Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design

Abstract

: Biophilic design is an innovative and sustainable aspect in architecture and urban design that connects people with the natural environment. The biophilic design has been implemented in developed countries, although in developing countries like Madagascar have not yet implemented this new concept. Besides, Antananarivo city has a program “Plan Vert” which is a tool for urban development and beautification focusing on public health based on natural systems. This paper focuses on the users’ perception in urban parks in Mahamasina area, where a restricted qualitative assessment has been conducted on users’ perception with nature and its phenomenology. Assessments were made on the users’ perception in urban parks through initial observation, surveys, and behaviour observation. Findings across all research methods suggested that each park in Mahamasina area was designed for some dominant activities such as relaxation, recreation and as meeting places. These places are perceived as pleasant to users due to calm and shady. To highlight the phenomenological aspects of the perception of nature, parks should be redesigned to maintain the original design. The new experience will focus on adding numbers and types to fauna-flora. Additionally, there will be provisions for shading, a change in the elevation and the circulation flow. It is important that urban parks are maintained to improve the experience of the place. This is done by providing new material in the roundabout that links urban parks.