SHE - Smart & Happy Environments #8

MAGAZINE SHE

Personality Alex Justi

The Urban Observatory and the Smart and Happy Transformation of Cities

Greetings, dear enthusiasts of Smart & Happy Environments!

Patricia Fraga Executive Director Abayomi Academy

In our 8th edition, join us on a captivating journey into the world of Alexader Justi, our featured Personality. With profound expertise in City Information Modeling, urban infrastructure, and technology, he is a pioneering force shaping the future of architecture. Join us for an exclusive interview, delving into his insights and contributions.

In January, we eagerly commence the fourth year of SHE magazine, anticipating a March milestone. Reflecting on its evolution, this edition marks a transformative moment for Abayomi Academy, breathing fresh life into this magazine and other publications. This brings additional benefits, enriching the experience for our valued members. As we kick off this fourth year, excitement surrounds the continued growth, innovation, and shared discovery in the realms of Smart & Happy Environments.

This edition echoes the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and the pursuit of a smart and happy life. Contributors illuminate the intersection of technology and well-being, inviting you to envision thrilling possibilities in the future.

Navigating the dynamic landscape of Smart & Happy Environments, this edition serves as a compass, guiding us toward the future. Join us in celebrating our journey, the inspiring stories within, and the exciting evolution that awaits us.

Let’s collectively embrace the future and make 2024 a truly happy year for all!

ALEX JUSTI

1) Who is Alexander Justi?

Alexander Justi, a visionary architect and urbanist with expertise from Brasilia University Center, graduated in 2004 from Bennett Methodist Institute. Pioneering in City Information Modeling, he focuses on improving public management. As a prolific author, he inaugurated a book on Autodesk Revit in Brazil, transcending academia.

Justi’s groundbreaking contributions include collaborative works like “Smart Cities” and “Vaccinated Cities,” delving into the transformative potential of 3D CIM models for city management. Actively involved in BIM-driven project management, team collaboration, and education, Justi, a certified Autodesk professional, directs Grupo AJ, shaping Brazil’s BIM landscape. His visionary leadership extends to founding CBIM. In his role as a professor, Justi imparts extensive BIM knowledge, contributing to the future of architecture. With a career in computer graphics since 1990 and dedicated BIM work since 2006, Alexander Justi stands as a luminary, shaping the field through innovation and education.

2) What motivated you to work with BIM/CIM?

My motivation to work with BIM comes from 2005, when I discovered the Revit Building software, recently acquired by Autodesk. At the time, I was an application engineer at Autodesk and received training outside of Brazil to offer a new solution to the Brazilian market.

After returning to Brazil. decide to write the first book on software in Portuguese and start to specialize. I started to provide implementation and implementation consulting, training, and lectures throughout Brazil.

As an urban planner, and I love the subject of cities, I started looking for the union of BIM with other technologies to have cities in 3D and their information applied.

I developed my master’s thesis on the CIM, where I researched the subject in depth.

3) What is CIM and how can it contribute to smart and happy cities?

The CIM is still a paradigm. However, we can initially consider it as a BIM on the urban scale.

It cannot be considered just a technology similar to BIM for cities, but the union of several technologies, such as BIM, GIS, Iot, 5G, Cloud, BigData, Blockchain, and Point Cloud, among others, which together allow create a 3D environment of a city and work with its various embedded information.

In my master’s research, I define the CIM as a gateway to the creation of a smart city, since there is a need to collect all the city’s data on a unified basis.

4) How do you assess the importance of BIM and CIM in today’s cities?

The importance of using BIM in cities assumes that this technology, together with the collaborative work methodology, allows public managers to have more efficiency and quality in projects and works. In addition, it allows them to pay attention to the postwork, with the aim of maintenance. Putting the CIM into practice, we will have a complete virtual environment of the city in 3D, with all its information linked. We would have managers accessing this information more easily to control their decisions about the city more assertively. Furthermore, it makes it possible, through a single database common to all the work chain (city hall, government departments, public utilities of energy, water, etc.), to make decisions about their work together.

For the population and the private sector, open access to city data on legislation, taxes, property sales values, etc.

