Abstract:
In contemporary times, with urgent climate and human health challenges, architectural practice must
consider the ecological impact of designs, supporting multi-species ecologies and minimizing the
environmental impact of human habitats. Biophilic design
, rooted in the innate connection between
humans and nature
, presents a framework for reimagining contemporary built environments. By
tracing the historical development of biophilia and biophilic design within architectural sustainability
movements, this thesis identifies opportunities within various biophilic design patterns to enhance
human wellbeing, while strengthening ecological resilience.
From this, the thesis establishes design
frameworks that address various challenges related to ecological resilience and human health.
Through the examination of biophilic design patterns one of the thesis’s core design frameworks
known as Biophilic Design, is established. The Biophilic Design framework reveals the potential
biophilic materials have in establishing bonds between architecture and nature. This informs the
creation of the design framework Material Connection, which explores material connections through
the integration of physiological mind-body investigations. Extrasensory knowledge is uncovered via
these investigations, informing designers' understandings of biophilic material qualities, vital in
translating these sensory qualities onto architectural outcomes. This perspective aids the development
of the Multidisciplinary Fabrication design framework, exploring design developments across scales
and complexities through dialogue between the mind-body investigations.
An architectural proposal will engage in the adaptive re-use of an existing building on the site of 94
Bryce Street, Kirikiriroa
(Hamilton City), acting as a case study for future architectural proposals
looking to utilise similar design frameworks presented in this thesis. This architectural proposal will
transform an existing car park and office building into a mixed-use space, encompassing existing office
facilities and a new healthcare centre. The architectural proposals programme primarily details the
architectural design of transitional spaces
.
The development of this architectural proposal not only exemplifies how multidisciplinary fabrication
processes facilitate the exploration, design, and application of biophilic patterns and material
connections, but also advances the thesis’s overarching objectives of addressing ecological resilience
and human health challenges within architectural practice.