Doctor of Philosophy / Architects have long been focused on designing eco-friendly buildings, but there's a growing realization that focusing solely on energy efficiency isn't enough. Occupants spend the majority of their time indoors, and the quality of these indoor spaces profoundly impacts their well-being and productivity. Yet, often overlooked, are factors like lighting, air quality, and noise that can significantly affect how occupants feel and perform. With rising urbanization and recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of indoor environments, there's a renewed emphasis on user-centric design. Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into buildings, has emerged as a promising approach to enhancing occupants' health, wellness, and well-being. Airflow, a critical aspect of biophilic design, plays a key role in creating healthier indoor spaces. This study aims to develop a prototype system that mimics natural airflow patterns indoors to promote occupants' health and well-being. By analyzing weather data, natural airflow features were identified and used to inform the design of a mechanical system. The goal is to create settings that replicate natural airflow patterns in indoor environments. Ultimately, this research lays the groundwork for future studies to explore how such biophilic systems impact occupants' physiological and psychological health. By prioritizing user experience in building design, indoor spaces that not only conserve energy but also enhance the quality of life could be developed.

This thesis is based on two observations. First, that conventional buildings cause two major losses that involve non-human nature – the loss of native biodiversity and the loss of non-human nature experience for the buildings’ human inhabitants – and that these losses both contribute to a perceived separation between humans and the rest of nature. Second, that there appears to be a growing interest in connecting buildings with nature but there is little agreement on what it actually means to ‘design with nature’. As such, the purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to describe the meaning of ‘designing with nature’ in current architectural practice and provide a working definition of nature-based design, and (2) to explore how this can be interpreted to encourage human connectedness with non-human nature, while addressing the two major losses mentioned above. It is thus an attempt to reframe the role of building as one that provides for all inhabitants of a site, both human and non. A framework was developed that captures and summarizes the dominant ways in which design draws on nature. The framework emphasizes the importance of using ecosystems not only as models, but foremost as context. The core concepts of the framework can thus be discussed from the perspective of buildings that act like an ecosystem and that interact with their ecosystem, and are described as: ecological sense of place, regenerative ability, ecosystem health, mutually beneficial relationships, context, appropriate management, functions, ecosystem principles, values, patterns, conditions, and adaptations. Although the concepts presented in the framework are themselves not new, the way in which they are organized does contribute a new perspective on the field of nature-based design. In addition to providing a graphic model that summarizes the essence of an evolving field, the research highlights the role of scale and place in linking building design, native biodiversity, nature experience and connectedness with nature. It thus acts as a backdrop on which to bring a discussion of ecological citizenship into the architectural dialogue.

This thesis is based on two observations. First, that conventional buildings cause two major losses that involve non-human nature – the loss of native biodiversity and the loss of non-human nature experience for the buildings’ human inhabitants – and that these losses both contribute to a perceived separation between humans and the rest of nature. Second, that there appears to be a growing interest in connecting buildings with nature but there is little agreement on what it actually means to ‘design with nature’. As such, the purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to describe the meaning of ‘designing with nature’ in current architectural practice and provide a working definition of nature-based design, and (2) to explore how this can be interpreted to encourage human connectedness with non-human nature, while addressing the two major losses mentioned above. It is thus an attempt to reframe the role of building as one that provides for all inhabitants of a site, both human and non. A framework was developed that captures and summarizes the dominant ways in which design draws on nature. The framework emphasizes the importance of using ecosystems not only as models, but foremost as context. The core concepts of the framework can thus be discussed from the perspective of buildings that act like an ecosystem and that interact with their ecosystem, and are described as: ecological sense of place, regenerative ability, ecosystem health, mutually beneficial relationships, context, appropriate management, functions, ecosystem principles, values, patterns, conditions, and adaptations. Although the concepts presented in the framework are themselves not new, the way in which they are organized does contribute a new perspective on the field of nature-based design. In addition to providing a graphic model that summarizes the essence of an evolving field, the research highlights the role of scale and place in linking building design, native biodiversity, nature experience and connectedness with nature. It thus acts as a backdrop on which to bring a discussion of ecological citizenship into the architectural dialogue.

