1 research outputs found
Plant-Driven Design and Phytotechnology to improve the built environment
In post-industrial cities the quality of built environment is partially
affected by the high concentration of chemical pollutants in outdoor and
indoor spaces. An increasing number of people spend about 90% of their
daily time in indoor environment that often has a higher concentration of
pollutants than outdoors. The presence of many chemical compounds and
the absence of natural elements contributes to reduce the healthiness of
indoor spaces and to trigger the Syndrome of Sick Building in occupants.
Many researches support that natural ecosystems have a positive effect
on human health and other studies show the benefits provided by the
application of phytotechnology. This paper discusses the opportunities
offered by the application of plant-based solutions to improve the
healthiness of built environment (especially the indoor air quality) and
to re-establishing a relationship between man and rural spaces, with
positive implication on psychological well-being. Phytotechnology
includes many techniques to remediate polluted sites or to mitigate effects
of anthropogenic activities using plant’s metabolism according with
technological solutions. In the paradigm shift toward an ecological view,
natural ecosystems are considered as a part human society and plants are
good indicators of the quality of the environment. This study focuses on
the review of ecosystems services provided by plant-based solutions and
it also reflects on the inclusion of phytotechnology in design practice for
the well-being of people in indoor spaces and more in general in postindustrial
cities