Recognizing the effective components of biophilic architecture to reduce the stress of housewives in residential complexes Case study: (Shiraz city)

Housing has always been one of the most important spaces for people to live and provide mental peace and well-being. Nowadays, with the increasing population growth and demand for housing in cities without taking into account psychological issues, less attention has been paid to the role of residential building design in human health and stress factors. In modern and industrial societies, due to having mechanized habits, human life now more than ever needs nature not only for physical but also for mental well-being. Considering that the presence of nature and plants in the environment is considered as one of the effective factors in human mental health, biophilic design can be effective in establishing the connection between humans and nature in their daily living environments and play a significant role in improving human mental health and reducing stress in the home environment. The aim of the present research was to identify the impact of biophilic architectural elements on reducing stress in housekeeping women in residential complexes in Shiraz city. The present research, due to its concurrent use of quantitative and descriptive methods, possesses a mixed paradigm and is practically oriented. Data collection methods include documentary, fieldwork, and questionnaire surveys. To this end, 26 residential complexes from ten municipal regions of Shiraz have been purposefully selected in a non-probabilistic manner. The questionnaires were completed by housewives, and the collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods through SPSS software, ANOVA tests, regression statistics, and determining the significant levels of components. Based on the data and tests conducted, among the fourteen introduced components, the shelter factor had the highest impact with a score of 3.64%, followed by water presence with 3.43% impact, and non-rhythmic sensory stimuli with 3.02% impact, showing the most effectiveness in reducing stress among women in residential complexes. On the other hand, non-visual connection with nature was the least effective factor in reducing stress among women in residential complexes with a score of 2.7%. In conclusion, it can be said that the incorporation of biophilic elements in the design of residential complexes can lead to a reduction in stress among housewives.