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Article
Publication date: 13 May 2024

Kenneth Fu Xian Ho, Liudmila Tarabashkina and Fang Liu

Building on associative priming, anthropomorphism and biophilia theories, this study aims to explain that a natural–organic (that shows a natural object) and an anthropomorphised…

Abstract

Purpose

Building on associative priming, anthropomorphism and biophilia theories, this study aims to explain that a natural–organic (that shows a natural object) and an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo (that shows an anthropomorphised natural object) both act as primes and imbue specific product value perceptions, which subsequently influence willingness to pay a premium price when products have not been used by or are unfamiliar to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two between-subjects experiments were conducted with different products (one with real, but unfamiliar to consumers brand and another with a fictitious brand). Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Experimental studies showed that natural–organic logos evoked stronger utilitarian (functional and economic) value perceptions, which triggered greater willingness to pay a premium price compared to anthropomorphised natural–organic logos. The effect of hedonic (emotional and novelty) values on willingness to pay a premium price was stronger when an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo was used.

Research limitations/implications

This research offers novel theoretical contributions highlighting the importance of careful logo design to imbue desired value perceptions when products have not been consumed or trialled.

Practical implications

Anthropomorphised natural–organic and natural–organic logos can provide different benefits to brand managers and can be used strategically to form desired value perceptions before products are consumed. Brands that wish to enhance premium pricing via hedonic values should consider using an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo. Natural–organic logos may be more suitable for brands that want to emphasise superior utilitarian values.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research provides the first empirical assessment of the differential effects of the two forms of natural–organic logos on value perceptions and willingness to pay premium price.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2024

Deepika Pandita and Himani Choudhary

The study aims to explore how including biophilic elements in the architectural and interior design of assisted living facilities can improve the well-being and quality of life of…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore how including biophilic elements in the architectural and interior design of assisted living facilities can improve the well-being and quality of life of older people. This research paper explores the concept of biophilic design and its potential benefits for assisted living facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. The research involved a comprehensive review of databases such as Scopus, EBSCO, Elsevier, JSTOR and Google Scholar using keywords and Boolean operators with reference to the study. The study’s inclusion criteria for articles were restricted to academic articles published between 2013 and 2022. The analysis of the current research will offer insights into the concept of biophilic design research and its impact on the well-being and quality of life of baby boomers in assisted living facilities.

Findings

The research advocates the benefits of biophilic design to enhance the psychological well-being and quality of life of baby boomers dwelling in assisted living facilities. Biophilic design is a strategy that blends natural elements into built environments to improve our connection with nature to enhance the physical and psychological health of older people. In the context of assisted living facilities, where residents commonly experience a variety of physical and psychological health concerns, adopting biophilic design in architecture holds enormous promise.

Originality/value

The research focuses on applying biophilic design in assisted living facilities and its holistic approach to the overall well-being of older people. The conceptual model proposed in the study has defined the positive aspects of the biophilic design on the psychological and physiological health of older people. Few studies have been done on the impact of biophilic design, specifically on baby boomers.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 May 2024

Rolien Terblanche and Dorcas Khumalo

The objective of this study is to determine how biophilic designs in study areas affect the productivity of students at the University of the Witwatersrand. The study also seeks…

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to determine how biophilic designs in study areas affect the productivity of students at the University of the Witwatersrand. The study also seeks to evaluate study areas at Wits in terms of biophilic design, determine whether biophilic design contributes to the preference of students and their study productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross sectional study that used a mixed methodology. Five study areas were identified and evaluated in terms of biophilic design. At each study area, nine students participated in an open- and close-ended questionnaire regarding their perceptions on study areas and productivity.

Findings

The five study areas scored the following results according to the biophilic test: 29.09%, 34.55%, 36.36%, 80.00% and 85.45%, respectively. The students prefer to study in biophilic study areas as it prompts positive emotions and make them feel rejuvenated and energized. However, there are still students studying in the non-biophilic areas due to convenience or due to the biophilic areas that are noisy and lacks monitoring.

Research limitations/implications

With the small sample size, the generalizability of the findings are limited, but does create a foundation for further research.

Practical implications

Universities can learn from the findings and benefit greatly from many biophilic study areas. This could also encourage architects and interior designers to include biophilic design more so in general buildings/rooms.

Originality/value

Study areas at the University of the Witwatersrand was evaluated in terms of biophilic design, while determining whether biophilic design contributes to the preference of students and study productivity.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Seunghee Lee and Suk-Kyung Kim

This study examines the impact of outdoor environments in public rental housing complexes on residents’ psychological restoration, taking into account the interconnectedness of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the impact of outdoor environments in public rental housing complexes on residents’ psychological restoration, taking into account the interconnectedness of physical and psychological factors in human health. Drawing on Kaplan and Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory and Ulrich’s Supportive Design Theory, the research investigates the factors influencing residents’ psychological restoration within these outdoor spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), which is based on the Attention Restoration Theory and the Zuckerman Inventory of Personal Reactions (ZIPERS) are used to assess residents’ restorative experiences. Field research was conducted to collect data on the outdoor environments, and surveys were administered to the residents. The study analyzes the data using SPSS, including both factor and correlation analyses, to explore the relationship between the restorative effect and emotional factors.

