Identifying Criteria and Factors Influencing the Implementation of the Biophilic Approach in Iranian Cities by Meta-synthesis Method

In recent decades, the concept of biophilic cities has emerged as a promising strategy for integrating natural elements into urban environments. By embracing nature-based design principles, this approach aims to strengthen the human–nature connection and mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on physical and mental well-being. Although numerous studies on biophilia have been conducted in Iran, a comprehensive and integrative analysis of these works has yet to be undertaken. This gap highlights the need for a systematic synthesis of existing research. Accordingly, the present study seeks to identify the key criteria influencing the implementation of biophilic principles in Iranian cities through a meta-synthesis approach. The research examined Persian-language scientific articles focused on biophilic cities with internal case studies. Following a database search, 360 articles were initially identified. Using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) index, this number was narrowed down to 39 high-quality studies. The selected articles were analyzed using the seven-step method developed by Sandelowski and Barroso.  The analysis yielded 51 distinct concepts related to the realization of biophilic cities, which were organized into 19 thematic categories across five dimensions: Social, Economic, Environmental, Physical, and Functional. Among the most prominent concepts were citizen engagement in the protection, maintenance, and creation of green spaces; public education; expansion of green and clean environments at multiple scales; preservation of natural and communal spaces; and the use of local and natural materials in spatial and structural design. These findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and designers seeking to implement biophilic strategies. By accurately identifying the foundational elements of biophilic urbanism within the Iranian context, this research provides a practical framework for promoting sustainable, nature-integrated urban development.
 
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
Industrial and technological advancements have weakened the connection between humans and nature, resulting in negative consequences such as reduced quality of life and increased stress levels. As a strategic response, the biophilic approach seeks to reintegrate nature into urban environments, enhancing mental and physical well-being, alleviating stress, and promoting overall health. This approach aligns closely with the principles of sustainable urban development. As a new paradigm in urban planning and design, biophilic urbanism emphasizes the restoration of the innate human–nature relationship. It offers a viable solution for creating sustainable, livable, and humane urban spaces. In Iran, numerous studies have examined the implementation of biophilic principles across various regions. However, a comprehensive analysis of the impacts, priorities, and criteria guiding these efforts has yet to be conducted. This research aims to identify the key criteria influencing the implementation of biophilic design in Iranian cities. Using a meta-synthesis method, it systematically analyzes previous studies and integrates their findings to address the following questions: What criteria have Iranian researchers applied in implementing the biophilic approach? , Which components have received greater emphasis and attention in Iranian biophilic research?. By synthesizing existing literature, this study provides a structured understanding of the conceptual and practical priorities within Iran’s biophilic urban discourse. The findings offer valuable guidance for urban planners, designers, and policymakers seeking to develop nature-integrated cities that reflect local cultural, ecological, and social contexts.
 
2-Materials and Methods
his applied research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and employs a qualitative meta-synthesis method to analyze previous studies, aiming to generate new and more comprehensive insights. The theoretical foundations of biophilic cities were developed through extensive library research and a review of documents, records, and scholarly sources from both national and international contexts.To collect relevant data, the keywords “biophilic,” “biophilia,” “biophilic city,” and “nature-oriented” were used across multiple academic databases, including Noormags, Elmnet, SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, and ISC. The reviewed articles focused on the application of the biophilic approach in Iranian cities, spanning the period from 1392 to the first half of 1403 (2013–2024).From the initial pool of studies, 39 articles were selected based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) criteria. These were then analyzed using the seven-step meta-synthesis method developed by Sandelowski and Barroso, allowing for a structured and integrative examination of the findings.
 
3- Results and Discussion
This study investigates the criteria influencing the implementation of the biophilic approach in Iranian urban contexts, aiming to analyze the content of scientific articles in this field. Through a systematic review of selected literature, 51 concepts were identified and categorized into five key dimensions: environmental, social, economic, physical, and functional.  
Environmental Dimension: Emphasizes the relationship between nature and users, and the integration of natural and artificial elements to form an interconnected network of green infrastructure. Social Dimension: Highlights citizen education and active public participation in the protection and maintenance of green spaces. Physical Dimension: Focuses on the use of local and natural materials in spatial and structural design, as well as access to sustainable and public transportation systems. Functional Dimension: Stresses the importance of formulating and enforcing regulations to prevent environmental degradation. Based on these criteria, the study underscores the necessity of addressing all five dimensions simultaneously to effectively implement biophilic principles in Iranian cities. Despite growing academic interest, biophilic design has yet to be widely adopted in urban development projects across Iran. Globally, these dimensions are considered foundational to biophilic urbanism and have received substantial attention in developed nations. However, in Iran, economic and cultural constraints have shifted the focus toward large-scale infrastructural projects, often sidelining nature-integrated design. This research employed a meta-synthesis methodology to analyze scientific articles, distinguishing itself from studies that rely solely on theoretical frameworks. It specifically examined works that utilized empirical methods such as questionnaires and interviews, offering a more grounded understanding of biophilic implementation. The findings contribute to the development of practical guidelines for designing and constructing biophilic cities in Iran. Furthermore, future research should assess urban projects that have been designed and executed based on biophilic principles, evaluating their strengths, limitations, and long-term impacts.
 
4- Conclusion
This study aimed to identify the key criteria influencing the implementation of the biophilic approach in Iranian cities, employing a meta-analysis method to systematically examine previous research. The findings reveal that successful implementation requires a multidimensional strategy, with careful attention to economic, social, environmental, physical, and functional aspects. These dimensions not only contribute directly to improving quality of life but are also critical for advancing sustainable urban development. Among the most influential factors are infrastructure development, accessibility, green space design, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability. These elements enhance the ecological integrity of urban areas while reducing their vulnerability to environmental crises and climate change.The research also highlights the importance of collaborative governance, emphasizing the active participation of government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and citizens. Strengthening institutional frameworks and recognizing the social and economic capacities of each region are essential steps toward achieving sustainability goals.Although the identified criteria align with global indicators of biophilic urbanism, the integration of indigenous knowledge, climate-responsive design, and emerging technologies, alongside enhanced institutional cooperation, can significantly improve the feasibility and effectiveness of biophilic implementation in Iran. The study argues that adopting biophilic principles is not merely a strategic option but an urgent necessity to address environmental challenges and elevate urban living standards.For future research, it is recommended to conduct field-based evaluations, including cost-benefit analyses of biophilic projects and identification of implementation barriers. Such studies will help refine the framework and support the practical realization of biophilic cities across Iran.
 
.