Impact of Biophilic Design on Well-being in Residential Spaces

This study investigates how biophilic design elements in residential interiors influence occupant psychological and physiological well-being. Rapid urbanization and prevalent use of artificial materials have reduced everyday contact with nature, potentially harming mental health and indoor environmental quality. Building on established principles of biophilic and nature-integrated design (direct and indirect contact with nature, material authenticity, daylighting, prospect/refuge), and illustrative examples such as the Bangalore “Garden House,” this research uses a mixed-methods design to quantify relationships between exposure to biophilic elements and well-being while exploring occupant experiences in depth. Quantitatively, the study collects survey measures of subjective well-being (WHO-5), affect (PANAS), perceived restorativeness (PRS), and perceived indoor environmental quality, combined with objective indoor measures (illuminance, temperature, CO₂, and presence/intensity of vegetation). Physiological indicators (resting heart rate variability and short-term salivary cortisol samples) will be collected for a subsample. Qualitatively, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation will document occupants’ lived experience. Data will be analyzed using regression models, mediation analysis (testing whether perceived restorativeness mediates the effect of biophilic exposure on well-being), and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Findings are expected to demonstrate positive associations between biophilic exposure and well-being and to identify design features most strongly linked to restorative outcomes. Results will inform practical, climate-sensitive guidelines for implementing biophilic strategies in Indian urban residences