5) How can the role of public and private managers make a difference in the quality of life in cities?

Public and private managers can make a difference in the quality of life in cities by finding solutions to the needs and problems that the population and the city itself have. Offer technologies that are easily accessible to the population and the private sector, to allow access to diverse information about the city and create technologies that use this information base for common use.

6) What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge I faced in my career was challenging myself in the quest to be the best. Not necessarily for others, but for myself.

I’ve always liked looking for news and being among the first to understand

and talk about something. This happened with BIM and is currently happening with CIM.

But for that to happen, it depends on a lot of research and study, and a lot of dedication to putting together an organized work plan that interests those who will buy the idea.

My company was my biggest challenge....to create a company from scratch, in a room at home, and make it grow at a national level, become the largest BIM education company in Brazil, and start to be one of the largest in the world.

7) What is the role of the Brazilian BIM Chamber and how can other countries be inspired by it?

The Brazilian BIM Chamber is an association of users and companies using BIM technology.

Its function is to disseminate BIM throughout Brazil and support its members with BIM materials and events. It also has the idea of giving support to government bodies and companies that want to start the implementation work.

There are already several BIM associations in several countries, and CBIM is just one of them, supporting the national market and bringing its members closer to new technologies and products from companies that are also associated or sponsors.

It is a good way to expand the subject, break preconceptions, and teach professionals to work with this methodology.

8) How do you understand the importance of your work in people’s lives?

My job is to guide people, allowing BIM to spread correctly and the methodology to be used throughout Brazil.

I work as an influencer, through my lectures, my classes, and my YouTube channel.

I believe that people who listen to me see me as someone who can be listened to and with quality information — not just a novice user wanting to appear in the market through social networks.

I believe that I have gained a degree of respect for my work in the market and, because of that, my opinions, suggestions, and ideas are always well-received.

An example of this was the creation of the Brazilian BIM Chamber, where I decided to get in touch with several people and we managed to set up the national association based only on an idea I had.

9) Do you believe that the use of CIM contributes to the promotion of smart environments and people’s happiness? Why?

I believe that the use of CIM contributes to the promotion of smart environments and people’s happiness.

City Information Modeling is exactly a common environment among all citizens, entrepreneurs, and government.

In it, we can build a virtual city for virtual interactivity. Things of our day-to-day being resolved in the virtual world, such as going to a store to buy a product, talking to people,

going to a government secretariat to solve a problem, and having access to solutions integrated with the internet and reality, among others. People will be able to access the CIM environment as if it were a video game, walking around the city with their avatars. The idea that is being talked about a lot about the metaverse.

In short, citizens are happy to solve their daily demands and needs more quickly, avoiding queues, and congestion, with fewer cars on the streets, with more sustainable thinking.

Cortesia de CAU/BR

What do you really like about your community that the rest of the world is worth knowing and getting inspired by?

What I love most about my community is the enchanting blend of tradition and modernity that defines us. Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, our town is a tapestry of cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with blue accents, and a lively market that showcases the rich tapestry of Tunisian culture. The warmth and hospitality of my fellow Sidi Bou Said residents create a sense of belonging that transcends generations. Our community is not just a place to live; it’s a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of history and innovation.

IMAGE BY FILIP STRÁŽNICKÝ FROM PIXABAY

Amina Al-Mansouri City of Sidi Bou Said, Tunis

Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia in Brazil, stands as a shining example of how rich cultural heritage can complement the concept of smart cities. This historic city is renowned for its globally recognized traditions, such as the Iemanjá festival on February 2nd at the Rio Vermelho Beach, an event that illustrates the harmonious integration of culture and innovation. Salvador demonstrates that culture is an essential pillar that works in conjunction with innovative urban technologies, promoting sustainable and inclusive development. The celebration of Iemanjá perfectly exemplifies how cultural events can align with smart city strategies, ensuring the preservation of tradition while embracing technological progress for the well-being of the community.

