Mahshid Mehreganfar; Nasser Koleini Mamaghani
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Throughout history, humanity has maintained a close relationship with nature. However, the rapid urbanization in recent decades has severely ...
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Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Throughout history, humanity has maintained a close relationship with nature. However, the rapid urbanization in recent decades has severely limited human interaction with the natural world. In the past decades, nature has often been perceived solely as a foundation of resources and its systemic ecological processes that sustain our life have been largely overlooked. This disconnection has led to a growing sense of alienation from nature and a gradual decline in people’s appreciation for the natural environment. This phenomenon, known as the extinction experience syndrome, coined by Pyle, manifests as a general apathy towards environmental concerns. Consequently, there has been a loss of support and regard for nature. This research delves into the underlying causes of humanity’s passive and destructive orientation towards nature by providing a brief overview of the theories of extinction of experience and biophilia. Furthermore, it investigates the criteria of biophilic design as a means to bridge the gap between humans and nature. By examining various studies that draw inspiration from nature, this research explores the design criteria and practical patterns for urban furniture. The research objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of different indicators of urban furniture design, inspired by nature in biophilic design, that are efficient in reducing the disconnection between citizens and nature. The research draws upon previous studies to define the design patterns necessary for achieving this objective.Methods: This research adopts a descriptive (causal-comparative) and qualitative methodology. The data was collected through a literature review of previous studies using the bibliographic research method to understand the components that influence the design. After studying and categorizing the design elements associated with nature-inspired approaches, the design indicators were extracted. To assess the effectiveness of these elements, a visual questionnaire was administered featuring six street benches: five benches that designed through nature-inspired elements and the other with a direct interaction with nature. A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed among residents of district six of Tehran.Findings: The results demonstrate that the incorporation of elements inspired by nature, such as form, geometry, materials, texture, natural colors, mechanisms, and nature stimulation, in urban design evokes interconnectedness with nature and engenders a sense of being in nature among citizens. This, in turn, leads to indirect interaction with nature, thereby reducing the extinction of experience. The expansion of positive attitudes, behaviors, and emotional connections represents a valuable outcome of mitigating the loss of experiential connection. Notably, the mere presence of flower beds and plants adjacent to the urban bench, aimed at facilitating direct interaction with nature, did not fulfill citizens’ need for comfort and relaxation as effectively as the biomorphic bench. The integration with the surrounding context appears to stimulate deeper patterns in the citizen’s unconsciousness, creating a sense of active engagement with nature. These patterns establish alignment with the functions of nature and redefine nature as a positive element. It is evident that design, at this point, holds a more significant mission than merely creating visually appealing forms. By embracing nature as the main design mentor, human society can move towards sustainability and resilience. The research introduces five indicators as key elements of biophilic design for street furniture, aiming to facilitate indirect interaction with nature. These indicators can be categorized based on their level of effectiveness as follows: Nature evocation: This element, achieved through metaphorical designs inspired by natural elements, has the highest level of effectiveness. It satisfies the psychological and interactive needs of citizens by creating a sense of nature’s presence, even in situations where direct interaction with nature is limited due to the constraints of urban life. These metaphors connect individuals’ minds to natural patterns, evoking a connection with nature that may not exist in reality. Nature Textures: The use of nature textures in design serves as the second effective element. Incorporating textures such as plant textures, wood, wool, cotton, and stone plays a vital role in reminding individuals the nature’s value and stimulates their interest in the natural world. Natural Mechanisms: Employing natural mechanisms in design, known as biomimicry, represents the next effective element. By implementing nature’s mechanisms, designers can harness the wisdom of nature, not only leading to energy and material efficiency, but also connecting humans with instinctive patterns through the involvement of natural mechanisms. Natural Geometry and Form: The fourth effective element is the application of fractal geometry. Integrating fractal patterns and seamlessly blending them with the background can generate visual beauty that harmonizes with nature. The form, as the fifth indicator, complements the element of geometry. Designing shapes that emulate natural forms and structures aids in establishing a more profound connection to nature.Conclusion: Urban lifestyles have resulted in a diminished opportunity for individuals to interact with nature and develop a positive orientation towards the natural environment. Given that a significant portion of urban areas is dedicated to structures and buildings, and daily life predominantly unfolds in built environments, incorporating biophilic design elements that encompass encounters with nature, association with nature, and natural experiences can compensate for the disconnection between humans and their ancient origins in nature. The application of these three aspects of biophilic design can be tailored to the nature of the product or space and, in the case of street benches, nature inspiration is particularly suitable. The five elements encompassing form, material, color and texture, geometry, mechanism, and nature evocation can recreate the sense of interacting with nature for users during their engagement with the product. This indirect interaction with nature, as defined by Kellert, represents a significant step towards reducing the disconnection between citizens and nature while enhancing their level of engagement with the nature.
