Научная статья на тему 'BIOPHILIA IN THE WORKPLACE: A PILOT PROJECT FOR A LIVING WALL USING AN INTERACTIVE PARAMETRIC DESIGN APPROACH'

BIOPHILIA IN THE WORKPLACE: A PILOT PROJECT FOR A LIVING WALL USING AN INTERACTIVE PARAMETRIC DESIGN APPROACH Текст научной статьи по специальности «Строительство и архитектура»

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Ключевые слова
biophilia / parametric design / green wall / interactive design / биофилия / параметрический дизайн / фитостена / интерактивный дизайн

Аннотация научной статьи по строительству и архитектуре, автор научной работы — Ayman Assem, Doaa K. Hassan

Introduction: Workplace outcomes are significant not only for productivity and profitability but also for the value of the process and the experience elements involved in reaching these objectives. There is a continuous discussion between employers and employees regarding the concept of the workplace, concentrating on a thorough understanding of labor and its physical surroundings. This study focuses on the connection with the natural world, specifically how plants can improve aesthetics and support well-being in the built environment. The study explores the implementation of biophilic design to combat sick-building syndrome by integrating a living wall into workplace interiors. Methods: The study employs a parametric design approach to identify a design solution for incorporating a living wall into the workplace. This approach optimizes the correlation between multiple parameters influencing the design outcome. This approach operates on two levels: firstly, an analogical design process is employed to establish the form of green wall units and generate various iterations based on generation parameters derived from the natural concept source. Secondly, interactivity is incorporated to enhance users’ perception of the green wall and its different states, ultimately leading to the creation of a unique ambiance suitable for diverse functions or activities within the space. Results: The results section would detail the specific outcomes of employing the parametric design approach, including the successful establishment of green wall units’ forms, the generation of various iterations, and the enhancement of user perception through interactivity. The effectiveness of these design solutions in creating a unique ambiance and optimizing user engagement within the workplace is presented.

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Биофилия на рабочем месте: пилотный проект по созданию фитостены с использованием интерактивного параметрического проектирования

Введение: Результат работы определяется не только производительностью труда и прибылью. Сам процесс и практические аспекты, сопутствующие достижению целей, также имеют большое значение. Между работодателями и работниками ведется непрекращающаяся дискуссия относительно концепции того, каким должно быть рабочее место. Основное внимание уделяется формированию всеобъемлющего подхода к труду и той среде, в рамках которой выполняется работа. Это исследование рассматривает связь с миром природы, в частности то, каким образом растения могут улучшить эстетику и поддержать хорошее самочувствие. Рассматривается реализация биофильного дизайна для борьбы с синдромом «больного здания» путем интеграции живой стены в интерьер рабочего места. Методы: В исследовании используется параметрический подход к проектированию для определения дизайнерского решения по включению живой стены в рабочее место. Этот подход повышает корреляцию между несколькими параметрами, влияющими на результат проектирования. Данный подход действует на двух уровнях. Во-первых, для определения формы элементов фитостены и формирования различных вариантов на основе параметров генерирования, полученных из природных источников, используется аналоговое проектирование. Во-вторых, в целях улучшения восприятия фитостены и ее различных вариантов применяется интерактивность, что в конечном итоге приводит к созданию уникальной атмосферы, которая подходит для самых разных видов деятельности Результаты: Подробно описаны результаты использования параметрического проектирования, включая успешное создание различных вариантов и форм элементов зеленой стены и улучшение восприятия сотрудниками при помощи интерактивности. Представлена эффективность этих дизайнерских решений в создании уникальной атмосферы и оптимизации взаимодействия сотрудников на рабочем месте.

Текст научной работы на тему «BIOPHILIA IN THE WORKPLACE: A PILOT PROJECT FOR A LIVING WALL USING AN INTERACTIVE PARAMETRIC DESIGN APPROACH»

ework, or in floating containers attached at regular intervals to the facade frame (Gunawardena and Steemers, 2019; Radic et al., 2019).

