What is Biohabitability?

What is Biohabitability?

Biohabitability refers to the capacity of built environments to promote the physical and psychological well-being of their occupants, integrating principles of sustainability, health, and comfort. It involves creating spaces that not only respect the environment but also enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit them.

In architecture, this approach seeks to design buildings that are healthy and sustainable, considering aspects such as energy efficiency, air quality, the use of non-toxic materials, and the relationship with the natural surroundings. Biohabitability adopts a holistic view, addressing the connection between people, spaces, and the environment.

Throughout this article, we will delve into the key principles that define biohabitability, exploring how they can be applied in architecture to create spaces that respond to both human needs and environmental challenges. [1]

Principles of Biohabitability

Environmental Comfort

Environmental comfort refers to the creation of spaces that provide optimal conditions in terms of temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting, and acoustics. The goal is to ensure the well-being of occupants by optimizing the quality of the indoor environment, paying attention to elements that influence their health and comfort. [2] The key factors contributing to environmental comfort are described below:

Hygrothermal comfort. This refers to the control of temperature and humidity to ensure thermal well-being. An environment with adequate temperatures and controlled humidity reduces thermal stress and improves occupant comfort.

Ventilation. A distinction should be made between natural ventilation, whose main objective is to improve thermal sensation on warm days and cool down the environment that may have accumulated temperature throughout the day, and air renewal, which is solely intended to introduce fresh, clean air into the room to ensure the health of occupants and guarantee air conditions free of CO2 and other pollutants.

Natural lighting. Biohabitability design criteria aim to maximize sunlight entry, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This not only improves visual comfort but also positively impacts mood and energy efficiency.

Acoustics. Controlling environmental noise through acoustic design helps reduce stress, improve concentration, and create a quieter environment conducive to rest and work.

Health and Well-being

Health has been defined by the WHO as a complete state of mental, physical, and social well-being, and as places of refuge, our built environments, urban planning, and natural surroundings have a decisive impact on our health.

The health and well-being of a built space include the selection of healthy materials, neuroarchitecture, and other aspects that directly impact the physical and psychological health of occupants. This approach seeks to create environments that are not only pleasant but also contribute to the holistic health of those who inhabit them. The key factors influencing health and well-being are described below:

Healthy materials: This refers to the use of natural, locally sourced materials with reduced environmental impact that generate a positive effect on human and environmental health, contributing to improving the health of our living spaces. We will opt for natural, breathable, hygroscopic materials, preferably without the need for finishes such as paints and varnishes, and that do not emit toxic substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), among others. The choice of these materials is crucial to avoid indoor air pollutants and ensure a safe environment.

Neuroarchitecture: This concept involves designing spaces that positively influence the psychological state of occupants. The spatial distribution, its relationship with the exterior, the materials used, as well as hygrothermal conditions, color, and texture of surfaces, all affect the perception of the environment and shape the emotions and sensations experienced when occupying it.

Indoor air quality: This focuses on ensuring fresh and clean air inside a habitable space, guaranteeing comfort and avoiding pollutants. To achieve this, it will be essential to ensure a comfortable temperature without reducing ambient humidity, guarantee excellent ventilation and air renewal while avoiding energy losses, and prevent polluting emissions from materials and furniture and decoration elements. [3]

Reduction of exposure to electromagnetic fields: The use of new technologies and the hyperconnectivity of our living spaces lead to continuous exposure to electromagnetic fields, which can result in long-term health problems. This exposure can disrupt sleep and hinder the body’s regeneration.

Furthermore, many people may experience chronic fatigue and general discomfort due to exposure to electromagnetic radiation, as well as radio waves from common technologies such as Wi-Fi and mobile telephony. This situation can lead to increased oxidative stress and decreased melatonin levels, affecting the immune system and potentially raising the risk of serious diseases, including cancer.

Sustainability and Resource Efficiency

The principle of sustainability and resource efficiency focuses on reducing environmental impact through energy efficiency, water management, and the responsible and conscious use of sustainable materials through design that reduces and optimizes usable square meters.

This approach seeks to ensure that the resources used in the construction and maintenance of spaces are optimized to minimize harm to the environment and promote more sustainable development. The key factors influencing sustainability and resource efficiency are described below:

Energy efficiency: This involves the use of renewable energies, adequate thermal insulation, low-consumption appliances, and the implementation of passive design strategies. These practices not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute to creating more sustainable and economical environments in the long term.

Water management: This focuses on water collection and reuse, as well as the implementation of technologies that minimize its consumption. In homes located in natural environments where autonomous gray and black water management is possible, systems such as phyto-purification can be used. These measures help conserve this vital resource and responsibly manage water in built environments.

Use of sustainable materials: This factor refers to the selection of materials with low environmental impact, which are recyclable or come from renewable sources, ensuring that materials can be recovered or returned to the earth at the end of their useful life, forming part of a closed loop that minimizes negative environmental impact.

Relationship with Nature

Enhancing the relationship between the building and its occupants with the natural outdoor space stems from the premise of biophilic architecture, which promotes the integration of spaces with their natural surroundings, generating a deep connection between inhabitants and nature. This approach seeks to enrich people’s living experience, fostering well-being and harmony with the environment. The key factors influencing this relationship are described below:

Visual connection with nature: This involves incorporating elements such as gardens, internal patios, or natural views, which allow occupants to interact with the natural environment. This visual connection not only improves psychological well-being but also helps reduce stress.

Integration of the building into its natural environment: This design seeks to respect and enhance the natural surroundings, minimizing the building’s environmental footprint. By doing so, it promotes sustainable development that considers local biodiversity and ecosystems.

Use of vegetation in design: This refers to the incorporation of plants into the built space, such as green roofs, vertical gardens, or bioclimatic pergolas, as well as the placement of plants in interior spaces, patios, terraces, and gardens. These strategies not only aim for spatial comfort but also improve air quality, provide insulation, and foster greater biodiversity.

Resilience and Adaptability

Resilience and adaptability refer to a space’s ability to adapt to climate changes, natural disasters, or new occupant needs, maintaining its functionality and durability over time.

This approach is essential to ensure that built environments can face current and future challenges, contributing to more robust and sustainable communities. [4] The key factors influencing this capacity are described below:

Climate change resilience: This focuses on designing infrastructures that can withstand natural phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or rising temperatures. This involves using construction techniques and materials that provide greater resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Space flexibility: This aspect allows spaces to adapt to different uses or modify their layout according to the changing needs of occupants. Design flexibility also promotes better resource utilization.

Durability and maintenance: This focuses on using materials and technologies that extend the building’s lifespan, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Good durability not only minimizes long-term costs but also contributes to sustainability by reducing waste generation.

Symptoms of an Unhealthy Habitat

According to the WHO, we spend between 80% and 90% of our time indoors, which amounts to approximately 310 days a year. This highlights the crucial relationship between indoor air quality and our health, and how the lack of implementation of biohabitability principles in a space can affect the health of its inhabitants.

Parameters Evaluated in Biohabitability

To identify and improve aspects of a space in terms of biohabitability, it is advisable to consult an expert in measurements from the Spanish Institute of Bioconstruction (IEB), which acts as the Spanish branch of the German Baubiologie Institute. [5]

Additionally, a toxicological study is carried out to analyze indoor air quality by measuring indicative variables in resting areas, such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and air renewal.

Electric and magnetic fields are also evaluated, as well as the presence of household toxins, such as formaldehyde and pesticides, along with the detection of fungi, bacteria, and allergens. These parameters are fundamental for diagnosing problems and establishing corrective measures that promote a healthy environment. [6]