Antonio Paim

City of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

PHOTOS: ANTONIO PAIM

Why Today’s Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow’s Business Success

MATTHEW PHELAN

I’ve been working closely with HR professionals for a decade now, and I’ve observed that most people who work in HR-related fields care deeply about the people they work with. What I’ve learned from writing two books, researching and interviewing hundreds of experts is that the best way to understand humans and what helps them to survive and thrive in the workplace is Neuroscience.

Neuroscience is a relatively new field. It builds on psychological theories with data-driven facts. We’ve been able to distill decades of research and scientific discovery into an easy-to-understand model that brings to life how to build a thriving culture.

Why would you want a thriving culture?

Well, this is where the real-world application of our model comes into play. I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of organizations that have implemented our model, and the results bear out what scientific research has suggested. People who are happy AND engaged are more productive members of their organization.

Creating a work environment where your people can survive and thrive is about creating one where they’re able to be themselves emotionally, and where they have the drive and freedom to engage fully in their work. Happiness is the heart, engagement is the brain, you need to activate both to get the most out of your people. Many organizations fail to see the importance of happiness in the equation.

What makes people happy at work?

Within our neuroscience model, there are four key themes associated with happy employees.

Building an environment that gives your people the space they need to be happy at work is key to business success.

The four themes we focus on when it comes to happiness are Safety, Relationships, Freedom, and Acknowledgement. Let’s look at each of these in turn.

Safety

Feeling physically and psychologically safe is so important to be able to feel happy at work. Safety is linked directly to performance because when an individual doesn’t feel safe, their amygdala is activated. When this area of the brain is active, it’s really hard to bring any of the other areas of the brain online. This means people can’t be as creative, or think as deeply about their work. Improving feelings of safety is all about ensuring the work environment is safe, building feelings of trust between leaders and employees and the business as a whole, and work-life harmony.

Relationships

We’ve all heard the phrase, “People quit managers not jobs” and while this has a kernel of truth in it, it doesn’t show the whole story. All relationships within an organization are important. We call this energetic connection - the feeling of really understanding those we work with and naturally clicking. It’s important for creating a team that you might describe as “buzzing”. It’s important to think about team

Creating a work environment where your people can survive and thrive is about creating one where they’re able to be themselves emotionally, and where they have the drive and freedom to engage fully in their work. Happiness is the heart, engagement is the brain, you need to activate both to get the most out of your people.

dynamics and also how individuals can create meaningful personal relationships within your organization. This sense of community is a vital social ingredient to our emotional needs.

Freedom

This is an important and often overlooked area of emotional wellbeing within an organization. It’s so important to us at the Happiness Index that #FreedomtobeHuman is our vision and something we hope to achieve for everyone we work with. Freedom at work is the ability to choose your path wherever possible. It links well with safety because an important part of freedom is feeling free to be yourself - acceptance and authenticity are two of the most important factors in freedom. The last aspect here is autonomy, which is important in giving people the space to explore and grow, and ultimately to take ownership of their responsibilities.

Acknowledgment

The last aspect of happiness within the workplace is Acknowledgement. In our study of over 12 million data points on happiness from 1 million human beings this was the area that most organisations scored lowest on - meaning individuals did not feel that they were heard or appreciated within their role. Building acknowledgment within your organization’s culture is all about focusing on recognition, listening to your people, and creating space for authentic, candid, and constructive two-way feedback. This area is all about emotional validation and is key for encouraging people to perform at their best.

How can HR teams make a difference in happiness within their organizations?

It’s important to note here that it’s impossible to make people happy at work. Because we’re all human and experience the full spectrum of human emotions, it’s also impossible for everyone to feel happy all the time. But, HR teams can make a real difference to how happy their people are, by creating an environment in which they can feel happy, survive, and thrive.

The best way to do this is to listen to your people. The first step to building happiness within your team is to understand what your team specifically wants and needs. Once you’ve got to the bottom of this, it’s much easier to start to understand how to create an HR programme that delivers the results you’re looking for.

Starting your listening programme

If you’re ready to start listening to your people, understanding their unique needs, and building happiness within your organization to reach the business results you’re looking for, why not speak to one of our experts or check out our employee engagement and happiness platform? Our happiness advisors can help you to personalize a listening programme to achieve your goals.