• Living walls (for exterior and interior applications) are structures with soil or another growing medium distributed over their surface or volume. Plants grow on them or have their root systems in them (Gunawardena and Steemers, 2019; Radic et al., 2019).

Whatever the approach, both green facades and living walls share many similar attributes and values (Lundegren, 2016; Sheweka and Magdy, 2011):

• Enhancement of aesthetic appearance and design.

• Affective bonds and well-being.

• Sound reduction and buffering.

• Climate regulation that generally occurs through insulation, which helps keep the cold out in winter and the interior cool in the summer. In other

Exterior applications Exterior and interior applications

Fig. 1. Vertical greening categories (Gunawardena and Steemers, 2019)

words, summertime cooling involves less heat gain and evaporative cooling, while winter requires insulation and a wind barrier.

• Air filtration and better air quality (by reducing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)).

• Possibilities for edible and medicinal plants and habitats for wildlife.

Our research focuses on the living wall system as a means of enhancing workplace interiors through the adoption of biophilic design patterns. Therefore, based on the patterns in the introduction section, nature in space and natural analogs will be the main focus in this regard. The phrase "nature in the space" addresses the immediate, tangible, and transient presence of nature. In addition to winds, noises, smells, and other natural elements, this also includes living things such as plants, water, and animals. Direct connections with these natural elements, particularly through diversity, mobility, and multi-sensory interactions, can lead to the most powerful spatial experiences. Natural analogs, on the other hand, deal with biological, non-living, and indirect evocations of nature. It is possible to use items, materials, colors, shapes, patterns, and arrangements found in nature to create artwork, decorations, furniture, and textiles for the built world. Contrary to the previous two methods, nature of space is concerned with the spatial configuration of spaces, which goes beyond the focus of adopting vertical greening as a single element. Therefore, the patterns related to the first two methods will be applied in this research (Downton et al., 2017).

Accordingly, it can be inferred that such designs incorporate many interrelated factors to optimize the solution. Then, a parametric design approach could be beneficial in this respect. A previous pilot study attempted to address the issue of separating parking garages from nature and urban connectivity by designing a combination facade and living and habitat wall systems. This design was created to measure and optimize aesthetics, temperature gradients, water supply, air quality, habitat, and cost. The final project demonstrated environmental benefits and costs associated with a combination of living wall and synthetic habitat technologies through the use of building information modeling (BIM) and other parametric design software (Briscoe, 2014). This pilot predicted the role of computation in understanding trends of migration and succession. Another pilot study emphasized that this parametric design makes it easier for designers to modify their work and create their own algorithms, resulting in a more effective way of designing and producing the final output. It was about designing interior panels using parametric modeling tools. This pilot study focused on reducing time consumption and eliminating unnecessary steps in the traditional process, while

also taking into account the changeable and adaptive geometries (Kim et al., 2016). Accordingly, this research aims to parametrically design a responsive living wall in a workplace interior, adopting a biophilic design approach to maximize the efficiency of users' experience.

Methodology

This research is based on a pilot study that was completed as a primary requirement for a postgraduate course titled "Interactive and Responsive Architecture". Postgraduates were required to parametrically design an interior living wall in a workplace to enhance employees' performance through the physical settings of the interior environment, adopting biophilic design. The parametric design process will be adopted to optimize the interrelation values of the different parameters that affect the design product at two levels: analogical design and configuration, and interactivity.

Pilot description: design and configuration

The pilot description is presented in terms of the phases of the design process and the targeted attributes of the product as follows:

• Parametric analogical design;

• Technical installations;

• Interactivity with reference to both plants' and users' needs;

• Fabrication and implementations.

To achieve the pilot goal, specific characteristics for the final product were designated to be analogical design-based, modular, and interactive to maximize the value of biophilic design. The patterns are applied as follows (Table 1):

Parametric analogical design process

In design, analogies are often used to solve problems. Since the design process is viewed as an exploratory activity based on visual thinking, the use of visual representation by analogy is considered a powerful creative problem-solving strategy. Accordingly, analogical thinking enables designers to find similarities between a target design space and an existing knowledge base and translate that existing knowledge into new design solutions (Kaumoodi, 2021).

