Biophilia in Space

Winn and colleagues report that “Natural materials, biomorphic forms, and the incorporation of plants and green elements are all strategies to implement biophilic design. Biophilic design can improve the cognitive and physiological health of individuals in interior environments. The purpose of this study was to assess if the integration of biophilic design in a virtual simulation of crew quarters on the International Space Station (ISS) can help improve emotions, while also improving cognitive and physiological responses in individuals. . . . The study found that there were statistically significant differences for emotions, including feelings of calm . . . content . . . nervousness . . . and indecisiveness . . . across the two environments. . . . Biophilic design could be beneficial for creating spaces that act as a human health countermeasure and to help ensure the wellbeing of astronauts and space travelers.”

Audrey Winn, Aditya Jayadas, Tilanka Chandrasekera, and Sherry Thaxton. “Biophilic Interventions in Space Habitat Crew Quarters to Improve Cognitive and Physiological Health.”  IEEE Xplore, 2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference.