Exploration of human-nature- connectedness in residential environments
- Vol.86(12), Dec
- Mumbai Indian Institute of Architects 2021
- 13-20p.
Globalization and urbanization have disconnected societies from nature -physically, materially, and psychologically, discounting human’s inherent affinity and desire to live in natural surroundings. Residential facilities need a comfortable living environment that call for connectedness with nature. In high-density urban areas, the biodiversity of surroundings is declining due to increasing construction activities encroaching on the natural surroundings. This aspect is adversely affecting the people living in high-rise apartments by disconnecting them from nature. This research investigates the relationship with nature that affects urban dwellers’ residential satisfaction. It presents a study comparing residential satisfaction between occupants residing in bungalows and apartments concerning the presence of the natural environment. Human-nature connectedness, people’s perception and aspirations about availability of nature at their residences is examined. The analysis revealed that residents try to satisfy their inherent desire for living with nature as far as possible irrespective of building typology. Analysis unfolded that provision of various spaces facilitating connectedness dictates people’s satisfaction regarding their residence. It is stressed that availability of spatial features providing connectivity with nature provides comfort, tranquillity, mental peace, and enriched experience of life.