The impact of biophilic design on students in higher education classrooms

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to utilize background knowledge of biophilic design to develop a questionnaire that gathers data on student preference of higher education classroom design. Data gathered from the questionnaire was then used to provide guidelines on implementing biophilic elements into classroom design. This information was gathered through a two-part study approach. First, a comprehensive review of literature regarding the existing knowledge of biophilia and related topics. The research includes analyses of biophilic elements, current higher education learning spaces, and of environmental design agencies and their associated certifications. The second method of data collection was a questionnaire of current Iowa State University students. This questionnaire obtained data about students' perception of learning spaces on the Iowa State campus. The first section gained information on student demographics to ensure eligibility for the study. The second section gained information on students' perception and experiences in the current learning spaces on campus. The final portion of the questionnaire gained information on what students would like to see implemented in future designs of classrooms, as well as asked them to compare renderings of classrooms that reflect the inclusion of biophilic elements versus the lack thereof. Once the questionnaire information was gathered, the data was coded and analyzed. Once patterns and correlations were identified, the final discussion makes suggestions for the design of higher education classrooms based on the evidence provided by the literature review and the student reports of individual experiences and preferences.