Modern living has made nature more and more difficult for individuals to access, but the yearning to connect with nature still exists. Children are particularly affected by this, as they have to stay indoors while separated from their parents, which is especially true for them. This lack of connection with nature is concerning, as studies have shown that there is an inherent need for humans to be connected with nature, known as biophilia. Biophilia is defined as an inherent need to be connected with nature [1]. Biophilia is a natural need to connect with nature, which has become essential for children’s cognitive functioning and wellbeing ^[1][2][3][1,2,3]. Biophilia is not just a desire but a natural need that has been found to be essential for children’s cognitive functioning and wellbeing. Including nature in urban environments created for children is one possible solution to address this issue. Biophilic design strategies require consideration of the people using the place, its location, and its function. Plants are one way to incorporate nature into space, but there are other ways to incorporate nature ^[4][5][4,5]. To aid interior designers, Kellert [6] proposed six biophilic elements that could be implemented in a given space. To detect and evaluate biophilic elements, a reliable technique is required. The six elements include environmental features, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place-based relationships, and human–nature relationships [7].

Biophilic design is an architectural and interior design concept that aims to bring humans closer to nature by integrating natural components into the built environment. The notion behind the concept is that humans have an inbuilt connection to nature and that exposure to natural elements may improve health and wellbeing ^[8][10]. This is to say that there is a connection between nature and human wellbeing.

Biophilic design has both health and financial benefits, and neglecting nature can lead to a loss of profit ^[9][10][11,12]. According to an argument made by Browning et al. ^[9][11] (p. 3), “incorporating nature into the built environment is not just a luxury but a sound economic investment in health and productivity, based on well-researched neurological and physiological evidence”. Biophilic design can lead to increased healing, learning, property values, and productivity while decreasing absenteeism, anxiety, and incarceration expenses. It is important to value and safeguard the environment [6]. Restorative environmental design (RED) is a strategy that aims to minimize and mitigate adverse impacts on the natural environment and foster beneficial contact between people and nature in contemporary buildings and landscapes. Kellert [6] defined it as a low-environmental-impact approach. Interior environment designers play a significant role in the development of interior/exterior links and features that can improve user exposure to biophilia, which can have positive effects on health ^[11][12][13,14] and wellbeing ^[13][14][15,16]. Restorative environmental design connects sustainability and biophilia, generating globally conscious individuals who value nature and desire to return it to its ideal state. The addition of biophilic design and imitating natural settings is clearly the next step in the sustainable design movement ^[15][17]. However, there is insufficient support for best practices for developing the interior environments that people naturally choose ^[16][18]. Biophilic design is an approach to creating healthy, sustainable, and adaptable environments. It also has benefits such as improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and increased productivity, as highlighted by Cacique, Maria, and Sheng-Jung Ou ^[17][19]. The term “biophilia” refers to the emotional bonds that people develop with other living species. The organic or naturalistic component, which combines direct and symbolic aspects of nature, and the place-based or vernacular dimension, which stresses the integration of architecture and landscapes with the environment and culture of an area, are the two dimensions of biophilic design. This architectural method generates a sense of place and identity, which can increase people’s loyalty and responsibility for their built environment and heritage.

The concept of sustainability centers on the idea of addressing present demands without risking future generations’ capacity to meet their own needs. The close relationship between humans and the natural environment is an important part of sustainability. Biophilia is a technique that provides a sustainable design strategy that includes reconnecting humans with nature ^[18][20]. Sustainable design balances human needs with natural and cultural environments, whereas biophilic design examines how the environment affects our physiology and psychology. Sustainable architecture is created in harmony with the environment and natural resources. Biophilia and sustainability can be achieved by preserving natural and cultural environments and using resources in site and building design to encourage exploration. This knowledge can be used to modify space to enhance human experiences. Biophilic design addresses sustainability through tactile, emotional, and experiential approaches, creating buildings that are resource-saving, energy-efficient, and improve the socialization, productivity, health, and wellbeing of their occupants ^[19][21].

Biophilic design is a novel approach to interior design that tries to incorporate natural aspects into the built environment. Designers may create environments that are not only visually beautiful but also give multiple advantages to the occupants by including biophilic features such as plants, natural sunlight, and organic materials. These biophilic characteristics not only improve the aesthetic attractiveness of the interior space but also improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of those who live in these places. Plants are one biophilic component that may be introduced into interior spaces. Indoor plants have been proven to provide several advantages to people. Plants have been shown in studies to enhance air quality by lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

The fundamental dimensions of biophilic design can be categorized into six key elements: environmental features, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place-based relationships, and evolved human–nature relationships. These six elements encompass over 70 specific design attributes that contribute to creating a stronger connection between humans and nature. A Yale professor has extensively categorized biophilia into these elements and identified 72 specific features within them. For instance, within the environmental features element, air is recognized as one of its attributes. This comprehensive list of biophilic design attributes in landscape and architecture was developed based on the extensive exposure of the professor to a diverse range of authors and researchers in the field ^[6][16][6,18]. The Terrapin Bright Green List of 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design is an alternative tool that emphasizes recognizable patterns, nature–health linkages, and nature–design relationships ^[20][22]. Kellert’s original list of 72 attributes is limited by a shorter list of 14 attributes. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has raised awareness of sustainable design but has not provided holistic design strategies for biophilic design. Innovators in biophilic design, such as WELL Building and the Living Building Challenge, reference Kellert’s original list of design attributes. Kellert’s vocabulary for interior designers was extended further, allowing them to assist in WELL Building and the Living Building Challenge ^[16][18].

