Humans have an innate biological response to nature. Elements within nature have helped our species survive and evolve to where we are today. Our need to affiliate with nature is ingrained in our genetic makeup. Nature, being as complex as it is, is made up of more elements than we may initially realize. There are 26 elements in biophilia that have been studied and proven to create physical, psychological, and physiological responses for humans. In our modern world, humans spend over 90% of their lifetime indoors. The goal of my thesis project is to create an elegant model living environment that incorporates the 26 elements of biophilic design. More specifically, I would like to design a residence that brings the outdoors in to evoke our innate response to nature.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a major concern, especially for people living in urban areas. The hectic pace of life, the constant stimulation and the limited access to nature can all contribute to stress and its negative effects on health and well-being. While urban green spaces have been recognized as potential solutions, access to these much-needed environments is limited due to scarcity of free space. Furthermore, existing green spaces often fall short of providing the needed restoration as they primarily cater to visual stimulation, neglecting other senses.

Building on this need for better restorative environments in cities, my thesis aims to design a space that renders a slow and sensory experience through a gradual progression into the building providing an escape from the fast-paced urban environment. The goal of my thesis is to create a restorative built environment, incorporating biophilic design principles with emphasis on multisensory and contemplative design, that fosters stress relief and supports wellbeing by inviting its occupants to relax, rejuvenate, and unwind.