big leaves plantationsleaves plantations. The water pools and the vegetation get warmer during the day and keep a convenient temperature during gcold night period

Traditional Patio function in the day (Basrah, Iraq)




Patio (courtyard).

The air stays due to the difference of density in the upper part of the patio and allows a comfortable environment in the lower part of the patio

Traditional Patio function in the day (Basrah, Iraq)




Almost every mosque and traditionallyall houses and buildings in areas of the Arab World contain a courtyard knownArab World contain a courtyard knownas a sahn (Arabic , )صحن which are surrounded on all sides by rooms and sometimes an arcade.

Sahns usually feature a centrallypositioned pool known as a howz.

If a sahn is in a mosque, it is used for performing ablutions. If a sahn is in a traditional house or private courtyard, it

A simple Sahn, with a howz in the middle. Notice flankingdomed arcade.

is used for aesthetics and to cool the summer heat.




Courtyard from a traditionalhouse in Damascus Syriahouse in Damascus, Syria



Calle Zambelli, Santa Croce Here it is very clear how the tunnel was created from an existing passage that had been open to the skyan existing passage that had been open to the sky. Note that across the courtyard at the end of the passage, there is another sottoportego.

8. Corte Oscura, Rio Terra dell'Isola, Santa Croce This and the following picture show the two exits from a small courtyard, as they go through the buildings that y y g g gsurround the open space.


Anagni Cathedral





Scaling over four stages in a Doric cornice.

Koch curve and Gothic column compared.BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN ! Antonio Caperna PhD | [email protected]


One of the numerous monumentalOne of the numerous monumental public‐religious squares in the

Italian historical towns.The example of Moncalieri (NordThe example of Moncalieri (Nord

Italy)



Churchs and urban sapaces Padova. S. Giustina.

Verona. Piazza del Duomo

Verona. S. AnastasiaVerona. S, Fermo Maggiore



Enclosed space defines the character of the squareThe roads are generally placed in theThe roads are generally placed in the corners, so as to give continuity to the fifth of the square to the effect of perspective

Verona. Piazza del Duomo



Mantova. Piazza S. Pietro.a, San Pietro; b, Palazzo ducale; e, Palazzo Vescovile, ; ,



Ravenna. Piazza del DuomoRavenna. Piazza del Duomo


Education

Biophilic Design by Antonio Caperna