2. Execute — Applying Biophilic Design in Practice and Prototyping with AR

The creative application of biophilic principles begins with the ability to observe, critique, and improve spaces through a problem-solving lens. Design thinking, a structured, human-centered methodology, offers a robust framework for this task. Widely used in education, engineering, and architecture, design thinking fosters innovation through empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iteration. Sustainability and built environments encourage learners to address complex challenges by combining ecological knowledge with creative exploration (Leal Filho et al., 2024).

This activity guides learners through a design thinking cycle as they reimagine an existing urban space, whether in their local environment or a fictional context. The process begins with a critical assessment of the site’s current limitations. These may include heat exposure, poor ventilation, lack of vegetation, impermeable surfaces, or low biodiversity. Drawing from this assessment, learners define a set of needs or design challenges that reflect environmental and human priorities.

The ideation phase introduces biophilic solutions: strategies that draw inspiration from nature to solve problems such as overheating, poor air quality, or social isolation. Drawing on principles outlined in 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design(Browning et al., 2014), learners are encouraged to consider direct and indirect connections to nature, including greenery, water features, material selection, and spatial configurations promoting a sense of refuge or prospect. Solutions may involve introducing shaded gathering spaces with tree canopies, integrating green walls to improve air quality and thermal comfort, or incorporating water channels to absorb and manage rainwater.

As part of their creative output, learners develop a conceptual plan for the redesigned space, focusing on daylight access, natural airflow, biodiversity corridors, and sensory interaction with organic materials. These ideas are informed by biophilic principles and STEM-related analysis, for example, applying geometry to optimize layout, biology to select appropriate plant species, and physics to plan passive ventilation strategies.

To further guide this process, the Global Wellness Institute (2018) provides a practical framework on how biophilic design can improve community well-being through access to nature, enhanced mobility, and sensory diversity. These guidelines encourage designers to think holistically, seeing urban spaces not just as physical infrastructure but as places for health, emotional connection, and environmental resilience.

Ultimately, this challenge cultivates an understanding of biophilic design as a scientific and human-centered endeavor, one that requires technical reasoning, empathy, and creativity to solve real-world urban issues.