Biophilic design for climate-resilient built environments: A scoping review of nature-based architectural strategies

Climate change is intensifying environmental challenges such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, flooding, and ecological degradation, posing serious threats to the resilience and sustainability of the built environment. In response, biophilic design has gained prominence as a nature-based solution that incorporates natural elements, systems, and processes into architectural spaces to improve environmental performance and enhance human well-being. This study presents a scoping review to map and synthesize current knowledge on biophilic design strategies that support climate-resilient built environments. Following established scoping review methodologies, relevant peer-reviewed literature was systematically searched and screened from major academic databases. The review analyses how biophilic principles contribute to sustainability, climatic adaptation, and environmental resilience. Key strategies identified include natural ventilation, passive daylighting, green roofs and walls, water-sensitive design, adaptive material systems, and ecological integration. These approaches demonstrate considerable potential in mitigating climatic stressors, including urban heat, energy inefficiency, and flooding, while simultaneously improving thermal comfort and environmental adaptability. The findings indicate that biophilic design promotes long-term sustainability by reducing resource consumption and strengthening connections between the built and natural environments. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain in empirical evaluations of these strategies, particularly in climate-vulnerable and developing regions. This scoping review underscores the value of biophilic design as a promising framework for climate-responsive architecture and offers a foundation for future research, policy development, and practical implementation in building more sustainable and adaptive built environments.