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

To move from understanding biophilic design to applying it, learners must explore how nature-based strategies can be translated into real-world urban spaces. Biophilic design is not just a set of ideas; it is a design approach that requires thoughtful integration of environmental systems, materials, and technologies into the urban fabric.

This part of the training unit takes a hands-on, creative, and digital turn. Learners are encouraged to think like planners, architects, and urban ecologists by proposing new ideas that embody biophilic principles. At the same time, digital tools such as Augmented Reality (AR) are introduced as supportive platforms that allow learners to visualize and prototype their designs. AR provides an interactive layer to the learning experience, bridging conceptual thinking and spatial planning while encouraging experimentation in a virtual environment. Recent studies confirm that AR tools enhance learners’ spatial awareness and design thinking when engaging in sustainability and STEM projects (Wu et al., 2020; Bower et al., 2017).

This section fosters technical and creative growth by combining case-based analysis, design prototyping, and AR-driven modeling. It helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, a crucial step in empowering young learners to envision cities that are greener, healthier, and more human-centered.