Biophilic architecture and water: Examining water as a spatial sensory element

Abstract

Biophilic design can be briefly summarized as a concept affecting human well-being and nature. Thus, the inclusion of water in architectural designs has attracted attention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sensory perception of water in architectural space designs that can be revealed as examples of biophilic design. Scope of this study, seven contemporary architectural examples were examined within the context of the importance of perceptual aspects of water. This study is a qualitative research design. Data collection methods from documents are used. Two methods are designed for this study. The first method’s aim was to analyze to describe the sensory features of water and the second method’s aim was to analyze to determine the sensory and perceptual concepts of water in selected buildings. As a result, the concepts that emerged from the analyses affect the relationship between biophilic design, and architecture. The results provide 21 concepts (Noise, Endless, Calm, Curling, Plane, Disappearing, Multisensory, Kaleidoscopic Effect, Infinitely Reflections, Senses, Contact, Eco, Hearing, Part of Waterfall, Illusion, View, Peaceful, Reflection, Dramatic Panorama, Communication, Reflection) from statements describing the relationship between water, human, nature, biophilic design and architecture for the designers.

Keywords

• Biophilic Architecture
• Architectural Space
• Water
• Perception
• Senses