Research suggests that the contemporary built environment has increasingly isolated people from the beneficial experience of natural systems and processes due to societal trends such as urbanization, building design and life style. Biophilia and biophilic design promise to foster a positive relationship to nature. Studies of psychological effects of biophilc design on noise perception have primarily focused on the attributes of natural elements in outdoor area. The aim of this study is to analyze how the visual characteristics of an interior space can influence the subjective loudness and annoyance of noise in older adults. Data were collected by conducting visual and audiovisual experiments and by analyzing content analysis, ANOVA and correlation techniques.

This study investigates the effects of major interior-related factors on the assessment of perceived loudness and noise annoyance. The study created virtual scenarios and presented these to participants by means of computer and audio speakers to provide an environment with auditory and biophilic design features of a dining place.

The study produced a null result but data did suggest that positively rated interior spaces led to lower perceived loudness and annoyance. In addition, the limitations of small sample size, audiovisual testing device and setting needed to be addressed. Finally, this study develops design guidelines to aid design decisions of designers and administrators for older adults in long-term care environment. Based on the proposed design guidelines, redesigning an existing dining space was suggested with design visualizations. Further research is needed to explore the effects of biophilic design in interior design on noise perception.