Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature
through Biophilic Design
Serge Landry Razafiarison
1
, Bambang Soemardiono
2
and Endang Titi Sunarti
2
1
Postgraduate student, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia.
2
Lecturers, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia.
Keywords: biophilic design, plan vert, mahamasina area, and urban parks.
Abstract: Biophilic design is an innovative and sustainable aspect in architecture and urban design that connects people
with the natural environment. The biophilic design has been implemented in developed countries, although in
developing countries like Madagascar have not yet implemented this new concept. Besides, Antananarivo city
has a program “Plan Vert” which is a tool for urban development and beautification focusing on public health
based on natural systems. This paper focuses on the users’ perception in urban parks in Mahamasina area,
where a restricted qualitative assessment has been conducted on users’ perception with nature and its
phenomenology. Assessments were made on the users’ perception in urban parks through initial observation,
surveys, and behaviour observation. Findings across all research methods suggested that each park in
Mahamasina area was designed for some dominant activities such as relaxation, recreation and as meeting
places. These places are perceived as pleasant to users due to calm and shady. To highlight the
phenomenological aspects of the perception of nature, parks should be redesigned to maintain the original
design. The new experience will focus on adding numbers and types to fauna-flora. Additionally, there will
be provisions for shading, a change in the elevation and the circulation flow. It is important that urban parks
are maintained to improve the experience of the place. This is done by providing new material in the
roundabout that links urban parks.
1 INTRODUCTION
Nature in urban parks plays a role important as an
element that cannot be separated from people. Nature
elements in urban parks are given opportunities for
enjoying and resting in the parks for a long time.
Meanwhile, in three decades or more, EO. Wilson
introduced the word biophilia in scientific lexicons,
and was popular as a nomenclature, and explored as
the meaning of “need for nature” (Kellert and Wilson,
1995). In architecture, biophilia is a part of the
sustainable concept that aims to provide and connect
humans and the natural world back in the built
environment. Biophilic architecture and design are
where humans and nature influence each other
through non-physical environments. According to
Kellert et al. (2008), the concept of biophilic seeks to
improve humans’ physical, emotional and intellectual
health. Besides, many researchers have broadly
examined the concept of biophilia in developed
countries such as Australia, United States and
Singapore, although in developing countries like
Madagascar, have not yet implemented this concept.
The study has shown that the parks and green spaces
in Antananarivo city have changed in several
typologies of space like a parking lot, buildings and
roads (Camie, 2017). From that study, Antananarivo
city needs to integrate nature in the whole city or even
in open space, especially in urban parks.
Antananarivo city has Plan Vert program as a tool for
urban development and beautification focusing on
public health and accentuating the identity of the city
based on natural systems to enhance the PUDi (Plan
d’Urbanisme Directeur) in terms of urban
environment and landscape (Thierry Haua, 2006).
The first initiative to achieve Plan Vert program, in
2012, there was a workshop in Séminaire
International sur le développement Urbain focusing
on Mahamasina area and Anosy Lake. The results
proposed from that workshop were that Mahamasina
area and its surroundings should be renovating as
open space for the transition to Mahamasina Stadium
or to Anosy Lake. Also, the main problem of urban
parks in Antananarivo city is in bad condition due to
the users’ bad behaviour and incivility. Thus, the lack
of green space and lack of linkage of urban parks are
far from users’ needs and international standard of
parks. In response to this, this study aims to identify,
216
Razafiarison, S., Soemardiono, B. and Sunarti, E.
Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design.
DOI: 10.5220/0008562202160227
In Proceedings of the 1st Inter national Conference on Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities (ICONARTIES 2019), pages 216-227
ISBN: 978-989-758-450-3
Copyright
c
 2020 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. All rights reserved

determine the design concept and develop the concept
of redesigning urban parks in Mahamasina area based
on how seeing nature can affect the users’ perception
through biophilic design.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Urban Parks
The urban park is one of the types of parks from the
Urban landscape. Meanwhile, urban park is a park
located in an urban environment that can be
anticipated urban development and can be enjoyable
for the public. According to IFPRA (International
Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration)
(2013), urban park is open space which dominated by
vegetation and air, and also reserved for the public.