Cette thèse interroge la place des habitants et de leur jardin dans la gestion de la biodiversité ordinaire, à partir de trois communes situées au cœur de l'agglomération parisienne. Cette question nous conduit à nous intéresser à la sensibilité des habitants-jardiniers au monde vivant, à évaluer le lien entre cette sensibilité et les modes de jardiner et, plus fondamentalement, à envisager le rapport entre cette sensibilité au vivant, ces modes de jardinage et la biodiversité dans les jardins privés. Cette recherche s'appuie sur une base de données constituée d'une enquête par questionnaires (585), enrichie d'un matériau iconographique (110 photos prises par les enquêtés) et de 59 relevés botaniques effectués par des écologues. Nous montrons ainsi que les habitants développent une relation multidimensionnelle avec leur jardin dans laquelle la nature, l'ordre et l'esthétique occupent des places centrales. Au sein de ces rapports pluriels, on identifie comme biophiles des répondants qui justifient leur intérêt pour le jardin par une sensibilité à l'égard du vivant. Les jardins sont ainsi le support d'une relation particulière à la biodiversité caractérisée par des modes de jardinage plus respectueux du vivant. L'indicateur mis en place pour mesurer l'état de la Biodiversité Potentielle dans les Jardins (IBPJ) indique que les jardins forment aussi des espaces de biodiversité, surtout lorsque leurs gestionnaires sont considérés comme biophiles. Dans l'objectif d'améliorer la biodiversité dans les espaces verts privés, nous proposons de dépasser la connexion à la nature souvent préconisée, et d'encourager une connexion au vivant ainsi qu'une nouvelle esthétique du jardin. / This thesis investigates the role of inhabitants and their garden in the management of ordinary biodiversity, based on three towns located within the Greater Paris. This core issue leads us to explore the inhabitants-gardeners' sensitivity towards the living world, to assess the connection between this sensitivity and gardening techniques and, more fundamentally, to consider the link between this sensitivity towards the living, gardening practices and the biodiversity that exists in domestic gardens. This study is based on a database mainly composed of a questionnaire survey (585), enriched by iconographic material (110 pictures taken by the respondents) and by 59 botanical surveys conducted by ecologists. Thus, we demonstrate that inhabitants develop a multidimensional connection with their garden in which nature, order and aesthetics play a central role. Within these plural connections, we identify as biophilic the respondents who justify their interest for the garden by a specific care for the living. Domestic gardens are thus the support to a particular connection to biodiversity distinguished by gardening techniques more considerate of the living. We implement an Index to gauge the state of the Potential Biodiversity in Gardens (IPBG). This index reveals that gardens, areas undertaken by inhabitants-gardeners, are also areas of biodiversity, furthermore when their owners are considered as biophilic. With the aim of improving biodiversity in private green areas, we propose to overstep the connection to nature advocated in several scientific work and by governmental policies, and to encourage a connection to the living and a new aesthetic of the garden.

This thesis is based on two observations. First, that conventional buildings cause two major losses that involve non-human nature – the loss of native biodiversity and the loss of non-human nature experience for the buildings’ human inhabitants – and that these losses both contribute to a perceived separation between humans and the rest of nature. Second, that there appears to be a growing interest in connecting buildings with nature but there is little agreement on what it actually means to ‘design with nature’. As such, the purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to describe the meaning of ‘designing with nature’ in current architectural practice and provide a working definition of nature-based design, and (2) to explore how this can be interpreted to encourage human connectedness with non-human nature, while addressing the two major losses mentioned above. It is thus an attempt to reframe the role of building as one that provides for all inhabitants of a site, both human and non. A framework was developed that captures and summarizes the dominant ways in which design draws on nature. The framework emphasizes the importance of using ecosystems not only as models, but foremost as context. The core concepts of the framework can thus be discussed from the perspective of buildings that act like an ecosystem and that interact with their ecosystem, and are described as: ecological sense of place, regenerative ability, ecosystem health, mutually beneficial relationships, context, appropriate management, functions, ecosystem principles, values, patterns, conditions, and adaptations. Although the concepts presented in the framework are themselves not new, the way in which they are organized does contribute a new perspective on the field of nature-based design. In addition to providing a graphic model that summarizes the essence of an evolving field, the research highlights the role of scale and place in linking building design, native biodiversity, nature experience and connectedness with nature. It thus acts as a backdrop on which to bring a discussion of ecological citizenship into the architectural dialogue. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of / Graduate

The dissertation investigates how non-profit organisations (NPOs) can function more efficiently by sharing resources and services. The design responds with the strategy of service integration, by transforming the facilities of POPUP, a single NPO, into a shared services hub for multiple NPOs. POPUP is a People Upliftment Programme in Salvokop, Pretoria, and serves the under-privileged communities of Pretoria with skills development courses. The dissertation aims to create restorative environments for these students and explores the theoretical approaches of regenerative design, biophilic design and restorative environmental design. The premise of the investigation is that humanity has an inherent inclination towards nature and that a healthy human-nature connection enables the healing process. Furthermore, the dissertation follows a contextual approach that responds to the railway heritage significance of Salvokop, the urban condition of disconnection from the Central Business District, as well as the self-restoration of the natural landscape. The study seeks to regenerate the human-nature connection, a manifestation of the connection between the current natural landscape and the urban condition. In this way, restorative environments are created that contribute to the regeneration of people. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como finalidad analizar, desarrollar y conocer la funcionalidad de un albergue para niños, niñas y adolescentes en estado de abandono en el distrito de Villa el Salvador, lugar donde se registra el mayor índice de violencia familiar y explotación laboral infantil, además de encontrarse en una situación de pobreza alta a nivel de Lima Metropolitana. Por ello, es importante que a través de esta recopilación de información se logre brindar a los menores en situación de abandono, no solo un refugio sino un lugar el cual puedan sentir como su hogar, brindándoles la ayuda adecuada para lograr su bienestar y posterior reinserción social, y esto se logrará aplicando los principios de la Arquitectura Biofília, la cual estará presente a través de elementos propios de la naturaleza. / The purpose of this research work is to analyze, develop and learn about the functionality of a shelter for abandoned Children and adolescents in the Villa el Salvador district, the place with the highest rate of family violence and child labor exploitation, in addition to being in a situation of high poverty at the level of Metropolitan Lima. Therefore, it is important that through this collection of information, it is possible to provide abandoned minors, not only a refuge but a place that they can feel like their home, providing them with adequate help to achieve their well-being and subsequent reintegration social, and this will be achieved by applying the principles of Biophilic Architecture, which will be present through elements of nature. / Trabajo de investigación