The configuration of a living wall depends on specific parameters, such as using analogy as a source of idea generation, considering plantation aspects (including plant types, growth medium, irrigation, energy, and lighting), and utilizing new technology materials and fabrication.

In our concept, analogy as a source of idea generation was inspired by the following (Fig. 2):

- Form of specific fruits, such as pineapples, pine cones, and much more in a natural shape design.

- Structure of plant leaves.

The modular living wall design was developed to produce two design proposals: one for the overall

Table 1. Proposal for the implementation of merging patterns in interior living wall systems

Patterns Definitions Application

Visual connection with nature A view of the environment, including living things and natural processes. •

Non-visual connection with nature Stimuli that evoke a positive association with nature, living things, or natural processes through auditory, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory means. •

V o TO Q. W c Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli Connections with nature that are stochastic and transient and can be statistically examined but may not be precisely predicted. (Movement and sensory effects are inherently brief — no more than 20 seconds every 20 minutes. For example, the flight of a butterfly or the journey of a cloud, or a simple shifting of light throughout the day.)

D TO z Thermal and airflow variability Variations in the skin airflow, relative humidity, and temperature.

Presence of water Participation that enhances a location's experience through seeing, hearing, or touching water.

Dynamic and diffuse light Uses shifting light and shadow intensities that fluctuate over time to mimic natural conditions. •

Connection with natural systems Understanding of natural processes, particularly the seasonal and temporal fluctuations that characterize a thriving ecosystem.

(A 5» <3 (5 c < Biomorphic forms and patterns Figurative allusions to naturally occurring curved, patterned, textured, or numerical arrangements. •

Material connection with nature Minimally processed natural materials and components that represent the area's environment or geology and contribute to a strong sense of place.

ra D ra Complexity and order understanding of natural processes, particularly the seasonal and temporal fluctuations that characterize a thriving ecosystem. (A place with good complexity and order feels interesting and information-rich, striking an intriguing balance between being dull and overwhelming.) •

Fig. 2. Unit and living wall module: analogical design

wall to function as a unified whole, and another for the unit to function as an independent entity.

As previously mentioned, the parametric design approach was employed to enhance the interrelation of many parameters that impact the design result. This optimization occurred at two levels, namely analogical design and configuration, as well as interactivity, which are further elaborated upon in subsequent sections.

The applied parametric analogical design process (Fig. 3) consisted of five sequential processes.

It began by selecting a source of inspiration derived from natural elements. Subsequently, a visual analysis was conducted to emphasize the primary design features, visual principles, and rules for creating shapes. The next phase involved converting these constituent components into design parameters, which define the primary design elements, spatial arrangements, distances, forces, and other quantitative aspects. The fourth phase involved constructing the model algorithm using parametric design software. In our pilot study,

we used the Grasshopper plugin to develop the algorithm. This process resulted in the creation of many model iterations.

A. Living wall as a unified modular system

The living wall was constructed using a module system that was developed through a parametric design method, as previously mentioned. This modular system comprises multiple levels: 1. The base grid establishes the cellular modules of the planting pots and the structural framework system. 2. The steel structure mesh, which serves as the primary mounting system for the green wall. 3. The LED lighting lines. 4. The layer for the fixation of plant pots. 5. The empty fabricated pots. 6. Lastly, the soil and the planting process (Figs. 4 and 5).

B.Independent unit design (separate unit)

The concept of separate unit design involves the development of a unit that operates autonomously

with respect to all of its systems (Fig. 6). The aggregation of the cells has the potential to display various designs and encompass diverse wall areas. Furthermore, it can be installed as a unified cell unit. The adaptable nature of this design enables it to meet various requirements of both humans and plants, while also being suitable for any given spatial constraints.