2.1.1 Typology of Urban Parks
These followings are the typology of urban parks by
OCR (Office of Community Revitalization and
Reinvestment):
 Pocket Park: it is a small urban park that has an
area of less than 1ha. This type is located
adjacent to a solid pedestrian environment that
can provide space for social interaction, short
breaks, playing with children, reading and
eating places. Or located around buildings,
retail or offices.
 Common Green: this is a larger park that has
various functions and is located in the city hall.
Easily accessible from commercial and
residential areas.
 Civic Plaza: it is an open space for the public
meeting. This park is located near public
transportation, an important intersection, easily
accessible by urban road networks. This park is
more emphasized on hardscapes such as
benches, concrete, and fountains.
 Recreation-focused Park: the park which
provides recreational facilities for residents and
workers nearby. This is an active park with
sports activities.
 Local area: it is an open space that provides
short-distance recreational facilities for local
residents of various Planning Blocks in the
Local Area Plan.
 Neighbourhood Park: it is open space for
recreation passive and sports area in between
0.2 – 1ha.
 Playground: it is an open space as recreation
function for children and babies in the
settlements around.
 Green Connectors: it is green space for
pedestrians and cycles in metropolitan and
local open space, and environment.
2.1.2 Elements of Urban Parks
According to the OCR (Office of Community
Revitalization and Reinvestment), urban parks have
these following elements:
 Location: the urban park is successful due to the
selection of the right location. How well city
parks are related to the network of cities and
public areas. City parks should be found directly
on the city's main road.
 Access and Visibility: Physical and visual
planning is very important to access the success
of city parks. The pedestrian must be visible and
circulation must be relatively easy. However,
the urban park is designed to be beautiful but it
will be empty and not utilized if it is difficult to
find. Consider visibility, markers, and access
security.
 Function: this is the key that distinguishes the
typology of urban parks. The function of the
park depends on the needs of an area. Ensure
that the type of park is comprehensive in order
to be recommended based on the district context
and considerations for the surrounding land to
be compatible.
 Form: form refers to the arrangement of park
elements and how to respond to user needs,
ecological attention, and influence the
surroundings. Make sure the streetscape is
provided around the edge of the park to the
street. The form also reflects function
expectations.
 Facilities: Facilities are provided for
convenience, supporting activities, and tracing
park characters. Visitors can identify their
identity, style, and feel the garden.
 Programs: Programs that refer to the ability of
space for activities and events of different sizes
and types such as festivals, markets, concerts,
and sporting events.
 Maintenance: maintenance of high-quality city
parks must be maintained regularly to ensure
visitors' safety, health and comfort. Availability
of financial investments to maintain
environmental quality, materials and facilities.
We recommend that the design process should
consider material maintenance requirements.
Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design
217

Based on this theory, it can be concluded that urban
parks in the Mahamasina area categorize as “pocket
parks” because these are located in the median of the
road and provide recreational facilities for residents
and workers surrounding.
2.2 Plan Vert of Antananarivo City
Antananarivo city has a Plan d’Urbanisme Directeur
(PUDi) for the development of agglomeration in
terms of structural equipment, roads and various
networks as well as zoning. This PUDi can be seen
the lack of effort to achieve the concept of sustainable
development and natural recovery. Then, PUDi has
extended its concept by creating the Plan Vert
Antananarivo (2006), which has an environmental
approach to the management and planning and
designing the city.
In 2006, Plan Vert was designed by “Commune
Urbaine d’Antananarivo” (CUA) in partnership with
the “Ile-de-France Region” to achieve PUDi (Plan
d’Urbanisme Directeur) in aspects of the urban
environment and its landscape. Thus, Plan Vert aims
to create new identities and improve the quality of life
of the population by paying attention to micro-
projects.
In Plan Vert propose actions of recommendation that
need to be done at CUA. Green open space and
agriculture in the Antananarivo city need to be
considered with a garden system to ensure visual
continuity while respecting the land. It also
strengthens the system of multifunctional social
parks, for example, a place of quiet relaxation, a
sports park especially for young people, social and
economic places such as fountains, and parks for
food.
2.3 Biophilic Design
Perceptions of urban parks in this study are based on
sensation and perception of nature that impact to
phenomenological aspects. This phenomenon is
useful in a place or space that will be more
meaningful. Biophilic design is a theory more
relevant in this study.
