A conceptual framework linking biophilic interior design to sustainability criteria

Biophilic strategies in interior environments are often advanced independently of sustainability goals, limiting integrated decision making. Although biophilic design is associated with well-being, its contribution to sustainability performance remains underdefined within interior practice. Existing frameworks tend to address biophilic and sustainability objectives in parallel rather than through an explicit integrative structure. This paper develops a framework examining how biophilic interior attributes align directly, conditionally, or minimally with defined sustainability criteria. Drawing on a synthesis of biophilic and sustainable design literature, the study constructs a matrix mapping 54 biophilic sub-attributes against 12 sustainability criteria. The resulting framework, BID-SIM, applies a normative MAX-CASE 0-3 anchor scale to express potential contribution under best practice assumptions rather than empirical outcomes. Exploratory analysis indicates strong alignment with human-centred criteria, while environmental dimensions such as biodiversity, circularity, and energy efficiency are underrepresented. These findings suggest biophilic strategies operate more robustly as social and experiential sustainability mechanisms than as environmental performance solutions, particularly when climatic and lifecycle considerations are included. The framework was reviewed through focus groups to refine terminology, structure, and scoring logic. BID-SIM is presented as a diagnostic tool to clarify alignments, reveal trade-offs, and support critical evaluation of nature-based strategies in sustainable interiors.