Nature’s Impact on Emotions: Shaping Our Connection to Architecture

<p dir="ltr">This research examines how natural elements in architecture influence human emotions. Purely focusing on biophilic design and adaptive ecology, in connecting people with built environments. Adaptive ecology explores the dynamic relationship between systems, in this case, buildings and nature. Evaluating their evolution and correlated improvements <i>(Holling, 1973). </i>With climate change currently driving the demand for sustainable proposals, biophilic design has gained attention for integrating nature into architecture, creating emotionally supported spaces that enhance productivity and mental well-being. <i>(Kellert, 2008).</i></p><p dir="ltr">Adopting the humanism worldview, which prioritizes human experiences and emotional needs, therefore examining how natural elements like light, greenery, and outdoor views contribute to well-being in built environments. Despite growing interest in biophilic design, research on its emotional impact remains limited. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the survey combines qualitative and quantitative data, to asses participants’ psychological responses to elements from biophilic design. As a result, reported feelings of comfort and relaxation stem from spaces enriched with natural elements. Particularly, areas including natural light and having outdoor views, positively impacting emotional well-being. On the other hand, zones that create excessive exposure to natural elements caused some participants the sense of being overwhelmed. The majority expressed signs of discomfort, primarily due to the non-sequential noise disruption, produced by water features.</p><p dir="ltr">Overall, the findings agree with the statement, that biophilic design can enhance emotional resilience, reduce stress, and create a sense of well-being. However, the results also highlight, that having the correct balance of aesthetics, privacy and functionality, is key in maximising the full potential of nature-inspired design. Valuable for architects and urban planners, these insights emphasize the need to incorporate nature into the built environment, not only for sustainability and practical use, but also for the psychological well-being of its occupants.</p>