Biophilic Design as a Bridge Between Applied Vastu and Contemporary Interior Design Practice in Urban Indian Residences

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 52 61
    By

    Jasmine Ahluwalia,

  • Kuldeep Kumar,

  • Luvditya Khurana,

  • Varish Panchal,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Associate professor, Department of Architecture, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The growing disconnect between urban Indian residents and the natural environment has prompted renewed interest in design strategies that restore human–nature connections within indoor spaces. This paper investigates the conceptual and practical convergence between biophilic design—a framework grounded in the innate human affinity for nature—and Vastu, the ancient Indian architectural science that prescribes spatial harmony through alignment with natural forces. Drawing on a qualitative review of existing literature, established biophilic design frameworks, and core Vastu treatises, the study maps specific correspondences between the two systems across six thematic dimensions: orientation and light, natural materials, spatial organization, water integration, ventilation, and green elements. The analysis reveals that numerous principles advocated by contemporary biophilic design—such as daylighting optimization, the use of organic materials, courtyard-based spatial planning, and sensory engagement with natural elements—were already codified within Vastu Shastra centuries ago, albeit in a cosmological rather than empirical register. The paper argues that recognizing these parallels offers Indian interior designers a culturally grounded rationale for implementing biophilic strategies in urban residential projects, particularly in compact apartments where space constraints demand thoughtful adaptation. A conceptual framework is proposed for integrating biophilic and Vastu-informed design strategies in the context of contemporary Indian housing. The findings contribute to the growing body of cross-disciplinary scholarship at the intersection of interior design, architecture, and design pedagogy, and hold implications for curriculum development in Indian design education

Keywords: Biophilic Design, design pedagogy, human–nature connection, interior design, urban Indian residences, Vastu Shastra

[This article belongs to International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning ]

How to cite this article:
Jasmine Ahluwalia, Kuldeep Kumar, Luvditya Khurana, Varish Panchal. Biophilic Design as a Bridge Between Applied Vastu and Contemporary Interior Design Practice in Urban Indian Residences. International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning. 2026; 04(01):52-61.
How to cite this URL:
Jasmine Ahluwalia, Kuldeep Kumar, Luvditya Khurana, Varish Panchal. Biophilic Design as a Bridge Between Applied Vastu and Contemporary Interior Design Practice in Urban Indian Residences. International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning. 2026; 04(01):52-61. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijadp/article=2026/view=239922


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 26/03/2026
Accepted 30/03/2026
Published 05/04/2026
Publication Time 10 Days
1

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