ISB Summer School Explores Biophilic Architecture and Design

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 organtonio.caperna@biourbanism.org
BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN ! Antonio Caperna PhD | antonio.caperna@yahoo.it

CONTENTS
 Biophilia Biophilia
 Biophilia and Biourbanism
 Biophilic Design
 Biophilic Design dimensions Biophilic Design dimensions
- Naturalistic
- Structural
- CognitiveCognitive

ISB SUMMER SCHOOL 2013. NEUROERGONOMICS AND PLACEMAKING
BIOPHILIA
is 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 ourg p
DNA

Bi hili d Bi b i
Biophilia and Biourbanism
Putting 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 yp
and 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 underlying
processes of nature and
t diti l hit ttraditional architecture
are able to create
harmony and beautyharmony and beauty
without effort, while the
processes of modernprocesses of modern
urban construction are
not 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 nature
nourish 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
HOW
space-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 a
structure
• Such a structure is not neutral. It affects social
interactions, feeds back city’s identity and
metabolism, and responds to physical laws.
• Structure is physical, but it has cultural effects,
and cultural causes. It’s at the intersection of
h thuman nature.

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

BIOPHILIC DESIGN
NATURALISTIC 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 muco e a d gge a e e o e u
receptors, 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 theg
forest,.
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 revealq y
more 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 ing
poor urban as well as more
affluent and suburban
i hb h dneighborhoods.

• Contact with nature has been found
to enhance healing and recoveryg y
from 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 impactp p
the 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 successful
strategies of indigenous natural systems. The building, the country's largest commercial and shopping
complex, uses the same heating and cooling principles as a local termite mound

Environmental
the 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
• BiodiversityBiodiversity
• 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 Design
Dimensions, Elements, and Attributes of Biophilic Design
by Stephen R. Kellerty p
Environmental features
Color
Water
Ai
Natural patterns and processes
Sensory variability
I f ti i hAir
Sunlight
Plants
Animals
Information richness
Transitional spaces
Integration of parts to wholes
D i b l d t iAnimals
Natural materials
Views and vistas
Façade greening
Dynamic balance and tension
Fractals
Hierarchically organized ratios and scales
Façade greening
Geology and landscape
Habitats and ecosystems

scale Biophilic design elements
Biophilic
Urban
El t
Building Green roof-top
Sky gardens and green
Rooftop garden
Green walls
Daylight interior spaces
Elements
across
scales
block Green courtyards
Clustered housing around green areas
Native species yards and spaces
street Green street
Sidewalk garden
Low impact development
Trees
Vegetated swales and skinny streets
Edible landscaping
High degree of permeability
Sneighbourhood Stream delighting, stream restoration
Urban forests
Ecology parks
Community gardens
Neighbourhood parks and pockets parks
Greening gray fields and brown fieldsg g y
community Urban creeks and riparian areas
Urban ecological networks
Green schools
City tree canopy
Community forest and community orchardsy y
Greening utility corridors
region River systems and floodplains
Riparian system
Regional green space system
Greening 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 tog
structural 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 hisg 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 because
all 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.
SYSTEM
WHEN 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 owny 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 neighborhoods
12 COMMUNITY OF 7000
13 SUBCULTURE BOUNDARY
14 IDENTIFIABLE NEIGHBORHOOD
15 NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARY
…
Character of local environments
21 FOUR-STORY LIMIT
22 NINE PER CENT PARKING22 NINE PER CENT PARKING
23 PARALLEL ROADS
24 SACRED SITES
25 ACCESS TO WATER25 ACCESS TO WATER
26 LIFE CYCLE
27 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 g
in 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 arguesg
that 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 into
social 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.

FINA
A 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. Besim
Akim

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 Hakim
Photo courtesy: Casares

Calle Tintor, Campo S. Giacomo dall'Orio, Santa
Croce
A l h l i iAs passageways get longer, the tunnel sensation is
reinforced.
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, Dorsoduro
This 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 ofg p
house. 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 duringg
cold 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 traditionally
all houses and buildings in areas of the
Arab World contain a courtyard knownArab World contain a courtyard known
as a sahn (Arabic ‫صحن‬(, which are
surrounded on all sides by rooms and
sometimes an arcade.
Sahns usually feature a centrally
positioned 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 flanking
domed arcade.
is used for aesthetics and to cool the
summer heat.

Courtyard from a traditional
house 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 g
surround the open space.

Anagni Cathedral

Scaling over four stages in a Doric cornice.
Koch curve and Gothic column compared.

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 square
The 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

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