Technical installations

This section covers the technical aspects related to plantation and water management systems, as outlined below:

A. Indoor plant types and requirements Plants are the primary and fundamental elements of living walls. Particular types of plants are selected to fulfill the intended design objectives. Interior living walls typically incorporate a selection of tropical plant species, with a particular emphasis on vining,

Fig. 3. Process of parametric analogical design

Cell module Cell configuration Plantation

Fig. 4. Living wall design

Plan

Fig. 5. Living wall detailed drawings

Fig. 6. Independent cell design and its various distributions

climbing, and fern varieties. Vertical gardens are a popular choice for cultivating a diverse array of attractive plant species. Specifically, a total of thirty-two species, including Asplenium thunbergii, Alocasia sanderiana, Anthurium crystallinum, Anthurium andraeanum, Aeschynanthus radicans, Chlorophytum bichetii, Cercestis mirabilis, Caladium lindenii, and Epipremnum aureum, are usually selected for this purpose (Sarkar, 2018). The Table 2 presents a comparison of different species of indoor plants that can be included in biophilic design settings.

Based on the comparison table above, the selection of Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) for biophilic interior designs is justified because of their distinctive attributes that align with the concepts of enhancing indoor environmental quality and psychological well-being. The Pothos plant is highly efficient at enhancing indoor air quality and is capable of tolerating different lighting conditions and irregular watering. This makes it a suitable option for indoor plant care and air purification. The Lipstick

Table 2. Comparison of indoor plant species for integration in biophilic design settings

Scientific Name Light Requirements Watering & Humidity Growth & Appearance Special Features

Asplenium thunbergii (Thunberg's Spleenwort) Partial to full shade Moist but well-drained Delicate fronds, prefers shaded environments Often used in terrariums, good for shaded gardens

Alocasia sanderiana (Kris plant) Bright, indirect light High humidity, regular watering Large, arrow-shaped leaves with white veins Striking foliage, prefers warm and humid environment

Anthurium crystallinum (Crystal anthurium) Bright, indirect light Regular watering, high humidity Heart-shaped leaves with white veins Popular for decorative indoor use, needs warm environment

Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo flower) Bright, indirect light Regular watering, enjoys humidity Bright spathes and contrasting spadices Often used in floral arrangements, ornamental

Aeschynanthus radicans (Lipstick plant) Bright, indirect light Consistent moisture, prefers humidity Trailing vines with tubular flowers Great for hanging baskets, attractive blooms

Chlorophytum bichetii Bright, indirect light Regular watering, tolerates average humidity Arching leaves, grasslike appearance Easy to care for, works well in various indoor settings

Cercestis mirabilis Partial to full shade Moist, well-drained soil Large, heart-shaped leaves Unique foliage, adaptable to indoor conditions

Caladium lindenii (Xanthosoma lindenii, Angel's Wings) Bright, indirect light Consistent moisture, high humidity Arrow-shaped leaves with white veins Eye-catching foliage, sensitive to cold temperatures

Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) Low to bright, indirect light Can tolerate irregular watering, average humidity Heart-shaped variegated leaves Air-purifying, extremely adaptable to indoor conditions

plant, characterized by its vivid, tubular flowers and preference for strong, indirect light, offers both visual appeal and psychological benefits, crucial for creating compelling and emotionally nurturing spaces. Incorporating these plants into indoor spaces enhances their visual appeal and promotes a healthier and more harmonious living environment, aligning with the core principles of biophilic design that emphasize the connection between nature, human well-being, and the built environment.

1. Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

The Lipstick plant, known for its climbing nature, exhibits a visually captivating appearance, particularly when it is allowed to gracefully drape from suspended containers. The plant has aesthetically pleasing, succulent foliage that remains green throughout the year, accompanied by the production of visually striking, crimson tubular blossoms. The growth of Lipstick plants is a rather uncomplicated process. The plant can be cultivated in both indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, due to its minimal soil requirements, it can be successfully grown on vertical surfaces. The optimal conditions for the growth of the Lipstick plant pertain to its chosen substrate, which includes consistently moist, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soil. It is recommended to mix light, sandy soil with either humus or peat moss. The presence of peat moss in this mixture ensures that the humidity level is consistently optimized. During this period, the sand will provide sufficient

drainage to prevent the occurrence of root rot. The ideal environmental conditions for the Lipstick plant involve exposure to bright, dappled light. Adequate illumination is necessary for its optimal growth and development. It is advisable to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight or complete darkness in its placement. The replication of a plant's natural environment can be achieved when it is kept indoors by using artificial lighting. Both fluorescent and LED lighting can be used without any issues. The objective is to select hues that lean towards the cooler end of the color spectrum, resembling the chromatic palette observed on a sunlit day with accompanying shadows. The daily requirement for exposure to light is limited to three hours (Johnstone, 2022) (Fig. 7a).

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The NASA/ALCA study on the use of common indoor plants for interior air purification designates Pothos as one of the top three plants with the commendable attribute of being an exceptional air-cleansing plant. Epipremnum aureum, also known as the golden pothos, exhibits aesthetically pleasing marbled leaves and possesses a resilient nature, requiring less maintenance. Consequently, it has gained significant popularity as a choice for indoor plants. One notable attribute of this plant is its ability to thrive in a hydroponic environment, such as a water-filled bottle or a soilless container. Even direct sunlight is not required. The plant has tolerance for bright light; however, optimal results

are achieved when it is exposed to medium indirect light. Regular watering is necessary during the spring to fall seasons, while caution should be exercised to avoid excessive irrigation during the winter months. The optimal growth conditions for the plant are a combination of arid topsoil and warm, sunny temperatures. Sandy loam and clay soils are considered optimal for the growth of this particular species (Meshram and Srivastava, 2015) (Fig. 7b).

B. Growth medium

One of the primary concerns at hand pertains to the composition of the growing media, which plays a crucial role in facilitating the growth of plants and the formation of infrastructure. The growing medium should provide the essential needs of the plants, including water and air. When designing a living wall, it is important to take into account additional factors such as weight, durability, and stability. Based on the aforementioned rationales, it can be concluded that soilless culture is the optimal choice for implementing a living wall (Tamási and Dobszay, 2015).

Soilless culture refers to the practice of cultivating plants in the absence of traditional soil-based mediums. The use of traditional soil poses unique challenges, including the difficult and expensive management of soil-borne pests and diseases, salinity issues, insufficient fertility, and limited water availability. In contrast, soilless culture offers numerous advantages compared to conventional agricultural methods. These include the ability to obtain high-quality yields, exert control over root environments, optimize water utilization, cultivate crops regardless of unfavorable soil conditions, and mitigate the presence of weeds and soil-borne illnesses. Soilless cultures can be classified into two primary categories:

1. Substrate culture:

• Organic (peat moss, wood residues, rice hulls, etc.);

• Inorganic (perlite, sand, vermiculite, pumice, calcined clays, etc.) (Almusaed, 2011).

2. Water culture.

Numerous studies indicate that inorganic materials are often favored as the primary material due to their superior stability and durability compared to organic growing media. Nevertheless, when evaluating the desirable attributes of plant growth media, it is evident that many physical and chemical aspects of inorganic growing media are comparatively inferior to those of organic growing media (Dede et al., 2019). Peat moss has been selected as the organic substrate culture in this pilot due to (Espiritu, 2022):

• Absorbency. Peat moss retains water much better than average soils.

• Compaction. It does not compact, unlike other organic materials. Soil compaction is damaging to gardens and reduces water absorption and plant growth. Peat moss remains springy when it is wet and rehydrates easily. Plus, one application of peat moss can last for years.

• Sterile planting medium. This means that it does not contain harmful pathogens or weed seeds. This, combined with its absorbency, makes it ideal for starting seedlings, which is why peat moss is an essential component in most seed starting mixes.