Vi rör oss mot en framtid där en allt större andel av jordens befolkning bor i stadsområden, vilket medför ett antal utmaningar som kommer att behöva hanteras. Redan år 2050 förväntas närmare 70% av befolkningen bo i stadsområden, vilket kan jämföras med 1950 då samma siffra låg på 30%. Denna ökning innebär att grönområden kommer bytas ut mot bostäder, medan storleken på bostäder kommer minska och priserna på dem kommer stiga. Samtidigt blir de negativa effekterna av att inte omge sig med växter och natur allt större, och allt tydligare. Detta projekt inom Teknisk design vid Luleå tekniska universitet syftar att undersöka möjligheterna med att motverka dessa negativa effekter, genom att på ett hållbart sätt skapa förutsättningar för användaren att odla i hemmet.Genom att undersöka behov hos målgruppen och använda sig av en användarcentrerad designprocess, har en mängd olika kreativa designmetoder använts för att utforska lösningar och möjligheter. Detta har genom ett iterativt arbete skapat en större mängd olika lösningar som utvärderats av användare.Detta resulterade i ett koncept för att tillåta odling i hemmet genom att använda sig av vertikal hydroponisk odling, där biofil design använts som en röd tråd för att skapa ett välgörande och tilltalande formspråk. / We are moving towards a future where an increasingly larger portion of the world’s population lives in urban areas, which entails a number of challenges that will need to be addressed. By the year 2050, it is expected that nearly 70% of the population will reside in urban areas, compared to 30% in 1950. This increase means that green spaces will be replaced by housing, leading to smaller-sized homes and rising prices. At the same time, the negative effects of not being surrounded by plants and nature are becoming more significant and evident.This project in Technical Design at Luleå University of Technology aims to explore the possibilities of mitigating these negative effects by creating sustainable opportunities for individuals to cultivate plants at home. By examining the needs of the target audience and employing a user-centered design process, a variety of creative design methods have been utilized to explore solutions and possibilities. Through an iterative process, a range of different solutions have been developed and evaluated by users.This has resulted in a concept that allows for home cultivation using vertical hydroponic farming,

The exposition of patriarchy and feminism in this thesis points toward the difficulty women experienced in the past, and in many cases still do, in their pursuit for equality in a male dominated society. Without feminists’ consciousness raising concerning women’s oppression, women might still be under patriarchal domination, oppression, and marginalisation; in fact, many still are. As a result, many women today can reject the views that men are superior, stronger, and more rational than they are, and that God created men to dominate on male-female relations. In their struggle against patriarchy, some feminists however, began to transform Biblical images and language for God, with the result that masculine images of God were simply replaced with feminine images, presenting God as androgynous and not as a Deity who transcends sexuality. God’s identity thus, in my opinion, became obscured. In this thesis I argue that both patriarchy and feminism have contributed to our experiencing difficulties when we try to identity with a loving and caring God as portrayed in Scripture. Daly’s outrage and anger against men and the Christian faith, as well as her decision to turn away from Christianity on the basis of its patriarchy, I judge to be, for various reasons given in this thesis, a negative influence in this debate. She is undoubtedly one of the most radical feminists of the past decades and her slogan “since God is male, the male is God” implies that in order for women to become liberated they require the emasculation of God. Daly’s line of reasoning is that Christianity is a male structure with a Scripture that is irredeemably patriarchal. Her belief that Christians are fixated upon the person of Jesus, a male, and that, therefore, women have to overcome this idolatry needs serious questioning. Her radical views have created disunity and separatism between women who are striving to answer life-changing questions / Philosophy & Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Systematic Theology)

In a world that faces global warming and other major environmental challenges, it is essential that students learn about the principles of sustainability so that they can apply these principles in their future lives and careers. This is particularly so in fields such as interior architecture and design, which will impact how well humans can move toward a sustainable way of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a participatory teaching approach for students of interior design that incorporates ecological thinking. It is particularly intended for use at universities and other places of higher education where such contexts are not currently available and, furthermore, where the teaching has been primarily of a didactic, teacher-centred form. The teaching approach was developed and tested through the involvement of students and staff at a technical institute in Kuwait – a country with severe environmental problems in which teaching at all levels has traditionally been rigidly didactic. A review was carried out of literature on learning theories, design principles, and sustainability paradigms that bore upon the research aim. Following this, a method was chosen, based on action research that involved running different types of workshops, in order to measure the impact of the teaching styles that are ideal to deliver ecological knowledge.