Abstract

Nature-based design features, also known as biophilic design, have a growing research base. The Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BID-M), as a biophilic design tool, was created to aid design practitioners and design students with identifying and understanding biophilic design features. Regarding the validity and reliability of the BID-M and their experiences with biophilia, this study compares cultural differences between American and Chinese design practitioners. Using a three-phase sequential mixed-method, design practitioners from both countries viewed the same interior images to assess the variety of biophilic interior design features presented in the BID-M, along with a pre- and post-questionnaire. The perceptions of biophilia between groups were similar, except the Chinese participants had significantly higher perceived importance of biophilia after using the BID-M. Both groups had an improved understanding of biophilia after the post-test, and the validity and reliability of the BID-M were consistent between groups. Both culture groups suggested the attribute, habitats, could be further modified or removed. Only Chinese design practitioners proposed to remove “Bounded spaces.” More importantly, both design groups saw the BID-M as useful in the entire design process and having a good overall quality. The reliability and validity of the BID-M in both cultures offer benefits to the design process, education, and research. It was also seen to support designers in their application of nature-based design. The overall similarities found may be due to innate needs to connect with nature, further aligning with the biophilia hypothesis.