“Biophilic” is taken from the Latin word “bio” and
“philia” which means “love of nature”. Biophilia is
a process where humans have evolved based on
nature. According to Downtown et al. (2017), the
role of biophilic design can be discerned historically
by analyzing examples of the built form and
landscape design that demonstrate biophilic
sensibilities or eliciting biophilia-informed
responses.
In general, biophilic design has two dimensions,
which are:
 Place-based or Vernacular dimension where the
design should pay attention to context local; and
 Organic or Natural dimension is about how the
quality of nature can be implemented in the built
environment. (Kellert, 2008)
Regarding these dimension, this research focuses on
Place-based due to seeking to find the
phenomenological of nature in urban parks and its
design concept in the context local. Biophilic design
seeks to create a beautiful habitat for humans that can
improve health, fitness and general well-being.
2.3.1 Principle of Biophilic Design
In the book entitled “The practice of biophilic design”
by Kellert, Elizabeth and Calabrese (2015) they
formulate principles to implement and achieve this
new concept of biophilic design. The principles of
biophilic design are the following:
 Biophilic design requires repeated and
sustained engagement with nature.
 Biophilic design focuses on human adaptations
to the natural world that over evolutionary time
have advanced people’s health, fitness, and
wellbeing.
 Biophilic design encourages an emotional
attachment to particular settings and places.
 Biophilic design promotes positive interactions
between people and nature that support an
expanded sense of relationship and
responsibility for the human and natural
communities.
 Biophilic design develops mutual reinforcing,
interconnected, and integrated architectural
solutions.
2.3.2 15 Patterns of Biophilic Design
According to Christopher Alexander in 1977 (in
Browing et al., 2014), patterns describe problems that
are repeated in the environment and describe
solutions for those problems in terms of utilizing
millions of times of that solutions without repeating
the same way. Besides, the word “patterns” in
biophilic design can be used in three reasons:
 To propose a clear and standard of terminology;
 To prevent confusion between metrics,
attributes, conditions, characteristics, and
typology.
 To maximise accessibility between disciplines
and sustain the general language.
The patterns of Biophilic design proposed by
Browning et al., (2014) to highlight a human’s health
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218

and well-being in the built environment. The
following are three aspects that can be shown in the
15 patterns of biophilic design.
Table 1: 15 patterns of biophilic design.
As
p
ects 15 Patterns of Bio
p
hilic Desi
g
n
Nature in
the Space
Visual Connection with Nature
Non-visual Connection with Nature
Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
Thermal and Airflow Variability
Presence of wate
r
Dynamics and diffuse light
Connection with natural systems
Virtual Connection with Nature
(Downtown et al, 2016)
Natural
Analogue
Approach
Or
g
anic
Biomorphic Forms and Patterns
Material connection with nature
Complexity and order
Natural
of space
Prospect
Refu
g
e
Mystery
Risk/peril
Based on the objective of this paper that seeks to
improve the users’ perception of nature, the chosen
patterns are a visual connection with nature, Material
connection with nature, Prospect and Refuge. These
are due to the high level of importance in the book
entitled 14 Patterns of biophilic design.
2.3.3 Benefits of Biophilic Design
This paper is more focusing on the benefits of
Biophilic design that can be divided into three
benefits. Such as Physiological health, Cognitive
Performance, and Psychological health (Browning et
al, 2014). Thus, the benefits of biophilic design based
on these chosen patterns are in this followings:
Table 2: Benefits of biophilic design.
15
Patterns
of
Biophilic
Design
Physiologic
al health
Cognitive
performanc
e
Psychologic
al health
Visual
Connecti
on with
Nature
Lowered
blood
pressure
and heart
rate.
Improved
mental
engagement
Positively
impacted
attitude and
overall
happiness
Material
connectio
-
Decreased
diastolic
Improved
comfort
n with
nature
blood
p
ressure
Prospect
Reduced
stress
Reduced
boredom,
irritation,
fatigue
Improved
comfort and
perceived
safet
y
Refuge -
Improved
concentratio
n, attention
and
perception
of safet
y
.
-
2.4 Precedent Study: Paley Park
Paley Park is one of pocket park located in the heart
of the nation’s commercial epicentre in New York
city that is a good example in implementing biophilic
design (www.terrapinbg.com ).