• Acidic pH. Acid-loving plants benefit greatly from peat moss applications.

C. Water management systems

In order for plants to undergo growth, they require the essential elements of water, light, and nutrients. Fulfilling these requirements is made easier with the implementation of an irrigation system. The effectiveness of irrigation systems depends on various factors, including spatial considerations, the type of crops being cultivated, and the associated expenses for both indoor and outdoor installations. When considering the cultivation of indoor plants, it is essential to address seven key components to establish an irrigation system that adequately caters to the plants' requirements. These components include selecting appropriate growing media, providing a sufficient water supply, establishing effective irrigation channels, implementing proper

Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

(Johnstone, 2022) (Wikimedia Commons, 2022)

Fig. 7. Used indoor plants

drainage mechanisms, providing essential nutrients, identifying suitable energy sources, and using appropriate light sources. This section provides an analysis of the requirements and their implementation within the pilot study (Figs. 8 and 9).

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The quantity of water is one of the main factors affecting plant quality, and it depends on the type of plant, the season, the orientation of the vertical walls, and the temperature. The pilot irrigation system provides a watering timer to control the amount of water that plants need based on temperature and time. The water is provided using a water tank and pump (Wilkinson et al., 2021).

To distribute the water among the planting units, the irrigation channels are used as a main part of the system. They are usually poly tubing connected on one side to a water supply and on the other side to a vertical wall system, allowing water to drip slowly when placed on top of a vertical green wall. In our pilot, the irrigation channels are hidden, while in others they could be exposed and used as part of the decorative appearance of the system (Madani et al., 2013).

Drainage is an important factor in a green wall system. Effective drainage is necessary to prevent diseases, fungal or bacterial infections, and salt build-up in living wall planters. The drainage process usually occurs when the irrigation channels are sloped to end in a water basin.

In the pilot, an integrated piped system is used in the back of the entire wall, embedded into the steel structure system of the green wall. The water supply path starts from a ceiling-suspended water tank and moves to a water pump in order to control water pressure inside the pipes distributed along all plant cells.

D. Energy and lighting

Indoor vertical green walls require an energy source to facilitate the circulation of irrigation water

within the system, as well as to power LED lights. These lights serve a dual purpose by providing plants with the necessary light for photosynthesis and contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the installation.

Interactivity

The concept of interactive interior design pertains to the creation and integration of interactive components within a defined physical environment. Recent advancements in technology have facilitated the emergence of novel applications and engagement opportunities that can be seamlessly linked with the architectural aspects of places (Nabil and Kirk, 2019).

The concept of interactivity in the pilot study significantly influences users' perception of the green wall and its diverse states, ultimately resulting in the creation of distinct atmospheres suitable for various functions or activities within the space.

The design of interactive living walls is addressed through the utilization of various sensors, as outlined below:

• Plant: light and water/irrigation & drainage;

• Users: light mode (color and intensity) related to speech/sound level parameters.

This section examines three primary modes of interaction that are based on the use of three distinct types of sensors capable of detecting three specific categories of inputs: 1) detection of sound levels; 2) detection of soil moisture; 3) detection of light levels.

Fig. 10 illustrates the concept of interactivity related to the three distinct forms of detection. The system will then generate a response and implement the predetermined actions accordingly.

A. Sound detection sensor

The concept of interaction was derived from observing the impact that plants have on human beings. Research findings indicate that the presence of indoor plants has been associated with enhanced

Elevation

Fig. 8. Living wall details illustrating the components of the system

concentration and productivity, alongside reduced stress levels and improved mood. This characteristic makes them well-suited for use not only in residential settings but also in commercial environments. Colors have the capacity to modify an individual's emotional state, transitioning it from a state of unhappiness or passivity to one characterized by cheerfulness or vitality.