MATTHEW PHELAN

A dedicated Dad, Founder, CEO, Board Advisor, Author, and TEDx Speaker, advocates for a human-centric future in technology. Balancing family and work, he passionately focuses on The Happiness Index, co-founded to positively impact the future of work. A proud geek and advocate for decency.

The Urban Observatory and the Smart and Happy Transformation of Cities

ABAYOMI ACADEMY

The Urban Observatory, led by Abayomi Academy, is a global network of communities that aims to solve urban challenges. This borderless research center identifies, debates, and thoroughly evaluates urban issues, promoting understanding, active participation, and a global database. An invitation to action and innovation, the initiative embraces the complexity of urban problems, seeking effective solutions. With local, regional, and global centers, the network connects communities, institutions, and professionals, facing urban challenges and building smarter and happier cities. You are invited to actively participate in this transformative move-

ment, shaping the sustainable and happy urban future we all desire. The Urban Observatory is more than an idea; It’s a revolution in motion, shaping tomorrow with innovation and collaboration.

The Mission of the Urban Observatory

The Urban Observatory emerges as a global force with a bold mission to transform cities, joining efforts to overcome urban challenges. With the possibility of establishing local, regional, or thematic Observatories, all interconnected in an international network, the initiative represents a revolution in practice. Functioning as a research center open to the world, it aims

to identify, discuss, and evaluate urban challenges, sharing solutions already implemented in other cities. This convergence platform brings together professionals, institutions, and communities to seek effective and practical solutions to contemporary urban problems.

The Urban Observatory invites action, collaboration, and innovation, promoting joint efforts to build more inclusive and improved cities. Celebrating global collaboration, it recognizes cities as places of cultural exchange, diverse perspectives, and enriching experiences. The active participation of citizens is essential, with the search for smarter cities and happier inhabitants being the fundamental guideline. Among the intrinsic objectives, we highlight the union of communities without borders, the analysis and discussion of challenges, community empowerment through the participation and development of local leaders, the recognition of the potential of each community, the creation of a Global Database, and the contribution to promoting smart cities and happy citizens.

How it works:

Communities, institutions, and companies create Urban Observatory hubs in their localities, connected to the central hub to share information globally. By creating a global network of Urban Observatories, the project fosters collaboration between communities, institutions, and professionals worldwide. These hubs, crucial links in the search for urban solutions, promote inter-community collaboration, and sharing experiences and resources.

The Urban Observatory holds periodic hub meetings, supported by the Abayomi Academy. In these sessions, the centers undertake the crucial steps of identifying urban challenges and thoroughly analyzing challenging issues in their community. Furthermore, they address emerging needs, promoting community participation. Collaboration culminates in proposals for effective solutions, reflected in concrete action plans, based on solid evidence and interdisciplinary cooperation. The Observatory seeks to connect problems to solutions,

sharing experiences globally to inspire innovative and efficient local resolutions.

The Urban Observatory foresees significant impacts when addressing urban challenges. The expected results encompass social and economic improvements, such as improved quality of life, sustainable development, reduced inequalities, and community strengthening. Emphasis is placed on the reframing of architectural and urban spaces and deeper impacts. It is also committed to environmental sustainability, promoting ecological practices in transport, energy, waste management, and preservation of green areas. Infrastructure is addressed, including improvements to transportation, housing, energy, and public spaces. Citizen participation, rehabilitation projects, and educational programs aim to empower communities, transforming cities with valuable learning and overcoming challenges.

How to participate:

We invite you to actively participate in the process of urban transformation in your community. Let’s explore how you can contribute your ideas, how to get involved in urban innovation projects, and how to find inspiration from successful examples. See how the Urban Observatory opens doors to citizen participation and the collective construction of smarter cities and happier citizens.

1. Create a Local Hub Companies, organizations, institutions, and communities can create their hubs. Starting a local Urban Observatory is an act of citizenship and determination, bringing immeasurable benefits. Become an agent of change by empowering your community to overcome urban challenges. Contact Abayomi Academy at observatory@ abayomiacademy.org to obtain more information. Abayomi Academy offers ongoing support, recommending steps such as assembling a dedicated team, identifying local needs, and collaborating with other hubs after creation.

