Investigating the Art of Biophilic Design in the Visual Aspect of Dezful Architecture

The applied art of biophilic architecture examines the psychological impacts of the human-nature connection and offers strategies for improving it through space design. This research aims to investigate the application of biophilic design in the traditional architecture of Dezful and to examine the hypothesis that biophilic architectural features exist in the architecture of Dezful and that these features contribute to the quality of this traditional texture.

The data collection method was through library research, and analyses were conducted on case studies using library studies and field research. In the research process, analytical-descriptive techniques were employed, and the patterns were compared with buildings and urban texture.

Fourteen biophilic architectural models were investigated in three parts of Dezful's traditional architecture. Some models, according to the findings, are reflected in public places and passageways, while others are reflected in houses. The average model reflection in public places, passageways, and houses was 81%. The analysis showed that the first six models, namely nature in space, were present in all case studies, though the equality of some models was lower and that of others was higher. The average of 88% for nature in space indicated that the presence of nature in traditional architectural spaces, both public and private, was extremely important. An average of 87% was obtained in the second part, namely natural similarities. In the third part of the patterns, namely the nature of space, the results indicate that landscape and shelter are observed in both indoor and urban spaces, and patterns of mystery, risk, and danger are seen more in urban spaces and, in a few cases, in some houses.

Biophilic design proves the positive psychological effects of the presence of nature in the built environment. In Iranian traditional architecture, the connection between nature and architecture is emphasized by using environmental conditions and natural patterns, and the city of Dezful, as a symbol of Iranian traditional architecture, clearly shows it. The relationship between nature and architecture is one of the most important factors that has made Iran's traditional architecture valuable, a topic on which 14 biophilic architecture models are based.