Based on existing research on the impact of color on human emotions, a variety of hues were carefully

selected with the aim of enhancing individuals' moods and subsequently increasing productivity in the workplace. For example, the yellow color was specifically chosen to evoke feelings of happiness, while the blue color was deliberately chosen to cultivate a sense of tranquility (Fig. 11). The regulation of these various colors is achieved by detecting sound levels generated by individuals within an indoor environment, in accordance with

Fig. 10. Three different interactive status workflows for the three sensors in use

established guidelines for sound levels in such areas. The detection process involves identifying specific characteristics of sounds, including laughter, anger, and low conversational volumes.

Sound is quantified using the unit of measurement known as decibels (dB). A whisper typically registers at approximately 30 decibels (dB), whereas regular conversation often ranges around 60 dB. Prolonged exposure to noise levels exceeding 70 dB may potentially result in auditory impairment. Exposure to sound levels over 120 dB might result in rapid auditory damage.

The sound sensor module is equipped with both analog and digital output capabilities. The device operates across a range of supply voltages spanning from 3.3 to 5.3 V. This technology enables the detection of sound volume and the identification of distinct sound sources, facilitating the differentiation of the origin of the sound.

B. Soil moisture sensor

A new interactive approach has been implemented to determine the water requirements of plants. This form of interactivity pertains to the mutual relationship and interactions between humans and plants. The soil moisture sensor is used to measure the moisture content in the soil, providing an indication of the soil humidity level. This information is valuable for determining whether the soil is experiencing drought conditions and requires irrigation. The concept revolves around examining the threshold of drought tolerance in the chosen plants, beyond which they are unable to sustain themselves. At this critical point, an illumination system will be activated to indicate the need for watering the plant (Rivas-Sanchez et al., 2019).

The resistive soil moisture sensor measures soil moisture levels by evaluating the relationship between water content and electrical resistance. The sensors are equipped with a pair of probes that

Fig. 11. Different color moods in response to negative or positive emotions

are fully inserted into the soil sample. There are two measurement scenarios based on the given information. In cases where the soil has high water content, there is a corresponding increase in its electrical conductivity. This increase in conductivity leads to a decrease in resistance levels, which serves as an indicator of elevated soil moisture levels. A decrease in the water content of soil leads to a reduction in its electrical conductivity, causing an increase in resistance, which serves as an indicator of low soil moisture.

C. Light sensors

The light sensor, commonly referred to as a photoelectric device, is capable of converting visible or infrared light energy, in the form of photons, into an electrical signal composed of electrons. Light sensors are commonly known as "photocensors" because they convert light energy, specifically photons, into electrical energy, specifically electrons (Rivas-Sanchez et al., 2019).

The green wall serves a primary function as a source of illumination due to two distinct factors. Primarily, it functions as the main source of ambient illumination for the occupants of the location. The ambient light of the green wall is activated in response to low levels of surrounding lighting. This light source serves to provide the plants with indirect illumination, which is crucial for their survival. In contrast to the sound sensor output, the response of this sensor is binary, activating when the ambient light level falls below a predetermined threshold based on the effectiveness of the lighting system, and deactivating when the room is adequately illuminated.

Fabrication and implementation

Three-dimensional printing stands as a notable example of additive manufacturing technologies that have had a substantial influence on the industrial sector. When it comes to developing prototypes for innovative concepts, it is widely acknowledged that 3D printing surpasses traditional methods by a significant margin. By utilizing virtual 3D models generated on a computer, it is possible to quickly fabricate three-dimensional objects using this approach. Throughout the duration of our pilot project, the green cell was fabricated into multiple components, which were subsequently joined together using adhesive materials before their installation on a steel framework system (Fig. 12).

The Arduino platform is an open-source system that includes user-friendly software and hardware components. The primary objective of this tool is to streamline the development process for diverse interactive projects across various scopes. Arduino is capable of perceiving its environment by receiving data from a diverse range of sensors. Additionally, it has the ability to exert an impact on its surroundings by manipulating various actuators, such as motors and lights, among others.

