Restorative experience in semi-outdoor spaces: from thermal pleasure to psychological well-being

Abstract

Biophilic design holds great potentials for improving built environment occupants’ psychological wellbeing through its restorative benefits. However, several limitations exist in current biophilic design research and practice, including the lack of considerations for the thermal experience and cultural aspects. This study aims to explore potential links between occupant thermal experience, their cultural backgrounds and psychological restorative benefits from exposure to biophilic inspired semi-outdoor spaces. A multisensory Virtual Reality experiment was conducted to examine the restorative responses to semi-outdoor environments. Findings highlight the relevance and importance of thermal delight for biophilic design in architecture to support occupant psychological well-being.