Xiao Xiao (Miss)
I was interested in integrating nature with spatial design and human well-being. My research discovered that biophilic design is closely related to human well-being. Therefore, I focused on integrating biophilic design with interior design in the third stage.
Mental health is an essential factor in human well-being. However, with the accelerated urbanization and the potential impact of the current pandemic, everyone is filled with anxiety and stress.
As an interior designer, I hope to alleviate the anxiety of psychological contemporaries utilizing interior space design. In my project, I create many experiential spaces through my research on biophilic design, including sensory experiences and interactive environments.
At the same time, I am also very concerned about integrating nature and space design and sustainable development.
Projects
CALM ON
Mental health problems in modern times are mainly caused by three major ’emotional disorders: depression, anxiety and stress. With the increasing pace of life and the impact of the current epidemic, stress and anxiety are accumulating, and the public’s concern for mental health has increased significantly. More and more individuals are looking for mental health advice and help. Many companies and organisations are also looking for ways to heal the modern mind through research and creating different types of spaces. With this in mind, my research focuses on spatial healing through interior space design to alleviate the anxiety of space users.
Edward O. Wilson’s Biophilia Hypothesis (1984), together with Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART), suggest that natural healing is an excellent way to relieve anxiety.
Based on this hypothesis, the project introduced the concept of biophilic design. However, as cities grow, the rate of forest occupation in cities decreases. The project, therefore, seeks to explore new types of tall buildings in high-density environments by transforming the city’s interiors into typical office buildings. The project also integrates nature and interior space from a biophilic perspective and investigates how humans can use biophilic design in interior spaces to alleviate anxiety in the future.
Based on further research into biophilic design, which is found to encompass three levels and the link between biophilic design and multisensory. The expected outcome is that we can use biophilic design to create interior spaces in a way that influences human sensory experience and thus serves as an effective way for people to relieve anxiety.
The transformation is based on the principles of biophilia, firstly by reshaping the interior spaces of the building through the concept of biophilic design (using metaphors) and secondly by creating several experiential spaces within the building for healing purposes, bringing a new experience of nature to the people working in the office building.
The project seeks to explore new office typologies for the city’s future and the possibilities of biophilic design in office buildings.
Keywords: biophilic design, mental health, sensory experience, emotions
