Figure 1 - Average physiological and psychological outcomes in baseline, after stressor and during the recovery period among four environments. (Effects of biophilic indoor environment on stress and anxiety recovery: between subject experiment in virtual reality, Jie Yin & co)
For instance, the results of this literature review suggest that there is a direct link within cognitive functioning and biophilic measures, where for cognitive function is intended our mental agility and attentiveness, as well as our ability to think, learn either logically or in a creative way.
Additionally, there is compelling evidence that strong or repetitive connections with nature can provide optimal opportunities for mental restoration. As a result, the capacity for performing focused tasks is enhanced when compared to someone not exposed to these connections with nature.
These effects are particularly relevant in schools. For instance, IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) in schools is much worse than outdoor air quality, in fact, indoor air pollutants may be 2-5 times higher than the outdoor environment.
Additionally, other reasons to consider IAQ in schools are that children breathe higher volumes of air, relative to their body weights, and they are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their narrower airways and the fact that their lungs are still developing.
Indoor climate control through biological processes
The biophilic patterns, as introduced in the previous blog post, can be designed and coupled with HVAC systems for several purposes, such as lowering the temperature of indoor spaces, removing VOC particles, improving air cooling, and cleaning indoor and outdoor water. However, what are exactly the biological processes involved?
One of them is called phytoremediation, and it is responsible for the removal of pollutants from the air, water, and soil.
It reduces the concentration and the toxic effects of contaminants in the environment by means of plants and soil microbes (fig 2). Moreover, it is accepted as a cost-effective environmental restoration technology, besides being a sound alternative to other methods, which are generally more destructive to the soil.