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Worship & Nature

Nature is widely understood to foster psychological well-being, reduce stress, and promote physical wellbeing (Ulrich, 1993). According to Djokic et al. (2019, p. 171), “Bringing nature into the built environment causes increased participation in physical activities, improved mental health and cognitive function, and an increase in social interaction between people”.  

Further support for the biophilia hypothesis has been made through studies which examine the restorative benefits of nature and the built environment (Kellert, 2015). Meaning that the built environment can be made more restorative by incorporating natural elements into the design. Much of the current literature on biophilic design focuses on the benefits to health and wellbeing through restorative environments (Ryan et al., 2014; Joye, 2007). Much of the existing research focuses on the restorative effects of biophilic design in healthcare settings; however this project expands the typology to spiritual healthcare-places of worship!!!