Doctoral Thesis

Working Title:
Exploring biophilic principles as strategies to sustainable and circular housing design

Supervisors:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gesine Marquardt, Dresden University of Technology (TUD) and Dr.-Ing. habil. Regine Ortlepp, IOER

TUD Faculty:
Faculty of Architecture and Landscape

IOER Research area:
Built Environment - Resources and Environmental Risks

Abstract:
Biophilia emphasises the innate relationship between human beings and nature, offering analyses that strengthen the person-environment connection. Advances in this research show that natural systems influence more than human beings’ neurological, psychological and physiological functions. They also point to economic gains, improvement of productivity and social strengthening of communities. Therefore, it is important to consider its application as a complement to sustainable and circular construction techniques, adaptable to social and environmental changes over time.
Sustainable environmental projects usually focus on quantitative perspectives that aim to minimise impacts, promote efficiency, conserve resources and improve performance. Circularity is one of the pillars of this development and its association with biophilic design can be seen as a strategy in qualitative terms. The application of its principles in practice can offer economical, ecological and technological solutions for housing design and construction.
In addition to creating circular, sustainable and resilient housing proposals, it is important to remember that nature is a fundamental component in solving our problems. The human-nature reconnection enhances well-being and quality of life, fostering the right to an increasingly balanced and valued society. Considering that we spend 90% of our time inside some built environment, incorporating nature into our spaces is not a luxury, but an investment that promotes health and productivity based on evidence.
This research approaches how the principles of Biophilia can be combined with the sustainable and circular parameters of construction, allowing for planning that meets their long-term economic, ecological and technological needs.
The initial methodological proposal is a bibliographical review using the method of Consolidated Meta-analytic Approach Theory. A collaborative action research will be used for a second phase, contrasting literature, joint self-reflection, and researcher reflection. This research allows the analysis of existing discourses and practices in sustainable and circular construction, aiming to expand and optimise their strategies. The intent is to develop construction improvements considering not only economic factors, but also ecological and technological ones.
The aims of this project will (1) categorise the biophilic principles that align with sustainable and circular urban housing planning, (2) analyse how biophilic principles may combine sustainability, circularity and resilience when applied in urban housing constructions, (3) develop construction strategies that meet economic, ecological and technological demands, reconnecting human and non-human nature in cities.

CV

Education:

Since 03/2025
Doctoral Fellow at the Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS)

09/2021-03/2024
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, School of Fine Arts, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Academic Degree: M.Sc. in Design

01/2009-08/2010
Castelo Branco University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Academic Degree: Postgraduate Diploma

03/2004-07/2008
Federal University of Goiás, School of Visual Arts, Goiás, Brazil
Academic Degree: B.Sc. Visual Arts - Interior Design

Professional Experience:

03/2023-07/2023
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Undergraduate teaching assistant, supervising undergraduate students’ theses in Interior Design

08/2015-12/2021
Paulista University (UNIP), Goiás, Brazil
Undergraduate lecturer in Interior Design and Graphic Design.

02/2013-12/2019
Unicambury, Goiás, Brazil
Undergraduate lecturer in Interior Design and Landscape.

01/2007-12/2010
Casa Jardim Landscaping, Goiás, Brazil
Landscape designer