Perceived biophilic design and environmental Qi in the therapeutic landscape and human health: how are they related?
Journal
Acta Horticulturae
Journal Volume
1356
Journal Issue
1356
Date Issued
2022-12-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Evidence of the relationship between landscape and health has been accumulated over many decades. The biophilia hypothesis, proposed by Wilson (1984), stated that human beings have an instinctive affiliation with nature, which is related to our evolutionary need for food and security for our survival. Most people, especially in developed countries, live in urban areas, where their connection with nature becomes more tenuous. Biophilic design, however, can increase a sense of being in urban nature and still obtaining health-related benefits. Eastern philosophy values a harmony between the environment and human beings. Environmental Qi is an invisible substance that may be capable of having a positive influence on human health. Therefore, a holistic view that encompasses both western and eastern perceptions of the environment and health may help to fill gaps in our knowledge of the relationship between the two. This research aims to test the links between biophilic design and environmental Qi in terms of the therapeutic effects of urban nature on human health. An online survey collected data on participants’ perceptions, which showed a high correlation between perceived biophilic design and environmental Qi. Moreover, a sense of pleasure was highly associated with the environmental Qi experience, which reportedly produced physical and psychological health benefits. Furthermore, the sense of balance between environment and building in the urban green space in biophilic design was related to the visual quality in the eastern perception of the landscape. From concept to evidence, this research may serve to link human perceptions of the environmental attributes of urban green space and their connection to therapeutic and health benefits.
Subjects
biophilia
human health
Qi
urban green space
Type
conference paper