The Urban Observatory emerges as a global force with a bold mission to transform cities, joining efforts to overcome urban challenges. With the possibility of establishing local, regional, or thematic Observatories, all interconnected in an international network, the initiative represents a revolution in practice.

2. Participate in Regional Hubs

Regional hubs bring together several local hubs in a geographic area, which allows the sharing of knowledge, resources, and effective strategies to deal with common issues, promoting the exchange of experiences, amplification of impact, political influence, and continuous learning. Regional integration enhances collaborations on larger-scale projects.

3. Participate in Global Hubs

Global hubs connect Urban Observatories from different parts of the world. This allows communities to share solutions, identify global trends, and work on initiatives that affect cities on an international scale. Some benefits of global integration are broadening perspective, collaborative innovation, international impact and support, and cultural exchange.

Your Citizen Contribution is Valued

Whether you are a resident, specialist, or interested in the community, your participation is crucial. If there is yet to be a hub in your company, community, or institution, join the Abayomi Academy hub, identify urban challenges, propose solutions, and participate in discussions. You can still volunteer, get involved in collaborative projects, share your skills with Urban Observatory hubs, or participate in community events. Your contribution is valued in many ways.

Each idea, voluntary action, or proposal contributes to the desired sustainable and happy urban future. As the Urban Observatory network grows, our global impact increases exponentially. The invitation is universal: unite, regardless of origin or ability, to improve our cities. By facing challenges, celebrating achievements, and moving forward, we collectively build the urban tomorrow we deserve. Be part of this transformative journey, shaping the future of cities. Get in touch: observatory@ abayomiacademy.org.

ABAYOMI ACADEMY

A membership association to unite professionals interested in promoting smart and happy environments. A place where education and research about smart and happy environments and cities merge.

The Abayomi Methodology, Community Vitality, and Blue Zones: Building Smart and Happy Cities

PATRÍCIA FRAGA

The endeavor to cultivate environments conducive to happiness represents not merely a professional initiative but a lifelong mission that originated in childhood through conceptualizations of “ideal cities.” My comprehension, fostered by diverse urban experiences, elucidates that the development of intelligent environments surpasses technological advancements, emphasizing the centrality of human beings. Our commitment is anchored in the vision of hospitable cities. Commencing with contemplation on community vitality within smart cities, anchored in the foundational tenets of the Abayomi Methodology™, we will delve into insights derived from the Blue Zones. These geographic regions exemplify longevity and contentment stemming from robust social connections and shared purpose. Proposing a collective challenge, as authentic intelligence manifests in deeds, I extend an invitation to collectively explore solutions, charting the course toward smarter cities and genuinely flourishing communities.

Comprehending the Abayomi Methodology: Preliminary Insights

Before we dive into the complexity of smart cities, it’s crucial to grasp how the concept has evolved. In the Abayomi approach, smart cities go beyond just being tech centers; they are like ecosystems designed carefully to meet the varied needs of the people who live there. The shift from regular cities to digitally connected ones has been a big change, impacting how we live and interact. When we talk about a city being intelligent, we mean using resources wisely to make sure everyone’s well-being is taken care of, leading to a happier community.

The Abayomi Methodology, which is essential for making smart cities and happy citizens, has six key pillars:

1. Conscious Citizenship: Empowers citizens to be agents of change, promoting awareness about rights, responsibilities, and impacts.

2. Physical and Digital Space: Creates accessible, inclusive, and efficient urban environments through the interconnection of physical and digital space.

3. Innovative Management: Goes beyond traditional administrative practices, incorporating agile approaches focused on the needs of the community.

4. Smart communication: Unifies communities through effective communication, disseminating information, and building bridges between different groups.

5. Human Relations: Human relations strengthen ties between neighbors, colleagues, and friends, being the basis for a more cohesive, supportive, and happy society.

6. Health and Wellbeing: Health and well-being are guiding principles in urban design to build a solid foundation for a thriving community.

