Strategic Biophilic Residential Design Based on Seniors’ Health Profiles: A HRQoL-Driven Approach

Abstract

This study aims to develop a strategic framework for biophilic residential design (BRD) tailored to the diverse health profiles of seniors. To achieve this, a nationwide survey of 424 seniors in South Korea was conducted to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and preferences for BRD elements. Through principal component and cluster analyses, three HRQoL dimensions—social-economic, mental-sensory, and physical QoL—were extracted, and four distinct senior clusters were identified: Optimal Health, Physically Declining, Overall Low Health, and Socially Vulnerable. Statistically significant differences in BRD preferences were found across clusters for 11 out of 28 BRD elements (p < 0.05), particularly in categories related to sensory-based physiological stability, cognitive stimulation, and external-social connectivity. Notably, the Physically Declining Group expressed a strong preference for restorative and stable features (e.g., natural colors and ventilation systems), while the Socially Vulnerable Group prioritized elements promoting external interaction and social engagement (e.g., balconies, indoor gardens, and walkways). Based on these results, BRD elements were reclassified by function and mapped to the spatial needs of each cluster, leading to a strategic design matrix that supports adaptive and user-centered residential planning. This HRQoL-driven framework contributes a novel link between multidimensional health diagnostics and biophilic design application, moving beyond generalized aging-in-place models. The findings offer practical insights by linking BRD strategies to distinct health profiles. For practitioners, the matrix can inform spatial layouts and design priorities. For policymakers, it provides a basis for developing differentiated housing standards aligned with seniors’ health conditions.