Fig. 12. Fabricated cell and its components

Arduino (Uno R3) was used in the pilot study to process data collected from three separate sensors and control the operation of the lighting system in order to display different color moods.

The completed design of the interactive green wall, along with its various components, is depicted in Fig. 13.

Conclusion

The purpose of this study is to improve the efficiency of the working atmosphere through the implementation of interior living walls. The present

study involves developing a proposal and product for the design of a living wall that incorporates the principles of biophilic design. This endeavor is undertaken through the use of parametric analogical design and interactivity as key design approaches.

The product effectively incorporates five distinct biophilic design patterns within the categories of "nature in space" and "natural analogs". The discussed patterns encompass both visual and nonvisual connections with nature, as well as dynamic and diffuse light, biomorphic forms and patterns, and complexity and order, as outlined in Table 3.

The adoption of this technique will not only enhance the performance efficiency of architectural spaces, but it will also imbue the components of interior design with a renewed purpose as a direct result of this transformation. Consequently, the green wall will engage individuals using the indoor space, helping them improve their effectiveness as participants in the activities conducted in that area.

Acknowledgments

This research is based on a pilot study that was completed as a primary requirement of a postgraduate course titled "ARC616 - Interactive and Responsive Architecture" in spring 2020. We are thankful to our postgraduate students (Ahmed Amin, Hamis Montaser, Hend Ehab, Mai Hassan, Mohamed Emad, Nada El-Moghazy, Shehab-Eldin Mohamed) who contributed greatly to the research efforts.

Fig. 13. Final design of the pilot and the Arduino controller

Table 3. Five biophilic design patterns utilized in the construction of the product

Patterns Application

Visual connection with nature Living wall in interior design

V O o ^ TO = Q. Non-visual connection with nature Living wall in interior design Interactivity systems

ra (fí 2 c Dynamic and diffuse light Interactivity systems

Natural Analogs Biomorphic forms and patterns Parametric analogical design

Complexity and order Living wall in interior design Technical installation considerations

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Биофилия на рабочем месте: пилотный проект по созданию фитостены с использованием интерактивного параметрического проектирования

Айман Ассем*, Доаа К. Хассан

Кафедра архитектурного проектирования, Инженерный факультет Университет Айн-Шамс, Египет *Е-таП: ayman.assem@eng.asu.edu.eg

Аннотация

введение: Результат работы определяется не только производительностью труда и прибылью. Сам процесс и практические аспекты, сопутствующие достижению целей, также имеют большое значение. Между работодателями и работниками ведется непрекращающаяся дискуссия относительно концепции того, каким должно быть рабочее место. Основное внимание уделяется формированию всеобъемлющего подхода к труду и той среде, в рамках которой выполняется работа. Это исследование рассматривает связь с миром природы, в частности то, каким образом растения могут улучшить эстетику и поддержать хорошее самочувствие. Рассматривается реализация биофильного дизайна для борьбы с синдромом «больного здания» путем интеграции живой стены в интерьер рабочего места. Методы: В исследовании используется параметрический подход к проектированию для определения дизайнерского решения по включению живой стены в рабочее место. Этот подход повышает корреляцию между несколькими параметрами, влияющими на результат проектирования. Данный подход действует на двух уровнях. Во-первых, для определения формы элементов фитостены и формирования различных вариантов на основе параметров генерирования, полученных из природных источников, используется аналоговое проектирование. Во-вторых, в целях улучшения восприятия фитостены и ее различных вариантов применяется интерактивность, что в конечном итоге приводит к созданию уникальной атмосферы, которая подходит для самых разных видов деятельности результаты: Подробно описаны результаты использования параметрического проектирования, включая успешное создание различных вариантов и форм элементов зеленой стены и улучшение восприятия сотрудниками при помощи интерактивности. Представлена эффективность этих дизайнерских решений в создании уникальной атмосферы и оптимизации взаимодействия сотрудников на рабочем месте.

ключевые слова: биофилия, параметрический дизайн, фитостена, интерактивный дизайн.

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