EXPLORING THE RESTORATIVE SPACES OF BIOPHILIC CAMPUS LANDSCAPES IN MITIGATING STUDENT STRESS

Abstract

Stress and mental illness among university students have reached alarming levels in recent times, leading to undesirable behaviours such as substance abuse, aggression, and suicidal thoughts. This study aims to explore the potential benefits of biophilic and restorative landscapes in campus design. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements like plants, water, and natural light both indoors and outdoors, which can positively impact individuals’ mental health. This research focused on Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam, selecting five study locations: Tasik Alam Bina, Tasik Denai Cadamba, Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak, the Alam Bina Amphitheater, and the residential college Vista. The study examined how these locations with a biophilic design influenced people’s well-being. The study showed that environments with a highly biophilic design can indeed enhance people’s mental well-being. Tasik Alam Bina, with its water presence and natural environment, emerges as a key location for restorative use, bringing serenity to the landscape architecture students of UiTM Puncak Alam. This study highlights that adopting biophilic designs creates supportive environments for students and enhances their mental health on campuse.