Findings

The study verified a significant influence of positive emotions in ZIPERS on PRS’ overall restorative effect, thus supporting the utilization of both PRS and ZIPERS factors together to assess comprehensively the impact of outdoor environments on residents’ psychological restoration.

Originality/value

By employing a multidimensional approach involving residents’ experiences and emotions, this study quantified emotional and psychological data, which were hard to quantify. These results provide a basis for developing more objective restoration environment design guidelines and programs in the future.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Naz Bilgic and Genell Wells Ebbini

There is a growing interest in applying the principles of biophilic design to hotel lobbies to enhance positive user experiences. However, there is little empirical research in…

Abstract

Purpose

There is a growing interest in applying the principles of biophilic design to hotel lobbies to enhance positive user experiences. However, there is little empirical research in this area, particularly for abstract or indirect biophilic approaches. The current study analyzed the biophilic strategy of “organized complexity” (which entails structured hierarchical patterns) in a hotel lobby in relation to attention restoration outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A virtual reality approach was used to create three lobby designs, differing only in their degree of organized complexity. A between-subjects study was conducted with 91 participants, evaluating reactions to the lobby designs in terms of perceived attention restoration, perceived environmental complexity and environmental preferences.

Findings

A strong positive relationship was found between participants' perception of environmental complexity and feelings of restoration. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between restoration and the objective measures of organized complexity. This suggests that individual preferences or baseline responses may play a crucial role in the benefits associated with this aspect of biophilic design.

Originality/value

The findings suggest a novel possibility – that responses to organized complexity may not be universal but may instead depend on an individual’s background and personal preferences. While the study found that perceived complexity was associated with restoration, the objective features of the environment that incited these perceptions were different for different participants. This indicates that more research is needed into potentially relevant personal factors.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2023

Amin Bahador and Mahnaz Mahmudi Zarandi

The emergence of Covid-19 and its epidemic features have affected many people around the world. Regardless of the physical and psychological problems caused by it, people must…

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of Covid-19 and its epidemic features have affected many people around the world. Regardless of the physical and psychological problems caused by it, people must isolate themselves from their surroundings. This problem is more intense in urban areas where people live in crowded apartments and high-rise buildings. During the lockdown, residents of such buildings suffered from disconnection from nature, in addition to the lack of communication with others. As most multi-story apartments and residential complexes do not have separate green spaces and do not provide a safe connection to nature for occupants, it is very tough for the residents of these buildings to endure the disease, and occupants are more vulnerable to disease. Accordingly, this study proposes the biophilic design as an effective approach to provide a secure connection with nature in residential complexes and high-rise apartments.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire method was used in this study to analyze the raised hypotheses. Two types of residential zones were selected for the survey and comparing the results. One is apartment units without dedicated green space, and the other is villa houses with private green space. Size of the sample population include 300 people (150 residents of an apartment block and 150 residents of villa homes).

Findings

Strict restrictions during the pandemic have prevented people from connecting with nature, especially in urban areas, owing to the lack of separated and dedicated green spaces, whereas connection with nature can be healing and lead to relieving anxiety and stress in this era based on the approved research. Accordingly, applying a biophilic approach to the design process would be helpful.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of a biophilic project to observe was one of the limitations of this study. Being an available biophilic project in the surroundings could be very helpful to observe and acquire comprehensive knowledge and experiences from the handlers and users of biophilic buildings.

Practical implications

This study can be beneficial for patients, individuals and occupants of apartments and residential complexes in urban areas who suffer from distance from nature and green spaces during the restrictions of pandemics such as Covid-19.

Originality/value

This study proposes the use of biophilic architecture in the design process of residential complexes and high-rise apartments to provide isolated and dedicated green spaces for occupants, especially during the lockdown when people have been deprived of parks and public green spaces.

Details

Facilities , vol. 42 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2024

Himani Choudhary and Deepika Pandita

This study aims to examine the connection between biophilic workplace design and its effect on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and job contentment. The aim is to provide…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the connection between biophilic workplace design and its effect on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and job contentment. The aim is to provide insights for the top management to acknowledge and implement biophilic workplaces to create a more productive and fulfilling work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study is supported by a literature review of 45 peer-reviewed papers. The research involved a comprehensive review of databases such as Scopus, EBSCO, Elsevier, Jstor and Google Scholar using relevant keywords and Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria for the study are limited to articles published between 2013 and 2024. The review results provide insights into the current state of research on biophilic office spaces and their impact on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and productivity.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal how biophilic office design positively impacts the mental well-being and job contentment of Gen Z employees, leading to increased productivity. It demonstrates that being around elements of nature at work can reduce stress and enhance cognitive function, leading to increased job contentment.

