Exploring the benefits of Biophilic design in the property development industry; A case study of Gaborone, Botswana

Over the past ten years (2009 – 2019) Botswana has experienced vast urbanization and industrialization by margins, within such a time frame a percentage increase of about 9.23% as to urban population (from 60.94% to 70.17%) and growth is still anticipated as years pass. The constant degeneration of natural spaces has eroded plantation life paving way for property development, therefore this study aims at establishing awareness of biophilia concepts and design amongst real estate development professionals whilst pinpointing the benefits to such. Greening science "Biophilia" is the newly explored way to ensure that environmental, social and economic sustainability is attained by countries. In light of plausible information to complete the project, the use of surveys (interviews and questionnaires) in accordance with the target population (design team) of the study were explored. Furthermore, although Biophilia is adduced as a solution towards the probing human health complications and dire environmental degeneration, awareness of such design principles and patterns is somewhat minimal and propelled by human skepticism. Biophilia being the next route towards sustainable development it proves to be the solution towards health for humans (air pollution related health conditions; resulting from increased car dependency and industry mushrooming causing underlying diseases like asthma) and the global environment (environmental degradation and climate change) amongst others creating a harmonious space of habitation giving Botswana a platform for economic, social and environmental sustainability.