Biophilic Design and Its Aesthetic Dimensions in Contemporary Interior Spaces

Since ancient times, humans have exhibited an innate tendency to connect and integrate with nature, as reflected in their use of natural materials in building their homes. Interior designers have long drawn inspiration from nature in their search for new conceptual and symbolic models. In the contemporary era, interior design practices have successfully integrated elements of nature into interior spaces, giving rise to rich, innovative, and evolving phenomena. These practices have demonstrated positive impacts on human psychological and physical well-being, enhanced environmental performance, and contributed to the distinctive aesthetic character of contemporary interior design. Accordingly, the research problem is articulated in the following question: What are the aesthetic potentials of biophilic design that foster positive responses across various design dimensions? The study aims to explore the concept of biophilic design and its aesthetic dimensions in contemporary interior spaces. The theoretical framework addressed the concept of biophilic interior design, the aesthetics of contemporary interior environments, and focused on analyzing the aesthetic dimensions of biophilic design. The research population was limited to interior spaces of Asian airports established within the last decade that adopted biophilic design principles. A case study approach was employed, leading to the following key conclusions: Biophilic design reveals multiple aesthetic dimensions—sensory, experiential, environmental, ethical, symbolic, and formal—offering interior spaces a renewed conceptual language and supporting their innovative qualities. Biophilic design demonstrates a high capacity to integrate functionality and beauty within a single space by evoking elements of living nature and harmoniously blending them into the interior, creating spaces rich in cognitive and emotional resonance.