Originality/value

Few studies have been done on the impact of biophilic-designed offices on Gen Z employees, a cohort increasingly becoming the dominant workforce. The conceptual model proposed in the study has defined the positive aspects of biophilic design for Gen Z employees.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 56 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2023

Kulthoum Shakhshir and Wael Sheta

This study explores the difference in occupants' satisfaction with biophilic features in high-rises, townhouses, and villas in Dubai to identify new strategies that promote more…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the difference in occupants' satisfaction with biophilic features in high-rises, townhouses, and villas in Dubai to identify new strategies that promote more human-nature connections. The study also serves as a benchmark for applying Biophilic Design in the Gulf region and bridging between biophilic theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-mode approach was used, combining surveys from occupants and interviews with experts (3 policymakers, a developer, and a biophilic design educator). The survey collected occupants' satisfaction and acceptance of proposed strategies, and the interviews validated the potentially accepted solutions.

Findings

The results indicated high overall satisfaction with biophilic features despite neutral/low satisfaction with specific features. In high-rise buildings, respondents showed high acceptance for different proposed strategies; 76.4% for adaptive control of balconies by season, 82.7% for utilizing outdoor roof gardens, 78.9% for indoor gardens, and 71.8% for vertical farming. Additionally, respondents accepted social strategies; 63.6% agreed to join clubs promoting environmental events, and 75.4% accepted participating in outdoor recreational activities accompanied by local environmental education. The interviews showed an inclination toward incentive programs instead of obligations.

Originality/value

Unlike former studies that assessed indoor environmental qualities without referring to biophilic theory or limited reference to biophilic design, this study provides a novel approach for bridging theory and practice by integrating biophilic design into residential buildings for Dubai's future developments. Additionally, the authors suggest validated proposals to enhance the occupants' biophilic living experience, serving as a benchmark for biophilic application in the Gulf region.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2019

Steffen Lehmann

Climate change is occurring around us and impacting on our daily lives, meaning that we have to deal with our cities in a different way. There is also increasing awareness of the…

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Abstract

Climate change is occurring around us and impacting on our daily lives, meaning that we have to deal with our cities in a different way. There is also increasing awareness of the need for daily contact with green spaces and the natural environment in order to live a happy, productive and meaningful life.

This reflective essay tells the narrative of how urbanisation has been disconnecting humans from nature. Non-sustainable, non-resilient patterns of urbanisation, along with the neglect of inner-city areas, have resulted in fragmentation and urban decline, led to a loss of biodiversity, and caused the deterioration of ecosystems and their services. Urban regeneration projects allow us to “repair” and restore some of this damage whilst enhancing urban resilience. Connecting existing and enhanced ecosystems, and re-establishing ecosystems both within cities and at the peri-urban fringe is vital for strengthening ecosystem resilience and building adaptive capacity for coping with the effects of climate change.

Cities worldwide need to look for suitable solutions to increase the resilience of their urban spaces in the face of climate change. This essay explores how this can be achieved through the integration of nature-based solutions, the re-greening of neighbourhoods and by correctly attributing value to natural capital. Transforming existing cities and neighbourhoods in this way will enable ecosystems to contribute their services towards healthier and more liveable cities.

Details

Emerald Open Research, vol. 1 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3952

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Paramita Atmodiwirjo, Rokhshid Ghaziani, Supreeya Wungpatcharapon, Ratna Djuwita and Yandi Andri Yatmo

This study aims to identify the role of nature-related features in promoting well-being from the perspective of children as the users of post-disaster schools. It highlights the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the role of nature-related features in promoting well-being from the perspective of children as the users of post-disaster schools. It highlights the importance of connectedness to nature in design strategies for post-disaster school reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed-method study was conducted in three primary schools reconstructed after the earthquakes in Lombok (Indonesia) and Chiang Rai (Thailand) that integrated some nature-related elements in their design. The questionnaire survey explored the children’s satisfaction with the post-disaster school environment as an indication of well-being.

Findings

The findings suggest that priority in post-disaster school design strategies should incorporate nature-related design features that provide opportunities for children to be with friends and to play, to learn in comfortable and safe conditions, to interact with nature and to be in a quiet and relaxing place.

Originality/value

Most post-disaster reconstruction prioritizes the speed of construction rather than the spatial qualities that could help children deal with the disaster. This study provides evidence on the potential of nature-related design features to support the children’s well-being after the disaster.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

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