Biophilic Design: Using International Inspiration to Increase Sustainable Building Practices in the United States

This thesis examines the sustainable building practice of biophilic design. Biophilia refers to the inherent inclination for humans to associate with nature and elements from the natural world. When this philosophy is translated to the built environment, it is believed that said increased connection between humans and nature can improve psychological well-being, along with sparking other emotional responses such as reduced stress and anxiety levels. Is it possible that by implementing biophilic design elements into commercial and non-commercial buildings, we could not only decrease the environmental damage that conventional buildings and the process of constructing conventional buildings produces, but also increase well-being, while simultaneously paving a greener future? In finding the answer to this question, this thesis will explore the differences in examples of biophilic design within Seattle, Washington, a city leading the United States in sustainable architecture, and the city-nation of Singapore. The main differences between the two urban spaces are held within their respective infrastructure legislations, and their own relationships with nature. Singapore, committed to a process of city “greening” since its independence in 1965, displays a plethora of examples of biophilic design, including hotels, hospitals, office buildings and airpiorts. Seattle, on the other hand, has two widely known examples of biophilic buildings – The Bullitt Center and Amazon’s Spheres. In examining these cases, this thesis will aim to compare the diverse ranges of biophilic design and like policy, to better understand the practice’s impacts on human and environmental health.