Biophilic Interior Design Assessment Model: Case Study Applications in Open-Plan Offices

Modern design has prioritized enclosed environments, disconnecting people from nature and contributing to environmental and health challenges. Biophilic design (BD) addresses these issues by integrating natural systems into built spaces, acknowledging the essential role of nature in human well-being. However, validating its applicability—particularly regarding the impact of natural elements that are difficult to quantify—requires further qualitative and quantitative research. Hence, this study proposes a Biophilic Interior Design Assessment Model (BIDAM) to assess how effectively interior spaces incorporate BD principles. The model uses image analysis of floor plans and visual representations, along with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, to evaluate the biophilic attributes. BIDAM was developed using three techniques: (i) literature synthesis, (ii) quantitative analysis, scoring twenty-three attributes with a total of eighty-two points, and (iii) expert perspectives provided by the research team through qualitative approaches. To test the model, three case studies were selected from among the top architecture projects in Australia, and their interior designs were evaluated in terms of BD principles, attributes, and patterns. The overall findings show that, along with quantitative analysis, a qualitative analysis is needed for a holistic evaluation. The findings also suggest that the most effective BD could be achieved not by simply increasing the number of biophilic elements or patterns but by creating a harmonious combination of patterns and attributes that complements and enhances the overall design concept.