Enhancing Educational Environments: Maximizing School Playground Potential Through Biophilic Design
摘要
Increasing disconnection between humans and nature, driven by technological advancements, has negatively impacted health and well-being. The biophilia hypothesis, though relatively new, offers promising solutions to bridge this gap through design. This study investigates the integration of biophilic designBiophilic design in school playgroundsSchool playground and its influence on children’s physical and mental well-beingMental well-being. Using a comparative analysis of three school playgroundsSchool playground in Alexandria, Egypt—each demonstrating varying levels of biophilic attributes—the research examines how natural elements enhance student experiences and environmental awareness. Biophilic designBiophilic design checklist and student questionnaires were used to evaluate health, environmental awareness, and nature connectedness. Findings highlight the positive impact of biophilic designBiophilic design on children’s well-being, reinforcing the need for structured guidelines in educational spaces. This research contributes to the development of a design framework and recommendations for optimizing playgrounds, ensuring a healthier and more enriching learning environment.