By bringing together these pillars of the Abayomi Methodology, we lay the groundwork for genuinely smart cities where community well-being thrives. In the next part of this text, we’ll look at how these principles show up in real life and influence what’s coming next for our cities and our lives.

The Essence of Community Vitality

Let’s delve into community vitality, the magical ingredient that turns cities into vibrant, meaningful homes. This tangible reality, seen in well-developed areas, is reflected in the happiness of each resident, rooted in human connections and inclusive relationships. This vitality acts as the unseen thread weaving through each aspect of the Abayomi Methodology, establishing optimal conditions for its growth. Conscious citizenship, connected physical and digital spaces, innovative management, effective and smart communication, human relations, and well-integrated health and well-being concerns form the core.

Recognizing the importance of community vitality, we understand that a genuinely smart city cannot exist without a thriving community. We’re constructing more than just infrastructure; we’re creating environments that nurture the human spirit. Community vitality is essential for the well-being of each resident and the prosperity of the city. Everyday examples will illustrate how these principles shape our communities. Next, we’ll explore the Blue Zones.

Lessons from the Blue Zones

The concept of “Blue Zones,” coined by Dan Buettner with National Geographic, points to places like Okinawa, Sardinia, and Nicoya, where residents experience longer lives and exceptional well-being. These zones serve as real-world classrooms, providing important insights into community vitality, social connections, and how having a sense of purpose contributes to a long and happy life. Let’s delve into these regions for inspiration to create our own smart, healthy, and happy communities.

Okinawa, Japan:

In Okinawa, we discover a community challenging typical aging patterns. The key lesson is rooted in the enduring social bonds fostered throughout life. Instead of withdrawing, older individuals are woven into a network of meaningful relationships. Friendships, family, and community belonging are not just life components but serve as nourishing elixirs for the spirit, extending life’s journey.

Sardinia, Italy:

In the enchanting region of Sardinia, we uncover the significance of family meals as a cherished ritual. Dining together is more than a mere physical activity; it forms an emotional connection that binds families and enhances social unity. In this setting, the dining table transforms into a sacred space for family ties and a festive hub of community life. Here, the sharing of stories and laughter is as vital as the nourishing food itself.

Authentic intelligence manifests in deeds, I extend an invitation to collectively explore solutions, charting the course toward smarter cities and genuinely flourishing communities

Nicoya, Costa Rica:

At Nicoya, purpose drives longevity and satisfaction, being a voluntary commitment by everyone to something greater. Residents find meaning in actively contributing to well-being, whether through volunteer activities, social support or sharing wisdom. This collective pursuit creates a web of interconnected relationships, where each action contributes to the community narrative, providing daily meaning and a solid foundation for lasting well-being.

Exploring these lessons unveils core values that extend beyond diets and magic formulas. Nurturing social bonds, embracing family meals, and finding purpose in life—crucial for collective well-being—rely not on technology but on local resources. These straightforward elements serve as enduring cornerstones in Blue Zones, supporting not only longevity but authentic happiness. Contemplating these lessons challenges us to implement them in

our communities, reshaping our cities into environments for meaningful living and enduring connections. In communities, we witness the groundwork of the Abayomi Methodology in constructing a wholesome, joyful, and intelligent life.

Application for Smart Cities and Happy Citizens

As we transform theory into practice, the lessons of Blue Zones and the Abayomi Methodology come to the fore in building truly smart, healthy, and happy cities, integrating technology with community vitality. We envision security systems promoting connections and adaptable urban spaces, optimizing efficiency, and encouraging social interactions. Social innovation is not an accessory, but the fabric that weaves the city together.

The call to action resonates powerfully, challenging the adoption of community-strengthening practices for a future where every citizen not only survives but thrives. The revolution begins in our daily actions, inspiring collective change and the building of genuinely happy communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to share ideas about community vitality in smart cities and invite everyone to explore joint solutions, unlocking the potential for community happiness.

PATRÍCIA FRAGA

Patricia Fraga is an Architect and Urban planner, Phd, executive director at Abayomi Academy, founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Abayomi. A co-author of the Abayomi Methodology.

