Storytelling of Thai herbal plants: An exploration of biophilic design principles in art and design

Abstract

Understanding the full benefits of plants throughout their life cycles requires strategies beyond simply explaining their medicinal uses. Herbs play a vital role in human existence, significantly impacting both physical health and psychological well-being. This article, derived from the creative research project ‘Storytelling of Herbs (and Us)’, aims to achieve three primary objectives: 1) to explore strategies for conveying herbal knowledge through art and design; 2) to investigate storytelling methods that communicate the unique characteristics and benefits of herbs; and 3) to experiment with creative works that foster awareness of the reciprocal relationship between humans and plants. This study employs a qualitative research design, with data collected through expert consultation and creative experimentation. The process focuses on applying biophilic design principles to the storytelling of Thai herbal plants, specifically the Pat Hin species from Chaiyaphum Province, with the outcomes presented in a mixed-media exhibition. The findings indicate that conveying narratives about Thai herbal plants through art and design, integrated with biophilic storytelling, offers a powerful tool for communicating human-plant interdependence. Furthermore, this study offers a creative prototype and an aesthetic model as a framework for scholars and practitioners in art, design, and botanical communication.