[edit] Identification of Future Challenge

Population in urban areas is increasing at alarming rates. Urbanisation is more in developing countries due to the migration of people from rural to urban areas in search of economic and social opportunities. As per the estimate of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the urban population in the 21st century will be doubled from 3.4 billion in 2009 to 6.4 billion by 2050. Urbanisation exerts huge demands for development of industries, infrastructure, housing, open and green space, clean air, food and water supply and energy. While urbanisation offer opportunities to grow economically, but it also leads to disruption of natural atmospheric process leading to change of local climate due to which the city faces adverse climatic effects like urban heat island effects, air and water pollution, wind speed and humidity in the cities, disturbing the natural habitat and ecosystem of the environment. Rapid urbanisation is taking place with least adequate concern about the global climate change, human health issues and degradation of ecosystem pushing many cities under risk. With ongoing rapid infrastructure growth and development, the availability of green open space and parks, good air quality, natural elements and vegetation have diminished pushing people to lead poor and stressed full life. Rising environmental concerns is common among all countries, therefore it is essential to come up with long lasting permanent solutions that will not only curb rising environmental issues but will also enhance life of humans for productive living.

[edit] Design Solution

Humans have been evolved from the realm of nature and natural systems. Human bodies, mind and functions have adapted nature for better efficiency. Biophilic design, a new design paradigm defined as the essential connection of humans with nature and natural process. Biophilic Design is an innovative way to design places where one lives learns and works by integrating natural materials, daylight, and vegetation, views of nature, landscape and natural features into the built environment. Biophilic design and its elements includes (green roofs and walls, rooftop terraces, natural and environmental materials, natural shapes, patterns and forms, light and space etc.) can be directly or indirectly incorporated in the built environment. Nature in the space addresses the physical presence of natural elements in a particular space. Experiencing nature in a space is derived through individual’s direct contact with nature or natural features through physical or sensory involvement. For example availability of a courtyard in traditional architecture sets a right example to incorporate nature in built form. Daily connection with these elements have psychological healing experiences like reduction in stress level, improved human wellbeing productivity and work performance. It also creates healthy, attractive and interconnected urban environments such as green corridors, greenbelts, parks, promoting biotecture through use of green walls and roofs which are aesthetically pleasing and restricts heating of buildings. Several positive evidence and a growing body of knowledge supports the role of contact with nature in the workplace, schools, hospitals, and living environments benefits to the humans and its surroundings.