In the heart of Oman, a unique study is unfolding, one that merges traditional architecture, artificial intelligence, and the principles of biophilic design to understand how audiences engage with visually compelling spaces. Led by Fatemeh Khozaei from Dhofar University, this research is not just about aesthetics; it’s about the potential to reshape how we design buildings, particularly in the energy sector, where biophilic design can play a crucial role in enhancing occupant well-being and productivity.
The study, published in the *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering* (known in English as the *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering*), began with a deep dive into the Al Hafa District. Khozaei and her team analyzed 122 photographs, identifying recurring biophilic attributes—elements that connect building occupants more closely to nature. These attributes then informed the creation of 66 AI-generated scenes inspired by traditional Omani architecture, using a tool called Sora to produce text-to-video frames.
These images were posted on Instagram, where they were viewed by a cohort of 200 Omani students. The team recorded “likes” as a measure of engagement, using this data to shortlist images for expert review. In parallel, semi-structured interviews with students and domain experts were analyzed to understand the qualitative aspects of engagement.
The ten most engaged images were then rated by five experts on eight biophilic criteria. Using the ELECTRE model—a multi-criteria decision analysis method—the team synthesized these criteria to derive dominance relationships and a final ranking. The results were intriguing. Three images achieved the highest dominance and exhibited biophilic richness, including vegetation, biomorphic patterning, soft daylight, and prospect–refuge—elements that create a sense of safety and connection to the outdoors.
However, the study also revealed a nuanced relationship between audience engagement and expert assessment. “Several highly liked images ranked lower in richness, indicating that ‘likes’ may reflect visibility-weighted, low-friction behavior rather than deeper affective or cognitive responses,” Khozaei explained. This suggests that while social media engagement can provide valuable insights, it may not always align with expert evaluations of biophilic richness.
So, what does this mean for the future of architecture and the energy sector? Biophilic design has been shown to improve occupant well-being, reduce stress, and enhance productivity. In the energy sector, where buildings consume a significant amount of energy, integrating biophilic elements can lead to more sustainable and efficient designs. “This study offers a culturally specific approach that links engagement with biophilic attributes,” Khozaei noted. “It provides a framework for understanding how AI-generated imagery can be used to explore and promote biophilic design principles in a way that resonates with local cultures and communities.”
As we look to the future, this research could shape how architects and designers incorporate biophilic elements into their projects, particularly in regions with rich cultural and architectural histories like Oman. By leveraging AI and multi-criteria analysis, they can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also deeply connected to nature, ultimately benefiting both the occupants and the environment.