Enhancing Well-Being in High-Rise Residential Buildings by Biophilic Design in Erbil, Iraq

Nareen Al-Hity; Shahad Ashnaitar

doi:10.38027/jsalutogenic_vol4no1_7

Authors

Nareen Al-Hity Department of Architectural Engineering and Sustainability , Faculty of Science and Engineering, UKH University, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3113-2917
Shahad Ashnaitar Department of Architectural Engineering and Sustainability , Faculty of Science and Engineering, UKH University, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5588-5200

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38027/jsalutogenic_vol4no1_7

Keywords:

Biophilic Design, Residential High-Rise Buildings, Mental Health, Well-being, sustainable architecture

Abstract

Understanding how nature impacts mental health highlights the importance of biophilic design for high-rise residential buildings. Architectural solutions that connect residents with nature or incorporate nature-inspired elements are essential to elevate life quality and improve mental health. This connection is particularly important in rapidly growing cities like Erbil. This paper investigates the potential of biophilic design for improving well-being and promoting environmentally sustainable practices in designing high-rise residential buildings. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 100 residents with qualitative analyses of five selected biophilic patterns for two case studies in Erbil city: Park View and Ganjan Life. The quantitative survey gathered residents' feedback, while the qualitative analysis involved on-site assessment of specific biophilic patterns (Visual Connection with Nature, Presence of Water, Biomorphic Forms & Patterns, Material Connection with Nature, and Prospect). The results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between applying biophilic design features and the residents' enhanced mental health and well-being. The research revealed growing interest in biophilic design in urban housing as a valuable strategy for creating healthier and more sustainable environments. It delivers evidence of biophilic impacts in Kurdistan’s high-rise housing, advancing salutogenic design scholarship and offering replicable metrics for similar fast-growing cities.

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Author Biography

Shahad Ashnaitar, Department of Architectural Engineering and Sustainability , Faculty of Science and Engineering, UKH University, Iraq

Department of Architectural Engineering and Sustainability, Faculty of Science and Engineering, UKH University, Iraq

M.Sc. Student

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