Biophilic design in Architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability

DR. LAMIAA ADEL SHAHEEN

Abstract

‘Nature’ and biophilic design have attracted a lot of attention in architecture over the past 10 years, particularly in reaction to escalating environmental problems.

To analyze biophilic design as a theoretical framework to understand “nature” in architecture, this study reviews the relevant literature.

The ensuing queries are addressed:

(1) How did the idea of “biophilic design” come about, and what does it mean?

(2) How might biophilic design advance the aims of sustainable construction?

(3) What are the main biophilic design principles?

Keywords: Biophilic design; Biophilic architecture; Sustainability; Sustainable architecture; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Nature-based solutions.

Introduction

A growing obsession with rediscovering “nature” has evolved in the past ten years, motivated by a fascination and desire for “nature” as well as the goals of enhancing health, wellbeing, circularity, and resilience. However, the term “nature” is ambiguous, illusive, and contentious, and the usage of “nature” in architecture frequently sparks disagreements and criticisms. How to conceptualize the idea of “nature” is one of the most important issues since “nature itself is not nature: it is a concept, a norm, a recall, a utopia, or an alternative plan”. Also, it is important to think critically about literal greening, a marketing strategy that has little effect on solving social, economic, and environmental problems.

Environmental consciousness and new sustainable building trends

The building industry contributes significantly to sustainable development and accounts for around 40% of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions related to energy. Since we spend 90% of our time indoors, buildings also have a substantial impact on human health and wellbeing (European Commission, 2003; Roberts, 2016). One of the most serious difficulties facing modern urban architecture is re-connecting with “nature. The majority of city people had limited access to gardens, parks, or the countryside, particularly during the COVID-19 shutdown. In this context, recent years have seen an increase in celebration of the incorporation of “nature” into structures. There is growing interest in enhancing the benefits of contact with “nature” while minimizing the consequences of humans on the natural environment in both academic study and architectural practice. We observe the trend of increased “greening” of architecture through components like green facades, green roofs, and vertical gardens within the broad subject of sustainable design. Sometimes, simple marketing jargon hides the lack of genuine advancements or efficacy.

What is biophilic design?

“Biophilic design recognizes that nature contributes to our wellbeing, helping our productivity and creativity”. Buildings are newcomers on the evolutionary. The sun provided warmth and light as well as information about the time of day. Large trees provided shelter from the midday sun and places to sleep at night to avoid terrestrial predators. Flowers and seasonal vegetation provided food, materials, and medicinal treatments.

Biophilic design for sustainable architecture

Biophilia, which refers to love life and living things in the term, reflects the mixture of the “bio” of the “philia”, which indicates the pleasant feelings that individuals experience toward their dwellings in their natural surroundings, as opposed to “fears”. This theory further clarifies why people feed animals, grow plants, go to zoo gardens, enjoy the greenery and wildlife, and occasionally risk their lives to save a life in danger.

The love of natural life is an innate emotion that sustains life. In this perspective, biophilia is the outcome of any action that is motivated by the desire to protect life and offspring. Evolutionary psychology has been defended and explained using the biophilia theory. Today, although humans are cut off from nature, conflict appears in all parts of everyday life in an attempt to protect this bond and forge important connections inside the mind.

In opposition to the quick availability of car traffic, biophilic cities provide options for a gradual movement that permits investigation. bicycle tracks increase trekking pathways with green spaces. Biophilic cities offer improved ocular

and visual experiences using natural materials and forms. It also presents a significant chance for environmental education. It is envisaged that the view of nature will also serve as a living habitat that encourages involvement in rehabilitation.

Results and discussion

To stop the advancement of technology and a defined study that keeps up with it, architects must also adopt the philosophy of lifelong learning in their own field and fulfill the requirement to translate what they have learned into concrete perspectives and concrete approaches. The designer must constantly serve as a unifying force, a negotiating ground for many contexts, and a thought leader in creating this sustainable social framework. It must be understood that the environment and the design professional play a conscious and educational role in this environment, as they might exist among today’s consumption products without completely understanding the concept of sustainability. It’s important to understand where the concepts and questions used to define sustainability diverge from its actual meaning. Architects must determine which “biophilia” characteristics can be incorporated into the environmental objectives. The study’s sustainability and biophilic design criteria have been created and linked in an effort to clarify the role of architects.

