The assessment of biophilic features in residential buildings: a case from Dubai

PurposeThis study explores the difference in occupants' satisfaction with biophilic features in high-rises, townhouses, and villas in Dubai to identify new strategies that promote more human-nature connections. The study also serves as a benchmark for applying Biophilic Design in the Gulf region and bridging between biophilic theory and practice.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-mode approach was used, combining surveys from occupants and interviews with experts (3 policymakers, a developer, and a biophilic design educator). The survey collected occupants' satisfaction and acceptance of proposed strategies, and the interviews validated the potentially accepted solutions.FindingsThe results indicated high overall satisfaction with biophilic features despite neutral/low satisfaction with specific features. In high-rise buildings, respondents showed high acceptance for different proposed strategies; 76.4% for adaptive control of balconies by season, 82.7% for utilizing outdoor roof gardens, 78.9% for indoor gardens, and 71.8% for vertical farming. Additionally, respondents accepted social strategies; 63.6% agreed to join clubs promoting environmental events, and 75.4% accepted participating in outdoor recreational activities accompanied by local environmental education. The interviews showed an inclination toward incentive programs instead of obligations.Originality/valueUnlike former studies that assessed indoor environmental qualities without referring to biophilic theory or limited reference to biophilic design, this study provides a novel approach for bridging theory and practice by integrating biophilic design into residential buildings for Dubai's future developments. Additionally, the authors suggest validated proposals to enhance the occupants' biophilic living experience, serving as a benchmark for biophilic application in the Gulf region.