Figure 1: Paley Park, New York City.
Figure 2 shows that there are three patterns of the
biophilic design seen in this park, which are the
Presence of water, Dynamic and Diffuse light, and
Refuge.
 Presence of water: this space draws users in
from the street by providing access to water. The
sound of water reduces the street noise and
offers a calming auditory and visual experience.
 Dynamic and Diffuse light: the porous canopy
of loose, rustling leaves allows light to penetrate
and create shadows that dance on the cobbled
ground.
 Refuge: The noise from the waterfall provides
privacy and refuge to occupants conversing.
Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design
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Figure 2: Plan and Section Paley Park, New York.
In conclusion, Paley Park has a strong correlation
between patterns of biophilic design identified in
terms of the physical, mental, and well-being of users.
3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study Area
Figure 3: Mahamasina Area, Antananarivo City.
Antananarivo city is the first largest city in
Madagascar. Thus, this city is the capital city and
center of politics, administration, and the economy.
Mahamasina area is one of the “Fokontany” in the
“Quatrième Arrondissement” in “Commune Urbaine
d’Antananarivo”. This area of the case study has an
"urban park" with the following limitations:
 North: College d’Enseignnement Générale
Antanimbarinandriana - Sainte Famille
Mahamasina.
 East: Mahamasina Stadium.
 West: Anosy Lake.
 South: Ecole de Medecine. (Figure 3)
3.2 Design Method
This research uses a mix-method design involving the
collection of qualitative and quantitative data. There
are three parts of data collection processes:
 Site observation is the initial observation that
occurred impromptu and allows for the mapping
of existing conditions. Assessment of site
observation support to formulate and design the
questionnaire.
 The survey questionnaire focused on the users’
perceptions of nature and behaviours based on the
patterns of biophilic design that we use.
 Behaviour Observation is to define the typical
activities and behaviour of urban park users,
focusing on the type of activities performed and
the attitude through nature.
Analysis of data is an assessment of the qualitative
descriptive method. Furthermore, Mahamasina area
has divided 4 zones (Figure 4) between conducting
the analysis more efficiency and more details.
Overall, the survey was conducted in mid-February
until mi-March 2019 and disseminated to 120persons
of varying age and gender, which are 30 persons in
each zone.
The collective findings of site observation, surveys
and behaviour observation informed understandings
of users’ perception of nature in each park in
Mahamasina area and its phenomenology of the
perception of nature. These findings also provided the
design characteristics, design recommendation and
concept design that encourage the user activities
within the urban park in Mahamasina area.
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Figure 4: Distribution of Zones in study area.
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Site Observation
This section outlines the results and discussion of the
initial site observation including design site mapping
and social activity mapping.
4.1.1 Zone 1 – Antaninandrokely
The following is analysis based on the elements of
urban parks by OCRR (Office of Community
Revitalization and Reinvestment).
 Location: this park that directly adjacent to
Rakotobe road and Pascal road is part of the
focus in the study area with the pedestrian way.
 Access and Visibility: Access to this urban park
is easy to find because users immediately see the
entrance available on both sides of the road.
However, vegetation is seen from far but
consider visibility, markers, and lack of access
to security with poor conditions. From
entrances, it is easy to find because it is visible
from far away from the available seats and
benches. However, the circulation of the lane in
this park is quite clear. However, experience in
urban parks is not enjoyable for users due to the
circulation path can only be used in a short time.
(Figure 3)
 Function: This park has as function a waiting
time, dating and resting due to this park is pretty
quiet and still in good condition.
Figure 5: Access and Visibility of Park – Zone1.
 Form: Mohamed V road, Rakotobe road and
Pascal road delimit this park with a square
shape.
 Facilities and furnitures: Urban park in zone 1
has items of furniture and facilities such as
benches with 10 concrete materials, 3 trash bins,
3 solar lamp-posts, and security posts.
Figure 6: Faciliies and furnitures in park – Zone 1.
4.1.2 Zone 2 – Square
 Location: the urban park that directly adjacent
to Pascal road and Ramanankirahina road is part
of the focus in the study area with the pedestrian
way.
