Analysis of Biophilic Design in Selected Libraries in Malaysia and Its Effects Based on the Occupants' Perception

Abstract

With the advancement of knowledge technology, the library building has evolved to cater for more than just a space to read and learn. It has become a space for working, social interaction, community activity and more. With this growing trend to accommodate this demand for more functionality, the library design needs to adapt to this growth to bring the best experience to the occupants. Biophilic design is a fitting approach to help enhance the occupants' experience with these evolving functions of the library spaces. The biophilic design employs a variety of innovative ways to be implemented in a space varying from the literal introduction of nature, symbolic representation, the essence of the space and more, to create a space that encourages a sense of connection with nature. This study aims to examine various biophilic designs used in library spaces from selected case studies with known biophilic design applications in the spaces and assesses the importance of these biophilic designs to the occupants based on their perception. The findings show that most of the library occupants agreed that biophilic design is an essential aspect of the space in the library with visual connection with nature and prospect to be of utmost importance based on the survey conducted