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The relationship between human kind and nature can be one of respect and love rather than domination. The outcome can be rich satisfying and lastingly successful, but only if both partners are modified by their association to become better adapted to each other. With our knowledge and sense of responsibility we can create new environments that are ecologically sound, aesthetically satisfying, economically rewarding. This process of reciprocal adaptation occurs through minor changes in the people and their environment, but a more conscious process of design can also take place. Planet Earth sustains because of the Yin and Yang is the mankind and nature. Both act as counterparts, maintaining an equilibrium. We are indeed a miniscule fraction of the planet, recently thrived on. Surrounded by billions of years of researcher-mother nature, humans themselves can never be detached from nature as they are said to be made of its 5 elements: The Earth, the Water, the Fire and the Wood. After our demise it is the Mother nature who engulfs us and makes us a part of their never ending ecological processes. Our ancestors have evolved being present in such surroundings, that they have deep reverence and affinity towards Nature, as at that time they were surrounded by natures stimulus provided various benefits to the mankind and evolved a mechanized behavior to positively respond to nature. This conceptualization, termed Biophilia, is in great demand at present due to the current urbanization, greatly affecting our surroundin gs and taking us away from nature’ s benefits in one way or other. This change, according to the society, can be bought through application of Biophilia in various aspects of construction of spaces, like Architecture, Interior Designing etc. Architecture is one such field which has an infinite power to dictate the character and stimuli generation of a space. If bought into Architecture, Biophilic Design can act as bridging the gap between human nature connections and establishing an equilibrium. For this, a framework needs to be generated and that would lead to adoption of Biophilic literature, practically, to various aspects of the designing and planning process. The term Biophilia, coined from two words “Bio: nature” & “Philia: love or affinity” articulates relationship between nature, science and built environment so that we may experience its benefits. Biophilic Design reflects human-nature relationship architecturally mend into the built and landscape spaces. The biophilic concepts revolves around a belief that humans hold a biological need for connecting with nature on physical, mental and a social level and their connections affects our personal wellbeing, productivity and societal relationships. Aim Generation of a framework that would bridge the gap between Biophilia and Architecture. Objectives To introduce Biophilia as a concept. To investigate and infer from the present literature related to Biophilia. To devise a new framework that would be bridge the gap between Architecture and Biophilia itself. To test the feasibility, design considerations and success of Biophilic patterns, present on a live architecture site, through case studies. Methodology The process of research of the paper is as follows: To study and explore various theories pertaining to biophilic design. Study Biophilia through its theories and providing a unified base to their application. To study and explore various patterns, elements and attributes and strategies related to Biophilia. To generate a unified pattern, taking inferences and contributions from the literature present around. Introduction of various subheads of framework, their function and importance in the framework. Generation of a new framework which can be applied by designers to their processes to generate Biophilic spaces. To present inference table, that considers practical, traceable and quantified subheads from the framework, useful for case studies. To use the table in studying a biophilic space or a space having biophilic elements, to test the generality and success of the Biophilic Patterns. To conclude with the limitations and further scope of research in this domain. Hypothesis Biophilic design patterns can be applied in Architectural spaces, restoring human nature connections. Research Question The main question addressed is: HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN architecture AND biophilic FOR APPLICATION IN DESIGN PROCESS? What defines Biophilic Design? What are the present theories related to Biophilia? What are the present patterns and dimensions related to this field? Which other factors can be incorporated in the framework for bridging the gap? What are the success rates of the proposed patterns on diff. zones of applicability? Scope Biophilic Design has a wide scope of applicability in various domains of Architectural spaces like residential, commercial, offices, healthcare, and institutional buildings uses, also having varied health benefits related to varying problems of each domain. The scope of the current research is limited to the applicability on an institutional setup, where the Biophilic design elements will be tested on a live site to access the generality of the present biophilic elements. Limitations The limitations of the research are as follows: Existing scientific knowledge st ill, doesn’t tie strategies to specific health benefits, since that relationship is still unclear. Boundaries between strategies are also blurred, and will may times rely on the judgement to access the value of strategy. A detailed survey, to know the occu pant’s response and level of wellbeing affected to due various variables, can’t be carried out due to the time constraints. Literature Review INTRODUCTION There have been various attempts by the researchers to describe the Biophilic Design Hypothesis of various aspects of the human- nature connections and its relation with architecture. Various theories and patterns have been proposed to explain the hypothesis. This section assists to examine and infer most relevant Biophilic design Theories and Components as patterns through a common, accessible to the designers: Theories: Attention Restoration Theory (ART) Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) Perceptual Fluency Account (PFA) Favorable and unfavorable settings to mental health Savannah Hypothesis Naturalness and Stress Reduction Aesthetic Appeal of Nature Fractal Theory Prospect and Refuge Theory Patterns: 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design Dimensions, Elements, Attributes of Biophilic Design Restorative Environment Design (ERD) Theories pertaining to Biophilia We, as humans have evolved to our behavior mechanism and problem-solving tactics mimicking nature, taking lessons from them and in return through our action and generated stimuli, have shaped our natural environments. It is the presence of natural environment around us which is instrumental in generation of our evolutionary mechanism and ways of getting through the challenge surrounding us. These theories are based on the Biophilic Hypothesis that humans have affiliation and attraction towards nature and natural elements further leading to wellbeing of person. The theories, relating to this literature, have been broadly divided to two classifications instrumental in affecting the human- Nature Relationship: Theories on Psycho-Evolutionary and Restorative Preferences Nature- Based and Environment Preferences
