Adapting Biophilic Design in Urban Riparian

Siti Rahmah Omar1, Johan Sohaili1 , Nur Hidayah Abd Rahman2

1Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia
2International Islamic University Malaysia, Pagoh, Johor, 84600, Malaysia

Introduction Results
Biophilia theory has been demonstrated by Based on the overall view, the urban riparian is designated as a vegetative boundary which divides the rivers
previous studies whereby people remain and its adjacent development.
strongly attached to the surrounding  The green infrastructure (GI) classification for all zones is limited to tree canopy and green open spaces.
regardless of whether the environment is in None of the buildings can be categorized as the ‘greenery on structure’ and the aquatic system typologies
its natural condition or surrounded by the are missing due to the excessive modification of the urban channel despite it being a river area.
fabricated and urbanized area. Application of
the biophilic design offers a sustainable
design strategy that seeks to reconnect
people with the natural environment [1].
The urban riparian in Malaysia has been
discovered to play vital roles in the ecosystem,
including maintaining the river water quality,
conserving the biodiversity, and stabilizing the
river banks [2]. Nevertheless, studies have
shown that throughout the land use
transformation, urban riparian has been used Fig.2. Site A has better connection as compared to Site B. Fig.3. The GI aquatic system typologies are missing.
as the buffer strip with its restricted
conditions and available guidelines have been  Site A is easily accessible and proper pedestrian ways facilitate the connection between Zone A1 and A2.
used in isolation[3][4], both resulting in the Despite Zone B1 being a preserved environment, the obstructing formation of the greenery has impeded
mismanagement of this reserved greenery. It any possible engagement with the adjacent occupants. In fact, the restricted public access to this
is fundamental to explore and understand the reserved area has been intentional to ensure public safety and prevent any unlawful act to the river.
natural ecosystem services provided by the Nevertheless, with minimal maintenance and reconstruction, the surrounding area of Site B can be
urban riparian which benefit humans and improved to benefit the adjacent residents.
other living organisms.

Objective
This study intends to explore the potential
functions of urban riparian to the adjacent
occupants by adopting the biophilic design
approaches.

Methods
Sungai Melana located in the Johor Bahru
district was selected due to its unique
conditions. The north-east river bank has an
undeveloped river reserve with wild
vegetation, while the south-west river bank
has been developed into a neighbourhood
green area which is accessible to the locals. Fig.4. The average daytime air temperature distribution in Site A and Site B.

 Site B, which is mostly covered with wild vegetation shows a higher thermal condition as compared to
Site A with several designated rows of canopy trees and better wind movement.
 Zone A1 has fulfilled the 14 indicators of the biophilic design, implying that it able to provides connection
which cultivate positive emotion, cognitive and psychological impact on the residents. Zone B1 has not
been well-maintained, causing the unpleasant feelings among the residents and has shown less impact
towards a good liveability of the residence, especially in promoting the residents’ health.
In summary, this study have provided a new insight into the importance of proper design, planning, and
management of the urban riparian in increasing the wellness of the urban residents.

Fig.1. Site condition and sampling points.

The site was surveyed using four techniques;
(i) identification of the green infrastructure
typologies [5][6] based upon the types of
greenery available at each site;
(ii) observations on the map circulation
patterns of the users walking at the site to
show the connection between the zones [7];
(iii) diurnal thermal investigation within the
two varied formations of urban riparian [8];
(iv) identification of the 14-biophilic design
patterns [9][10] for each site. The 14-
indicators of the biophilic design patterns
were used to overview the development of
the urban riparian space and potential
functions for the adjacent residents .
Conclusion
Based on the findings, it can be established that the issues of isolation and mismanagement of the urban
riparian can be gradually overcome, and the potential functions of an urban riparian can be maximized by
adopting the biophilic approaches.
References
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