Conscious Design: Integrating Nature and Emotion for the Preservation of the Built Environment

Abstract

Creative sustainability encompasses not only the preservation of untouched nature but also the enhancement of the built environment, which plays a fundamental role in human well-being. This study introduces Conscious Emotional Design as an approach that integrates ecological principles, sensory perception, and user participation into the design process. The research applies the EMOHTIONS method, an innovative, human-centered framework that combines an experiential workshop—involving individual awareness activities, collective co-design, and multisensory material selection—with nature-inspired strategies such as biophilia and biomimicry. This mixed qualitative approach allows for the identification of users’ conscious and unconscious needs, which are then translated into tailored design solutions. The method was tested across healthcare, workplace, residential, and educational contexts. Key findings indicate that spaces designed with the EMOHTIONS method significantly enhance psychological comfort, sense of belonging, and user satisfaction, while also contributing to stress reduction and improved functionality. Results further demonstrate the method’s adaptability to diverse environments, with positive impacts observed not only for primary users but also for support communities (e.g., healthcare staff, educators, families). These outcomes confirm the potential of Conscious Emotional Design as a scalable, sustainable, and human-centered design strategy, capable of promoting both individual well-being and ecological responsibility.