From nature to design: the role of nature connectedness in shaping biophilic design preferences, attitude, and behaviour

Abstract

Nature connectedness (NC) is crucial in shaping an individual’s environmental awareness, as well as attitude and behaviour towards nature and the environment. Biophilic design can positively impact an individual’s health and well-being. However, the impact of NC on biophilic design has yet to be explored. This study aims to investigate the role of NC in shaping biophilic design preferences, attitude, and behaviour. The objective is to examine the relationship between NC and biophilic design preferences, attitude, and behaviour. Questionnaires were distributed online to 123 respondents using convenience sampling. Data were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, and correlation analysis. The results indicate that people have a more positive attitude towards Nature in Space than Nature Analogues. Respondents also prefer Nature in Space over Nature Analogues, and these features have a greater impact on well-being. Furthermore, as the NC level increases, preferences, attitude, and behaviour towards biophilic design also become more positive. The R² values highlight the important role of NC in predicting responses to biophilic features: 34% of the variance in preferences, 29% in attitudes, and 33% in behaviour toward biophilic design.  Overall, the study suggests that NC is vital and needs to be developed, especially from childhood, through direct and indirect exposure to nature in the built environment and environmental education. Subsequently, a higher level of NC will shape positive attitude and behaviour towards nature, specifically biophilic design, which further contributes positively to health, well-being, and the sustainability of future generations. Further research directions have also been outlined.