An ecomimetic method is developed as an innovative and transdisciplinary design approach rooted in the field of biomimetics. This new method emulates the interrelated complexity of the parts of an ecosystem with the intent to design buildings that are more efficient, effective and holistic. Ecomimetics refers to the design of buildings that mimic ecosystem processes and functions. This approach provides potential opportunities for climate change adaptation and mitigation by optimizing the use of resources in buildings. One challenge to the application of ecomimetics in architecture is the lack of systematic methods supported by scientific research, which may prevent development in this field. A theoretical basis and the initial development of an ecomimetic design method is presented, with a description of each step of the design process. Ecological systems are selected for functional properties that match architectural design goals, and then design tools are used to abstract and transfer those properties to architectural systems. The design tools integrated in the method are from the fields of ecological engineering, systems dynamics and architecture. The case of the Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe, is used to illustrate the method.
Ecosystems biomimetics in architecture means learning from ecosystems; that is, learning from complex, resilient, self-organized systems in nature, and transferring valuable ecosystem's patterns into the architectural field. However, the methodology is incipient and biomimetic tools have to cross disciplines to convey meaning for both ecology and architecture; so qualitative and quantitative tools need to be developed in order to stimulate research. In this paper, an ecological engineering tool, the energy systems diagrams as defined by ecologist H. Odum, is used to represent more than 20 sustainablerated buildings under the light of ecological systems. The buildings selected are certified projects under the LEED, Living Building Challenge (LBCH) or Passive House (PH) rating systems. The results show that ecological systems diagrams are effective instruments for characterization of the environmental performance of buildings in terms of energy and material flows; and may be serviceable as a shared language between disciplines. The validation of ecological systems diagrams as a useful biomimetic tool gives ground for further research on quantitative instruments to develop a more diverse methodology of ecosystems biomimetics.
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