Walking Through Nature: Biophilic Channel as an Urban Design Strategy

Abstract

This thesis examines biophilic channels as an architectural strategy that embeds natural elements within everyday pedestrian routes by leveraging the human tendency to take shortcuts. Unlike conventional urban greening initiatives requiring intentional detours, biophilic channels integrate nature directly into high-traffic pedestrian pathways and ensure the benefits of a biophilic environment. Through a multi-layered approach, the study analyzes case studies—including the High Line in New York, Starfield Library in Seoul, and Arc in Sydney—using biophilic design and shortcut principles. The research explores two architectural applications: the Prototypical Channel, which introduces minimal biophilic interventions within existing urban structures, and the Expanded Channel, which presents a more comprehensive integration of biophilic principles. This thesis presents biophilic channels as a design approach that strengthens environmental sustainability, supports pedestrian well-being, and enhances everyday interactions with the built environment by illustrating their flexibility and capacity to integrate into various urban conditions.