 Access and Visibility: Access to this urban park
is easy to find because visitors immediately see
the entrance that spread on both sides of the
road. In contrast, signages are not enough in
term of numbers. Benches and seats are easy to
find due to its visibility from entrances.
However, this park can merely be used in a short
time; the circulation flow is quite clear. That
makes users do not enjoy in this park.
Figure 7: Access and Visibility of park – Zone 2.
 Function: This park has the function as waiting
time, dating and resting. This is because this
park is quiet enough and in good condition.
Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design
221

Thus, in the lunchtime almost all students
around this park use as a place for lunch.
 Form: Rakotobe road and Pascal road create the
form of this park as a square shape.
 Facilities and furniture: In terms of aesthetics
and visuals, some of the facilities are less good
and less numerous due to lack of facilities such
as rest area, bench, and CCTV. The statue
spread in this park is merely shown inside the
park and cannot be seen from the outside. As
well, this park also does not have special
furniture other than benches, trash cans, and
lamp posts and furniture that are not enough for
visitors and are less attractive.
Figure 8: Faciliies and furnitures in park – Zone 2.
4.1.3 Zone 3 – Mahamasina 23
 Location: the urban park is directly adjacent to
Rakotobe road and Rajoelina road.
 Access and Visibility: In this park, 4 entrances
make it easy to see. From entrances, the seats
and benches are comfortable to find. Besides,
the circulation flow in the park is quite clear and
wide, although the material used is not efficient.
In contrast, there is fewer users' experience in
this park because the path can only be used for
a short time. Meanwhile, the two entrances are
in the bus stop used to be functioned as a path to
move the transportation mode because the
entrances were aligned straight from each other.
But the rest two entrances has a function as entry
directly to find the place resting activities,
wasting time and talking.
Figure 9: Access and Visibility of park – Zone 3.
 Function: The activity in this park is mostly a
seating area due to supporting facilities.
Workers and students who work and study
around this area use the park as for meeting and
resting and relaxing. Also, the activity like
business spread inside the park.
Figure 10: Faciliies and furnitures in park – Zone 3.
 Form: Rakotobe road and Rajoelina road
formed this park with a square shape.
 Facilities and furniture: The facilities and
furniture available in this park still do not meet
the standards to provide comfort for visitors due
to the lack of activity support.
4.1.4 Zone 4 – Kintana
 Location: This park is a roundabout that connects
4 roads: Rakotobe road, Rajoelina road, Pascal
road, and Ramanankirahina road.
 Access and Visibility: As a park, it is a green
open space as nodes that all vehicles or pedestrian
paths should pass through this location. So, this is
the junction where pedestrians can choose which
parks will be visited. However, the accessibility
of these parks is not seen from the roundabout
because of the car used to park in front. Kintana
park has no internal circular path because it is not
available for users to visit. However, there is a
pedestrian way around it.
Figure 11: Access and Visibility of park – Zone 4.
 Function: The presence of users who are seating
on the border of the fence, and some users only
pass through the park defines the function of this
park. So this park is a place to waste time, meeting
place and rest. This is because the park has a pretty
shady and beautiful area.
 Form: This park is formed by Mohamed V road,
Rakotobe road and Pascal road with a rounded
shape.
 Facilities and furniture: For pedestrians, this
park is uncomfortable and unsafe. Whereas in
terms of street furniture, zebra crossing, and
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signage that are not provided information for
users and vehicles. Besides, there is no furniture
such as traffic lights, electric poles, and lights,
signage, bins, benches, CCTV, and bollards,
which cause deficiencies for users. As well, the
pedestrian path does not have ornaments and
vegetation or greenbelt sections to provide
comfort for them and to enjoy the beauty. In terms
of aesthetics and visuals, some of the facilities and
furniture are in bad condition and not enough in
terms of numbers. As well, this park also does not
have benches, trash bins, and lamp posts as well
as facilities that are not meeting the users' needs
and are less attractive.
Figure 12: Faciliies and furnitures in park – Zone 4.
4.2 Surveys and Behaviour
Observation
This section outlines the results and discussion of
surveys and behaviour observation that included the
impact and perception of nature and design
.
4.2.1 Zone 1 – Antaninandrokely
 Visual Connection with Nature: 26 of all
respondents felt that the vegetation and natural
features in zone 1 are well designed to facilitate
the enjoyment of nature and 4 respondents felt
the natural feature has no significant impact to
enjoy nature in this park.
