APPLICATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN CONCEPT IN THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: ARCHITECTS’ PERSPECTIVES

• Published in: Malaysian Construction Research Journal
• Main Author: Azidin Y.A.Z.; Janipha N.A.I.; Zaki Z.A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Construction Research Institute of Malaysia 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85194582724&partnerID=40&md5=55f8d6aa99c911fbfd1c2f1fccd7a544

The connections between humans and nature are not something new. Thus, Biophilia is defined as an innate affinity that has a connection between human beings and nature until the concept of biophilic design integrates with construction design that is occupied by humans. The presence of nature is crucial and has influenced many design buildings in Malaysian Construction Industry including residential, offices, hotels and schools. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the application of the biophilic design concepts in the Malaysian Construction Industry. The objectives were to identify the application of biophilic design in a building and to determine the importance level of having biophilic design components in a building. An extensive literature review was done to obtain the general concept of biophilic design in a building. Questionnaire surveys were distributed via an online platform to know in depth the application of biophilic design concept and the importance level of having it in a building in the Malaysian context. A total of 41 responses among certified architects were obtained and analysed by using SPSS software. Findings revealed that most of the respondents agreed that the biophilic design concept offers many benefits to buildings and their environment especially in terms of health, both physically and mentally. Moreover, it also plays a vital role as a crucial element in the design for new project developments. The concept of biophilic design highlights the importance of having nature-concept relation with humans. In addition, this concept has been recommended by professionals from a construction background to start to implement this biophilic design as many as possible in buildings, especially for public use that fits into climate change and surroundings. © 2023, Construction Research Institute of Malaysia. All rights reserved.