Investigating the Occupant’s Perception of Biophilia on the Health and Well-Being in a Hospital Setting
Unati Kumar Watwani*, Namrata Atul Dhamankar
Dr Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune, India
DOI: 10.62744/CATE.45273.1153-121-130
Email: watwaniunati@gmail.com
Abstract:
Individual perceptions are essential while evaluating the well-being benefits of nature. This study predicted biophilia's influences on the occupant's health and well-being in a building. The study was conducted in a healthcare building in the city of Pune-a case of a hospital designed on the principles of biophilia was taken such that a comparison of observation and perception of occupants was analyzed. A biophilic design framework developed by Kellert in 2008 was adopted and a questionnaire was prepared based on the elements and attributes present in the case building based on diligent on-site observation of the whole campus of the case hospital. The survey was conducted with the prepared questionnaire based on the elements and attributes present using a Likert scale of 1 to 5 based on dissatisfaction and satisfaction level where 1 stands for extremely dissatisfied and 5 is extremely satisfied. Perception of 100 occupants is taken by further dividing them into 3 main categories based on their nature and daily workflow, the inpatients; the outpatients and visitors; and the staff. Results reveal 57.7% of the staff, 76 % of the outpatients, and 84.36% of the inpatients were satisfied with the presence of biophilic elements and attributes present in the campus and state having improved health and well-being, however, few attributes like connection to place, natural shapes, and form contain mixed reviews due to lack of understanding of the attribute. Also, the results state that each element and attribute are interlinked, and a group of attributes is such a form dividing them into 6 categories. Few recommendations have been made based on the elements and attributes for enhanced health benefits. Accordingly, the study recommends that with the successful implementation of biophilic design principles, hospital buildings can be transformed into healing places that will boost and bring many benefits to the occupant's health and well-being.
Keywords: biophilic design, nature based solutions, hospital building, health and well-being