Biophilic design is a well-known design philosophy based on human-nature relationships. However, it has not been explored extensively in the Malaysian context and most of the previous studies were based on plants which were not suitable for tropical climate. This paper analyses the application of biophilic design and the usage of local edible and medicinal plants in Baba-Nyonya heritage shophouses’ courtyards in George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang, Malaysia. The aim of this research is to enhance the human quality of life through biophilic design with local knowledge application in the urban setting. Qualitative method strategies were applied to collect the data: photographic survey, plant inventory and building observation. Three heritage shophouses that had been adaptively reused into contemporary cafes were selected for this study. Significant results showed that Biophilic Design Pattern under the ‘visual connection with nature (P1)’ has been achieved through the application of edible and medicinal plants. Unfortunately, the local knowledge for applying edible and medicinal plants for achieving biophilic design compliance is weak. In the future, a further study is needed to identify the species of local edible and medicinal plants which can be applied in the Baba-Nyonya heritage shophouses courtyards.                                                                      

Heritage shophouses are embedded with unique values such as historical, architectural and cultural values with a strong sense of place. These buildings are known to have many different architectural designs which are based on the natural elements, shapes, and forms known as biomorphic design, and embedded with multi-cultural beliefs. Biomorphic design relates to the forms and patterns inspired by nature. The implication of natural elements in the architecture is beneficial for the well-being of the human. Reconnection of human with the nature can be achieved through the application of biophilic and biomorphic design. There are 14 design patterns in biophilic and classified as Nature in the Space, follows by Natural Analogs as well as Nature of the Space. In the built environment context, these patterns are encouraged to be applied due to the importance in enhancing the quality of life. Hence, this paper aims to analyse the heritage shophouses architecture in the of George Town by using the 14 biophilic design patterns. Five contemporary cafés the Special Zone in this city were selected in this study as it they demonstrate the closest forms of biomorphic and biophilic design approaches. Qualitative method was used to obtain the data in the form of building observation and visual and architectural documentation. The results showed that only one heritage shophouse complies the most biomorphic and biophilic design patterns, which can be applied as elements to rebuilding place in shophouses emphasising the occupants' well-being.