Thesis (BS Architecture) University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2019

Studies show that the incorporation of nature and its elements to design inflict positive effects on the physical and mental well-being of humans. Biophilic Design or the human-nature-design integration in buildings especially schools inflict positive effects on student user-experience. By assessing the existing biophilic design patterns from the 14 Biophilic Design Characteristics from both Public institutions as University of the Philippines, Mindanao (UP Mindanao) and University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) and Private institutions as Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) and Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) in Davao City, a descriptive summary on the existing Biophilic patterns are obtained from the researcher ocular visit supported by photographs. A survey on the positive user-experience of the students in the Academic Building and its surrounding open spaces are used to assess strong, moderate and apparent applications and addressing of the existing Biophilic Design in the building. The results show that there are existing and moderately addressed Biophilic patterns in the schools and a mostly positive reference from student user-experience. This is used as a guideline for designing a Biophilic-inspired campus project. However, the unquantifiable characteristics of the Biophilic patterns do not allow an in depth quantified specifications on the applications of Biophilic Design in the schools. Thus, a further study in quantifying each Biophilic pattern is recommended. Nonetheless, this research may be used for future researchers and developments in making school a more positive user-experience for students and promote physical and mental well-being and uphold student excellence.