**9. Biophilic design guidelines**

An area that is believed to be important to be included within the proposed guidelines in this study is the biophilic design elements and features due to their positive impact on minimizing the risk of COVID-19 and other similar pandemics through their effect on supporting human beings' physical and mental health [26, 27, 41]. Accordingly, biophilic design uses nature as a design element and a guide for the constructed environments that are healthy and support life quality during the COVID-19 process [26]. One of the reviewed research studies indicates that outdoor biophilic features facilitate the recovery of tension and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mood, whereas indoor biophilic features facilitate recovery from depression and anger [41].

a. Biophilic Design Guidelines

The following categories can be taken into consideration as guidelines whenever required to suit each case to complement other architectural and engineering guidelines [27]:

**Nature in the space:** incorporation of plants, water, and animals into the built environment, especially with movement [27]:


**Natural analogues:** one degree of separation away from true nature; patterns and materials that evoke nature [27]:

1.Biomorphic forms and patterns: organic building forms, structural systems

2.Material connection with nature: organic building forms, structural systems

3.Complexity and order

**Nature of the space:** the way humans respond psychologically and physiologically to different spatial configurations [27]:

1.Prospect: views, balconies, open floor plans

2.Refuge: protected spaces, overhead canopies

3.Mystery: winding paths, obscured features, flowing forms

4.Risk: floor-to-ceiling windows, water walks, high walkways

*Perspective Chapter: Guidelines to Cope with Challenging Problems Facing the Building… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109169*