Figure 13: Perception of Nature – Zone 1.
The type of shady trees that provided green colour
in this park is the “Jacaranda” tree. But
reforestation and other natural elements are less
visually attractive and harmonious, and there are
a few natural elements besides vegetation such as
birds.
 Material Connection with Nature: 22
respondents out of 30 respondents stated that
using natural material in this park can be
enhanced the image of the city and restored the
users’ attitude through the park to take care of
the park. 6 respondents stated that it is good to
use the natural feature like a tree to produce
more oxygen.
Figure 14: Perception of natural material – Zone 1.
In this urban park, it can be seen that the material
used on the surface is asphalt. That material
provides heat inside the park. Besides, the type
of material used on the bench is concrete that is
neither good aesthetically nor less comfort for
visitors.
 Prospect: Merely 1 respondent stated that this
park is good enough to see and to seat. 16
respondents stated that facilities and furniture
have enough significant impact on users’ needs.
13 respondents stated that furniture and facilities
have no significant impact on users’ needs.
Figure 15: Perception of facilities and furniture –
Zone 1.
In the theory of prospects in book 14 Patterns of
biophilic design by Browning et al. (2014), the
benefits in terms of behaviour are reducing
boredom, irritation, and fatigue. This is due to
love and attachment to space. This urban park is
less visited by visitors because they feel and see
the lack of facilities.
 Refuge: 16 respondents stated that inside the
park is safe, while 14 respondents stated that it
is strongly safe for them. That is because of the
presence of a fence surrounding the park.
Based on the benefits of refuge is to increase
concentration, attention, and perception of
safety, due to the presence of protection who can
protect people in space. In the park, there are
1
3
26
0
Strongly Bad
Bad
Good
Strongly Good
0102030
22
6
Yes
No
0102030
5
8
16
1
Not Satisfied
Slightly…
Moderately…
Extremely…
0 5 10 15 20
Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design
223

found two types of fences, namely; a fence with
trellis and a concrete fence made around the
parks.
Figure 16: Perception of safety – Zone 1.
4.2.2 Zone 2 – Square
 Visual Connection with Nature: 24
respondents stated that they enjoyed the beauty
of nature. This provides benefits such as the
shade of the tree, providing fresh air. Seeing
vegetation provides comfort and helps to
enhance relations with nature. Meanwhile, 5
respondents stated that around the park, there is
parking on-street that it hides harmonious and
beautiful.
Figure 17: Perception of Nature – Zone 2.
In zone 2, natural elements such as trees like
“Jacaranda” that dominate the city park are
provided, and the green colour in this park is
quite visible.
 Material Connection with Nature: 29
respondents stated that the use of natural
materials in the park makes the city more
attractive, and it can be enhanced the users’
attitude to maintain or to care about its park. In
contrast, only 1 respondent concluded that it is
better to use nature like a tree to provide more
oxygen in the area.
In this urban park, it can be seen that the material
used on the surface is asphalt. That material
provides heat inside the park. Besides, the type
of material used on the bench is concrete that is
neither good aesthetically nor less comfort for
visitors.
Figure 18: Perception of natural material – Zone 2.
 Prospect: 16 respondents stated that the
facilities in this park were sufficient to meet
their needs. This is because the number of seats
is quite large. 13 respondents stated that there is
a lack of chairs/bins, trash cans, tap water, and
ornaments. As well as, there are no tables for
study, and playground for children.
Figure 19: Perception of facilities and furniture –
Zone 2.
In the theory of prospects in book 14 Patterns of
biophilic design by Browning et al. (2014), the
benefits in terms of behaviour are reducing
boredom, irritation, and fatigue. This is due to
love and attachment to space. This urban park is
less visited by visitors because they feel and see
the lack of facilities.
 Refuge: 20 respondents stated that inside the
park, it is safe for visitors, while 8 respondents
stated it is strongly safe inside the park. This is
because the city park is fenced in and the
entrance is easy to see, and the city park is
located near the police station, so there has
never been a case. Based on the benefits of
refuge is to increase concentration, attention,
and perception of safety, due to the presence of
protection, which can protect people in space. In
the park, there are found two types of fences,
namely; a fence with trellis.
