Components of Biophilic Design on Achieving Viability with Emphasis on Islamic Architecture

Mankind desires to connect with the natural world is an innate need. Nature and the transfer of its concepts in the design of living environments will increase the quality of life and improve the livability of the place. Traditional architecture of Iranian cities has long been significant and climate factor has been considered as a superior parameter in design. Given that most modern architectural ideas are Western, the issue here is how to adapt the principles of biophilia to the principles of architecture in hot and dry climates. The present research has been accomplished in terms of applied purpose and descriptive-analytical method with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Documentary methods (to explain the indicators) and survey (observation and questionnaire) were used to collect data. Since the present study is a quantitative research, a questionnaire was used to collect data and SPSS statistical software was applied to analyze data. Correlation tests were applied to examine the relationships between variables. A one-sample t-test was used to compare the statistical population with theoretical median and multivariate regression to investigate the effect of biophilic design components on bioavailability; moreover, the new city of Hashtgerd was selected as the study area. Findings indicate that there is a direct and significant correlation between biophilic design variables and computable bioavailability. On the other hand, based on a single-sample t-test, it was found that the viability status is lower than normal (average 3), consequently, the community is not in the desired condition. Based on the multivariate regression test, the equations of how the relationships between the variables were presented and based on the beta coefficient of prioritization of biophilic design variables on the viability of the site, it was announced that the "biomorphic" component has the greatest impact on location viability. There are also a number of components of Islamic architecture such as the use of light and space, spatial relationships and the shape and nature of natural space in biophilic design.

1. Investigating the viability of biophilic architecture with location. 2. Examining the degree of compatibility of biophilic architecture with Islamic architecture.

Research questions: 

1. To what extent is biophilic architecture viable and adaptable to place? 2. What are the similarities between biophilic architecture and Islamic architecture?