Investigating Green Cover Design Strategies for Enhancing the Environmental Performance of Biophilic Architecture with an Environmental Management Approach

Abstract

This study aims to investigate and elucidate the role of green coverage systems in enhancing the environmental performance of biophilic architecture through an environmental management approach. The necessity of this research arises from the challenges associated with rapid urbanization, increasing energy consumption, and water resource scarcity across the diverse climatic conditions of Iran. Accordingly, the study seeks to identify key performance indicators and propose a localized model to clarify the effective integration of natural elements, green technologies, and biophilic design principles. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical methodology, combining theoretical studies with the analysis of five domestic and international case studies. The performance indicators of green coverage systems were examined within four main dimensions: energy and thermal performance, air quality, water management, and human-centered factors, and were subsequently weighted within a conceptual model. The findings indicate that energy consumption reduction and rainwater management have the greatest impact on improving environmental performance. Furthermore, the combined application of green roofs and green walls significantly contributes to temperature regulation, air quality improvement, and thermal comfort enhancement. In the final model, the weighting of indicators was determined as 35% for energy, 30% for water, 25% for air quality, and 10% for human-centered factors. This structure establishes a dynamic balance between environmental performance and user well-being, demonstrating that the success of green coverage design depends on its transformation from a decorative feature into a structural and managerial component within sustainable architecture.