Principles of Ecological and Biophilic Architecture in the Design of Iranian Residential Complexes in Order to Improve Their Quality
Table 1 - Compilation of qualitative indicators of residential complexes based on the principles emphasized by ecological and biophilic architecture
Indicators of housing quality assessment and its criteria | Ecological architecture | Biophilic architecture | |
Physical and spatial quality indicator | Identity, life, acquaintance and memorabilia, scope and shape of the land, financial resources, human resources, building materials, technology,management and supervision | Optimal use of natural and artificial resources (Buildings with ecological architecture should pay attention to optimal resource management. For example, using intelligent systems to control ventilation, lighting and energy consumption in buildings can help this goal) | Feeling alive (Incorporating design, organic elements, embellishments, items, and environments primarily intended to evoke sensations of joy, delight, and amusement: an outlook on the components of nature, living systems, and natural phenomena; sensory experiences involving hearing, touch, smell, or taste, eliciting purposeful and positive perspectives towards nature, living systems, or natural processes; unpredictable and transient connections with nature that can be statistically examined but resist precise prediction; raw materials and elements reflecting local ecology or geology with minimal alteration, establishing a distinctive sense of location) Mystery (The prospect of gaining additional insights through indistinct panoramas that inspire further exploration into the surroundings; intricacies unearthed by individuals; gently unfolding curved surfaces that progressively reveal exponential complexities) |
Structural Quality Indicator | Structure, materials, standard maintenance equipment and housing repair costs | Limiting maintenance and building cost of buildings (Rainwater collection and wastewater recycling)
| Refuge (Canopy design: a low ceiling providing a confined space with a comparable overhead view of tree branches; a secluded spot offering protection from environmental elements or routine activities, ensuring shielding from both behind and above) Imitation of nature (Organic shapes and designs: Raw materials and elements from nature, minimally processed to mirror the surrounding ecology or geology, thereby crafting a distinct sense of location) |
Functional Quality Indicator | Number of rooms, dimensions of rooms, access to housing and its suitability for family members, examination of housing from the energy aspect | Reduction in level of energy consumption Promoting the use of renewable resources. (reduction of energy losses through the installation of effective thermal insulation, in particular through the judicious use of materials,minimization of energy needs, in particular through the orientation of the building according to its exposure to the sun and the location of the site,collection of natural energies, for example with the installation of natural ventilation and cooling systems production of alternative energies such as solar or wind power to reduce external energy inputs and, if possible, create energy-positive buildings | Presence of water (Dim lighting paired with reflective surfaces; Flowing water; symbolic representations of water. A space with a notable water presence feels engaging and enchanting. Fluidity, sound, lighting, proximity, and accessibility collectively influence whether a space is invigorating, soothing, or a combination of both.Thermal & Airflow: Subtle shifts in air temperature, relative humidity, and air currents affecting skin and surface temperature that emulate a natural environment) |
Environmental Quality Indicator | Various aspects of the living environment, standard of housing facilities,safety,security, accesses, type of Housing and its surrounding features functionally, visually, physically | Cutting back on waste and emissions Recycled and environmentally friendly materials should be used to reduce waste production in the building. | Biodiversity Variability of the senses Observation of natural elements, living systems, and processes; Sensory experiences including auditory, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli fostering deliberate and positive perspectives toward nature, living systems, or natural processes; Unpredictable and transient connections with nature that can be statistically analyzed but defy precise prediction; Subtle fluctuations in air temperature, relative humidity, and air currents impacting skin and surface temperature to emulate a natural environment; The opportunity to reach a distant point for an enhanced view of the horizon; Utilization of varying intensities of light and shadow that evolve over time, replicating natural conditions; Consciousness of natural processes, particularly the seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem; Natural materials and elements, minimally processed to mirror the local ecology or geology, establishing a distinct sense of place. Presence of Water |
The human needs Quality indicator | satisfaction with housing in terms of physical, functional, social, cultural, identity, aesthetic, security, facilities, and equipment, how to access,neighbors
| Improve the quality of life of occupants (Creating green roofs, green facades and increasing green space on the ground.Shading, maintaining sunlight, reducing and modulating temperature and humidity) | All of the above: Feeling alive, Imitation of nature Mystery Presence of Water Biodiversity Variability of the senses Presence of Water Prospect |