References

1. Kellert, S and Calabrese, E 2015 The practice of biophilic design Terrapin Bright LLC.

2. Kellert, S R 2005 Building for life: Designing and understanding the Human-Nature connection (2nd Edition) Island Press.

3. Soderlund, J and Newman, 2015 Biophilic architecture: A review of the rationale and outcomes. AIMS Environmental Science 2 (4) pp 950–969.

4. Kellert, S R, Heerwagen, J and Mador, M 2011 Biophilic design: the theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life John Wiley & Sons.

5. Dogan Karaman, G and Selçuk, S A 2021 Restorative design approach for elderly people: Revisiting biophilia hypothesis and universal design principles in assisted living facilities Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning 9 (1) pp 19-28.

6. Barton J and Pretty J 2010 What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multistudy analysis. Environmental science & technology, 44 (10) pp 3947-3955.

DR. LAMIAA ADEL SHAHEEN

Assistant professor, Interior Design Department at Oman College of Management and Technology, Muscat, Oman.

HOW DOES THE URBAN OBSERVATORY INVOLVE CITIZENS IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING PUBLIC ACTIVITIES AND AUDIENCES?

Citizen participation is fundamental to the Urban Observatory’s approach. It employs diverse public activities, including town hall meetings, community forums, and online platforms, to involve communities in co-creating urban plans, rehabilitation projects, and environmental initiatives. Through tailored education programs, targeted workshops, and accessible feedback mechanisms, citizens of all demographics actively contribute to shaping their urban environment. This inclusive approach

empowers communities, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their cities among residents from various backgrounds and perspectives.

For more information, contact: observatory@abayomiacademy.org

CALENDAR

Embark on a journey through the innovative landscape of Smart Cities, Vertical Cities, and Urban Mobility with our comprehensive events calendar. This meticulously curated guide is designed for professionals, enthusiasts, and stakeholders in the realms of urban development and technology. It serves as your portal to the most pivotal and enlightening events that are shaping the way we understand, design, and inhabit our urban environments. From enlightening symposiums to engaging forums and cutting-edge exhibitions, our calendar is a bridge to the future of urban living, offering insights into sustainable city planning, vertical urbanization, and the revolution in urban mobility. Engage with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers who are at the forefront of crafting smarter, more resilient, and inclusive cities for tomorrow.

FEBRUARY 2024

eMobility Expo World Congress 2024

02/13

Valencia (Spain)

https://www.emobilityworldcongress.com/

02/15-17

02/21-22

02/27-29

2024 International Conference on Smart City and Information System (ICSCIS 2024) Penang, Malaysia

https://www.icscis.net/

Urban Land Institute - India Annual Conference 2024 Mumbai, India

https://uli.org/events/detail/855341D0-A276-4997-A3FC-6D9A9C11D61F/

Smart City Expo Latam Congress

Siglo XXI Convention Center in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.

https://smartcityexpolatam.com/

Citywide Conversation w/ the ABI: Digital Inclusion and Smart Cities Atlanta, GA

02/29

03/15

03/04-06

03/15-24

03/20

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/citywide-conversation-w-the-abi-digital-inclusion-and-smart-cities-tickets-824503661647

MARCH 2024

Launch of the new Abayomi Academy website and new exclusive session for members. www.abayomiacademy.org

Vertical Cities 2024 - Singapore

https://www.marcusevans.com/conferences/verticalcities/delegates?slid=1919174

World Happiness Week

Online by World Happiness Foundation

https://worldhappiness.foundation/fest/about/

“Mosaic of Happiness: Insights from Diverse Minds”, a thought-provoking and inspiring online talk presented by Abayomi Academy to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. On Abayomi Academy YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@abayomiacademy

Would you like to feature your event in our future editions?

Please, send an email to publication@abayomiacademy.org for more info.