Color, light, and materiality are all connected design elements that occur together in an interior environment. Nevertheless, it is unknown how these three features are being applied in relation to biophilic features and how existing research supports biophilic features ^[21][23]. McGee and Marshall-Baker created the BDM to identify biophilic features in 24 children’s healthcare interiors. A study in South Atlantic state Child Life play areas found consistent biophilic attributes in some settings while lacking in others ^[22][8]. The BDM serves as a valuable instrument for evaluating the presence and effectiveness of biophilic design in healthcare environments for children.

Marte et al. tested the BID-M in urban playrooms by coding photographs from 45 children’s playrooms in Manhattan residential buildings. They evaluated overall and component inter-rater reliability, finding high overall reliability but low reliability in some components [7]. Designers’ perceptions of biophilic design were explored by developing an updated Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BDM) as a design tool. The results showed that practitioners had a better understanding of biophilic design, enabling designers to incorporate nature-based features in indoor settings ^[16][18].

McGee and Park examined biophilic interior design utilizing the BID-M vocabulary and its essential elements. They found that practitioners incorporated a range of biophilic attributes into their work, with color preferences being the top attribute. Abstraction of nature, composition, natural light, and natural materials were the top attributes that practitioners and the literature review had in common. Additional research is needed to fully understand how biophilic design can be variedly included for the best natural interior settings ^[21][23]. McGee et al. evaluated how Chinese design professionals perceived biophilia and the BID-M, as well as their reliability and validity. A pre- and post-questionnaire was used with 101 interior designers and architects, and the Chinese designer’s translation of the BID-M was seen as reliable, valid, and helpful in the design process ^[23][24].

The use of natural features such as plants, natural materials, and lighting is an essential part of biophilic design in preschool settings. Awad et al. investigated the significance of incorporating biophilic design principles into elementary school design regulations, such as lighting, daylight, materials, and ventilation, to enhance the wellbeing and health of children ^[24][25]. Meanwhile, Ondul et al. aimed to design a “Refuge Pod” piece of furniture using a biophilic design approach in a preschool setting while taking the demands of the space into consideration for both furniture and space. The research revealed that children are imaginative and like to play in tiny areas ^[25][26], underscoring the significance of establishing personal and engaging places.

In a study conducted by Yanez et al., young children from urban and rural areas were compared in terms of their biophilia and attitudes towards nature. The results revealed no significant variation based on geographical region. The study identified common themes, including the definition of nature, awareness of environmental effects, and adherence to natural rules. The researchers suggested that cognitive development and personal preferences might be more accurate indicators in this context ^[26][27]. In another study by Ünal and Özen, the benefits of exposing preschool children to nature through biophilic design in built environments were investigated. The researchers used content analysis, cognitive mapping, and semi-structured interviews to assess the overall score. They found that a statistically significant impact was observed when the p-value was less than 0.050 ^[27][28]. Showing a positive impact through contact with nature, Yassein and Ebrahiem discussed contemporary biophilic interior design techniques used in residential and workplace settings based on a discussion with architecture students. This situated the notion of biophilic interior design and resulted in a conceptual model that strengthens and supports the human–nature relationship ^[28][29]. This further reinforces the connection between humans and nature.

Incorporating biophilic design into educational facilities has various advantages, including higher test scores, greater health, and increased learning. The benefits extend to recreational spaces such as playgrounds, where biophilic design concepts can enhance children’s behavior, attention span, and mental health. Biophilic design patterns have been demonstrated to improve stress reduction, cognitive abilities, sensitivity, atmosphere, and preference. According to the research findings, biophilic design boosts liking for the environment, decreases stress, increases happiness, and encourages focus ^[29][30]. McGee measured biophilic design attributes in Child Life settings to improve health and wellbeing. The study utilized a biophilic interior design matrix tool and an open-ended questionnaire to create 24 case studies. The results indicated that there is a correlation between biophilic environments and effective Child Life play areas, with higher scores representing greater effectiveness. Another study involved 90 Child Life specialists who used a photographic technique to identify elements that contribute to the design of ideal playrooms in different hospitals. The findings highlighted the crucial role of Child Life specialists in designing or modifying these settings ^[30][31][31,32]. Schools and educational institutions play a significant role in fostering a connection with nature. By providing a natural environment, these institutions can offer benefits to young people, such as promoting the use of nature, enhancing attention, cognitive performance, and mood. Moreover, a natural environment in schools improves concentration and self-discipline and reduces physiological stress ^[32][33]. The concept of biophilia might be used in the classroom to contribute to the creation of ecologically sound urban environments ^[18][20]. Fadda et al.’s research specifically demonstrated the beneficial effects of biophilic design on preschoolers’ visual attention in indoor environments. Notably, even a brief exposure to plants on a desk for 48 seconds increased the duration of children’s initial visual fixation on art displays ^[33][34].