Analysis of biophilic design in communal space of an office building. Case study: Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) centre

Abstract

Biophilic design is an innovative way of designing a space to bring about sense of connection to nature through various mean of approaches. Today, there are various studies and researches done with proven empirical evidences to examine the benefits and impacts of biophilic design to our health and well-being. With growing interest in biophilic design, increase in its usage can be seen implemented abundantly in spaces and buildings nowadays. Aim of this study is to examine various biophilic design that can be used in communal spaces of office building based on existing researches from other countries and to observe how biophilic design elements and attributes are implemented and adapted to address the climatic context of the selected case study in Malaysia and occupant's perception on its effects towards them with possible identification of preferred biophilic design in the tropical climate context. The study will focus on selected case study of office building, which is Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Centre at Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The findings show that visual connection with nature attribute in biophilic design of a space is the one most agreed to provide the best outcome towards the occupants through its implementation in a space, based on survey study conducted.