Figure 20: Perception of safety – Zone 2.
4.2.3 Zone 3 – Mahamasina 23
 Visual Connection with Nature: 23
respondents stated that they enjoyed the beauty
of nature, while 4 respondents felt that nature is
strongly not enough for users' needs. Due to this
provides benefits such as the shade of the tree,
providing fresh air. Seeing vegetation provides
16
14
Not Safe
Slightly…
Moderatel…
Extremel…
01020
1
5
24
0
Strongly Bad
Bad
Good
Strongly Good
0102030
29
1
Yes
No
02040
1
13
16
0
Not Satisfied
Slightly…
Moderately…
Extremely…
01020
0
2
20
8
Not Safe
Slightly…
Moderat…
Extreme…
0102030
ICONARTIES 2019 - 1st International Conference on Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities
224

comfort and helps to enhance relations with
nature.
Figure 21: Perception of Nature – Zone 3.
Natural elements such as trees like “Jacaranda”
that dominate the city park are provided, and the
green colour in this park is quite visible. But
reforestation and other natural elements are less
visually attractive and harmonious and there are
not many natural elements besides vegetation
such as birds.
 Material Connection with Nature: However,
there is no material in the form of nature, but 17
respondents stated that the use of natural
materials in the park makes the city more
beautiful and it can be enhanced the users’
attitude to maintain or to care about its park. In
contrast, 13 respondents stated that it is better to
use nature to increase oxygen in the region.
Figure 22: Perception of natural material – Zone 3.
In this urban park, it can be seen that the material
used on the surface is asphalt. The material used
in this park provides heat inside the park.
Besides, the type of material used on the bench
is concrete that is neither good aesthetically nor
less comfort for visitors.
 Prospect: 16 respondents stated that the
facilities in this park did not meet their needs
while 12 respondents stated that said the
facilities in the park were enough for them. This
is due to a lack of chairs/bins, trash cans, tap
water, and ornaments, there are no tables for
study, and play areas for small children. In the
theory of prospects in book 14 Patterns of
biophilic design by Browning et al. (2014), the
benefits in terms of behaviour are reducing
boredom, irritation, and fatigue. This is due to
love and attachment to space. This urban park is
less visited by visitors because they feel and see
the lack of facilities.
Figure 23: Perception of facilities and furniture –
Zone 3.
 Refuge: 18 respondents stated that the park is
safe for visitors. Meanwhile, 11 respondents felt
very safe. This is because the park is enclosed
and the entrance is easy to see, and the city park
is located near the police station so there is never
a case.
Figure 24: Perception of safety – Zone 3.
Based on the benefits of refuge is to increase
concentration, attention, and perception of
safety, due to the presence of protection who can
protect people in space. In the park, there are
found two types of fences, namely; a fence with
trellis and a concrete fence made around the
parks.
4.2.4 Zone 4 – Kintana
 Visual Connection with Nature: 18
respondents said that they enjoyed the beauty of
nature. This provides benefits such as the shade
of the tree, giving the air a fresh feel when it
gushes. Seeing vegetation provides comfort and
helps to enhance relations with nature.
Meanwhile, 10 respondents stated that there was
parking on-street surrounding park, so the noise
of the vehicle is still dominated inside the park.
Natural elements such as trees like “Jacaranda”
that dominate the city park are provided, and the
green colour in this park is quite visible. But
reforestation and other natural elements are less
visually attractive and harmonious, and there are
not many natural elements besides vegetation
such as birds.
3
1
23
3
Strongl…
Good
02040
17
13
Yes
No
01020
2
16
12
0
Not Satisfied
Slightly…
Moderatel…
Extremely…
01020
0
1
18
11
Not Safe
Slightly…
Moderat…
Extremel…
01020
Redesign of Urban Parks to Improve Users’ Perception of Nature through Biophilic Design
225

Figure 25: Perception of Nature – Zone 4.
 Material Connection with Nature: 14
respondents stated that the use of natural
materials in the park makes the city more
beautiful, while 16 respondents stated that it is
better to use nature to add beauty to the region.
Figure 24: Perception of natural material – Zone 4.
