Biophilic Design in Theory and Practice: Human Well-Being and Sustainable Development Across Building Typologies

Abstract

This study reviews how biophilic design strategies, rooted in the human affinity for nature, enhance well-being and support sustainable development through improved spatial quality and user comfort. Through a systematic review of interdisciplinary literature in architecture, environmental psychology, and urban planning, it examines five major building typologies: educational, healthcare, residential, hospitality, and commercial. The findings show consistent psychological and physiological benefits across all contexts, with natural light, vegetation, water, and ventilation linked to stress reduction, mood improvement, and better environmental perception. Each typology demonstrates distinct outcomes, including cognitive and attentional gains in educational settings, faster recovery in healthcare, and experiential or economic benefits in commercial and hospitality environments, while residential buildings show greater comfort and emotional well-being. Cultural, climatic, and economic factors, along with varied research methods, influence both effectiveness and comparability. The study emphasizes the need for standardized evaluation, integration of physiological and environmental metrics, and context-sensitive strategies. Overall, it presents biophilic design as a practical and evidence-based approach for creating healthy, resilient, and sustainable built environments.