Patrick Cipriano

This project studies the intersections between biophilia and net positive design and identifies the patterns used in the design of educational facilities that allows them to act as a catalyst for environmental and health benefits. With these patterns of design, educational facilities are able to work in conjunction with natural systems to provide a mutually beneficial experience for the environment and the user. Through the analysis of three case studies, patterns were chosen from connections of Terrapins Fifteen Patterns of Biophilic Design and the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge v.4.0 that highlight prospect, water, materials, energy, and beauty.The three case studies were selected through a case study protocol that came from a combination of standards from LEED Standards v.4.1, International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge v.4.0 standards, and American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment’s Framework for Design Excellence. Analysis of the case studies focused on Terrapins Patterns: 1) Visual Connection with Nature, 2) Dynamic and Diffuse Light, 3) Material Connection with Nature, and 4) Prospect; as well as the Living Building Challenge Imperatives: 1) Ecology of Place, 2) Responsible Water Use, 3) Responsible Materials, and 4) Beauty and Biophilia. As each pattern is examined, the techniques interact and work together to achieve biophilia in educational facilities. The patterns of biophilic design identify areas in which a building works as a catalyst for education and promotes environmental and health benefits for the user and surrounding context.