In this urban park, it can be seen that the material
used on the surface is asphalt. That material
provides heat inside the park. Besides, the type
of material used on the bench is concrete that is
neither good aesthetically nor less comfort for
visitors.
 Prospect: In the theory of prospects in book 14
Patterns of biophilic design by Browning et al.
(2014), the benefits in terms of behaviour are
reducing boredom, irritation and fatigue. This is
due to love and attachment to space. This urban
park is less visited by visitors because they feel
and see the lack of facilities.
Figure 26: Perception of facilities and furniture –
Zone 4.
 Refuge: 28 respondents stated that they were
safe in the park (roundabout) due to this park is
rarely crowded, and is located near the police
station.
Figure 27: Perception of safety – Zone 4.
Based on the benefits of refuge is to increase
concentration, attention, and perception of safety,
due to the presence of protection, which can
protect people in space. In the park, there are
found two types of fences, namely; a fence with
trellis and a concrete fence made around the parks.
5 REDESIGN CONCEPT
The concept of redesign urban parks in Mahamasina
area is a way to provide the solution of users’
perception of nature in Mahamasina area.
Redesigning urban parks in Mahamasina area is done
by highlighting each identity, and original design
such as Antaninandrokely park is used as a relaxing
place, Square is a recreation place, and Mahamasina
23 is for the meeting area, and Kintana as the
roundabout is a junction for these three parks.
The main concept is done to link each park by
changing the circulation flow (Figure 27) and the
position of the main entrance located on Mohamed V
road (Antaninandrokely park) because it is easily
seen. Thus, Square and Mahamasina 23 provide side
entrance. As well, the Mahamasina 23 park is given a
pedestrian bridge for pedestrians to move public
transportation modes. The solution of bad behaviour
and attitude in these parks is done by using the
patterns of biophilic design (Figure 28):
 Visual connection with nature: this is done by
elevating the green area inside the urban parks and
giving more fauna-flora to enjoy while walking
through.
 Material connection with nature: in this using
material that is easy to find and can produce
locally. Especially, the material of the pavement
that can enhance the linkage of these three parks
is rounded cobblestone in two different colours
which are brown and grey.
 Prospect: this is done by providing a good view of
each park from Kintana park (roundabout).
 Refuge: this is done by maintaining the original
design using the trellis fence in term of visitor
safety. Besides, the low level of the path-ways
creates also a sense of protection while walking
through.
10
2
18
0
Strongly Bad
Bad
Good
Strongly…
01020
Yes;
14
No;
16
Yes
No
13 14 15 16 17
3
0
27
0
Not…
Slightl…
Moder…
Extre…
02040
2
18
10
0
Not Safe
Slightly…
Modera…
Extrem…
01020
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226

Figure 28: Circulation Flow.
Figure 29: Redesign Concept of urban parks in
Mahamasina area.
6 CONCLUSIONS
Research findings suggest highlighting the
experience of nature inside parks. Urban parks in
Mahamasina area were not designed to support the
human connection with nature. Redesign of urban
parks in Mahamasina is done by changing the
circulation flow to encourage prolonged walk and
stay activities so that the users can enjoy and perceive
nature. Thus, this is made urban parks to be given a
diversity of fauna-flora that can be enjoyed (Visual
connection with nature). Then, urban parks use new
materials so that urban parks will become more
attractive and beneficial for users (Material
connection with nature). Besides, urban parks need to
be considered beauty and needs of facilities for
visitors. Roundabout is designed as a point of view of
overall parks (Prospect). Moreover, urban parks
should maintain the original design in term of safety
for users (Refuge). So, the implementation of
biophilic design in urban parks in Mahamasina area
can be the one of innovative design park to support
the program “Plan vert” Antananarivo city and
Madagascar as well (Thierry Huau, 2006). As well it
is the initial research about biophilic design (Browing
et al., 2014; Stephen and Calabrese, 2015; Stephen
and Wislon, 1995; Timothy, 1957) and urban parks in
developing countries.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This paper is a part of Master Program Thesis
conducted in 2019, entitled “Redesign of Urban Park
in Mahamasina area through Biophilic Design, Case
Study: Antananarivo – Madagascar” under
supervision of Dr. Ing. Ir. Bambang Soemardiono and
Prof Endang Titi Sunarti, M.Arch, PhD.
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