Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(3A), pp. 2559 - 2568
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131327
Reprint (PDF) (1016Kb)

Key Aspects of Biophilic Design Effects in Architecture Assessed through Implicit Association Tests

Efe Duyan ^1,*, Ali Levent Kurtoğlu ^2
1 Faculty of Architecture and Design, RISEBA University, Latvia
² DO-QU Neurobusiness Consultancy and Coaching, Turkey

ABSTRACT

Against the backdrop of a mounting climate crisis and increasing emphasis on human-centered sustainability, this study investigates how biophilic design in architecture is potentiated by its integration with everyday human activities. Drawing on a combined framework of Implicit Association Tests (IATs) and descriptive survey statistics, it captures both subconscious and conscious responses to various dimensions of human–nature interaction: the presence of activity–nature connections, the variety of engagements, physical pathways to natural features, visual access through architectural openings, and multi-sensory engagement with natural materials. The article posits that integrating natural features into architectural spaces as part of human activities creates a positive emotional and cognitive response. Survey data revealed consistently high self-reported ratings for each dimension, indicating a strong conscious appreciation of biophilic affordances. Concurrently, IAT results demonstrated significantly faster natural versus artificial stimuli categorization, confirming robust implicit preferences for nature-integrated environments. These convergent findings underscore that architectural spaces where nature is integrated with daily activities and featuring open courtyards, expansive glazing, accessible vegetation, and tactile natural materials elicit enhanced emotional well-being, cognitive engagement, and physiological calm. By validating the applicability of IAT in architectural research and reframing natural elements as actionable affordances, this work advances interdisciplinary dialogues in neuroarchitecture and neuromarketing. Practically, our results can guide architects in designing architectural programs where nature is incorporated and closely aligned with functions in consideration of how the inhabitants perceive the biophilic elements. Nonetheless, the study's modest sample size and controlled laboratory context limit external validity; future large-scale field experiments across diverse demographic and cultural settings are needed to refine evidence-based biophilic design guidelines.

KEYWORDS
Neuromarketing, Architecture, Biophilic Design, Natural Affordances, Implicit Association Test (IAT), Human-Nature Interaction, Neuroarchitecture, Sustainability, Well-Being

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Efe Duyan , Ali Levent Kurtoğlu , "Key Aspects of Biophilic Design Effects in Architecture Assessed through Implicit Association Tests," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 3A, pp. 2559 - 2568, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131327.

(b). APA Format:
Efe Duyan , Ali Levent Kurtoğlu (2025). Key Aspects of Biophilic Design Effects in Architecture Assessed through Implicit Association Tests. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(3A), 2559 - 2568. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131327.