Biophilic Architecture for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A Critical Review

Abstract

Biophilic architecture, which emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, is gaining recognition as a viable approach to sustainable design. By incorporating natural elements into built environments, it aims to enhance human well-being while improving environmental performance. This review explores the potential of biophilic design in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), revealing that it significantly supports environmental, social, and economic sustainability, particularly in health, climate action, and biodiversity conservation. Methodologically, the study adopts a structured narrative review approach, synthesizing existing literature from peer-reviewed journals, books, and international reports. Relevant studies were identified through academic databases using keywords related to biophilic design, sustainable architecture, and SDGs. The selected literature was systematically analysed and categorized based on thematic areas, including environmental, social, and economic dimensions, as well as their alignment with specific SDGs. A comparative and integrative analysis was employed to evaluate the strengths, limitations, and practical implications of various biophilic design strategies. Research indicates that biophilic design effectively addresses key sustainability challenges in architecture. By aligning its benefits with specific sustainability issues, the role of biophilic design in achieving the SDGs becomes clearer. It notably supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while also contributing to several other goals, including SDGs 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, and 17. Additionally, it offers indirect benefits to SDGs 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 14, and 16. Despite its numerous advantages, such as improved mental health, stress reduction, enhanced urban resilience, and better environmental quality, biophilic architecture faces challenges. These include complexities in implementation, a lack of standardized frameworks, conceptual ambiguities, and the potential for superficial applications or "greenwashing." To maximize the effectiveness of biophilic design in promoting sustainable development, there is a pressing need for integrative, evidence-based approaches and robust evaluation methods. Biophilic architecture presents a significant opportunity as an innovative and transformative strategy in contemporary architecture, contributing to greener environments and enhancing human well-being and quality of life.