Conceptual framework of biophilic design elements (BDE) for indoor work settings

• Main Authors: Zulkifli, Nabilah Huda, Sapian, Abdul Razak, Ibrahim, Putri Haryati
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English; English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General); NA1 General
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/101438/1/seniBINA2022_Poster.jpg; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101438/2/TENTATIVE%20PROGRAM%20%26%20SCHEDULE%20OF%20PRESENTATION%20PRESENTATION.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101438/3/Sijil.JPG; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101438/5/Silver%20Award_NABILAH%20HUDA%20ZULKIFLI.JPG; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101438/28/101438_Conceptual%20framework%20of%20biophilic%20design%20elements.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101438/

The human tendency to connect with nature existed long ago. The Industrial Revolution during the 1600s created a huge gap and disconnection between humans and nature, which resulted in the depletion of mental and physical well-being as people spent long working hours indoors. This condition has led to depression and mental health degradation resulting in low performance as employees disengage from their association with nature. Many researchers have examined the importance of biophilic design elements in reducing depression and mental health degradation. However, there are still not many studies on the framework tailored to the trend of implementing nature into the indoor working environment. This paper aims to identify, compare, and characterize qualitative data from various literature sources on the biophilic design elements (BDE), focusing on the indoor working environment. This study will develop a conceptual framework to determine the criteria for the most prominent biophilia elements that can be implemented in indoor settings to efficiently guide professionals in the built environment in preparing the ideal work settings. To improve productivity and reduce the stress level of the employees working indoors, the application of BDE contributes to the mood, performance, and wellbeing of the employees, thus sustaining the organization in the long run.