The Impact of Biophilic Design on Cognitive Map Performance: A Case Study on Girls Primary Public Schools in Bahrain

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between biophilic design strategies and cognitive
function. However, similar effects on primary schools, the main space influencing children's spatial perception,
have yet to be explored. The study adopts qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate the impact of
biophilic design attributes on children's cognitive performance, aiming to improve wayfinding strategies in primary
schools in Bahrain. While the interviews with boys and girls from different schools assisted in defining the study
area and children's gender, an expert in school design shed light on wayfinding parameters used in Bahrain. The
cognitive map drawings collected from 67 girls between 9 and 11 allowed the study to determine the
characteristics that influence girls' spatial perception. The study findings demonstrate the potential of each
biophilic design attribute as an opportunity to design future primary schools in Bahrain that provide healthy and
sustainable spaces for children to thrive and develop.