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Biophilic Design for Restorative University Learning Environments: A Critical Review of Literature and Design Recommendations

Author

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  • Terri Peters

    (Department of Architectural Science, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

  • Kristen D'Penna

    (Department of Architectural Science, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

Abstract

The influence of environmental design on people’s wellbeing and productivity has been well studied in some settings such as offices, hospitals, and elementary schools, but salutogenic and biophilic design in urban post-secondary educational environments remains understudied and warrants closer investigation. There are unique challenges faced by these students and implementing health promoting and restorative, environmental design strategies could improve the quality of life and learning outcomes of university students. This paper identifies pertinent themes in published multi-disciplinary literature relating to the influence of the built environment on university students: emotional stress, happiness, stimulation, cognitive function, social support, belonging, places to study, lighting, and ventilation. The results of the semi-structured literature review identifies, analyzes, and categorizes relevant studies that examine nature views, nature images, natural colors, natural materials, auditory and olfactory aspects of nature, nature images with water, indoor plants, campus landscapes, study spaces, local materials and style, daylight access, and thermal and environmental comfort. These are organized according to the biophilic patterns identified by Browning, Ryan, and Clancy. Trends and gaps in understanding the influence of biophilic design on university settings are discussed, and the paper identifies evidence-based design recommendations for incorporating biophilic design in university settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Terri Peters & Kristen D'Penna, 2020. "Biophilic Design for Restorative University Learning Environments: A Critical Review of Literature and Design Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:7064-:d:406092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timothy Beatley & Peter Newman, 2013. "Biophilic Cities Are Sustainable, Resilient Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(8), pages 1-18, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yanqing Xia & Yu Shao & Yue Zheng & Xin Yan & Hanlu Lyu, 2025. "RETRACTED ARTICLE: Bridging Nature and Urbanization: A Comprehensive Study of Biophilic Design in the Knowledge Economy Era," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 3574-3613, March.
    2. Başak Aytatlı & Selcan Bayram & Semiha İsmailoğlu, 2025. "Deepening Layers of Urban Space: A Scenario-Based Approach with Artificial Intelligence for the Effective and Sustainable Use of Underground Parking Structures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-31, October.
    3. Katarzyna Ratajczak & Łukasz Amanowicz & Katarzyna Pałaszyńska & Filip Pawlak & Joanna Sinacka, 2023. "Recent Achievements in Research on Thermal Comfort and Ventilation in the Aspect of Providing People with Appropriate Conditions in Different Types of Buildings—Semi-Systematic Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-55, August.
    4. Maliha Afroz Nitu & Ozgur Gocer & Niranjika Wijesooriya & Diksha Vijapur & Christhina Candido, 2022. "A Biophilic Design Approach for Improved Energy Performance in Retrofitting Residential Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-22, March.
    5. Barbara Ester Adele Piga & Nicola Rainisio & Gabriele Stancato & Marco Boffi, 2023. "Mapping the In-Motion Emotional Urban Experiences: An Evidence-Based Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-26, May.

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