Behavior of natural organisms as a mimicking tool in architecture

Abstract

The relation in between architecture and nature has been one of combination for the last 400 years. Throughout history, architects have looked to nature for inspirations for building shapes, forms, and ornamentation without understanding nature's behavior. Moreover, new architectural approaches are being called for integrating nature as a tool for solving problems and enhancing adaptation within the context. This has been recently implemented in biomimicry theories that are applied in design processes. Biomimicry is considered a new discipline that studies living organisms' design and behavior in nature to solve human problems. Not only does this help in finding new ways for adaptation, it also generates new sources of inspiration for aesthetic expressions. This is of great importance nowadays as buildings are becoming inefficient; consuming a lot of energy, materials, and resources. Furthermore, construction processes are becoming increasingly unsustainable. While on the other hand organisms are creating effective and intelligent solutions in their homes by using less material. Engineers can also mimic natural methods of construction for building and design rather than their exact shapes. In addition, they also lead to efficiency in terms of energy, material usage, time, effort, and cost and can promote more adaptable, sustainable, and optimum solutions. This research paper aims to explain the organism's behavior when producing the material and translating it by using a digital tool by mimicking its behavior in construction. Methodology used for this process involves case studies analysis and observations of living organisms' behavior. The cases selected apply biological techniques through their construction process. This involves using natural organisms to produce physical components for architectural product design. Results from the experimental and case studies will aim to conclude a set of findings on approaches for linking organism behavior with future construction processes.

Applications of Biomimicry in Architecture, Construction and Civil Engineering

“…There is a common thread between architecture and nature, observed in the shared attributes of growth and adaptation, and as such, most features of nature are translated into architectural designs in their geometrical form, without the necessary understanding of the structure and material logic, therefore resulting in a noticeable gap between the physical nature of the adopted form and the effects of its detailed structure that is seen in its natural environment, such as self-organization or complexity, but not necessarily reflected in the design concept [ 20 ].…”

“…Moreover, sustainable design solutions are considered a core element in sustainable development, since this refers to a source that is naturally energy efficient and also sustainable for billions of years, as biology can aid in enhancing beauty in architecture due to providing effective solutions from a source that is subject to the laws of physics and adopts the minimal consumption of energy necessary to maintain its survival [19]. There is a common thread between architecture and nature, observed in the shared attributes of growth and adaptation, and as such, most features of nature are translated into architectural designs in their geometrical form, without the necessary understanding of the structure and material logic, therefore resulting in a noticeable gap between the physical nature of the adopted form and the effects of its detailed structure that is seen in its natural environment, such as self-organization or complexity, but not necessarily reflected in the design concept [20].…”

A Dialogue with Nature Through Biophilic Design: Focus on the Façade Wall in the Architecture of Laurie Baker’s Houses

“…In principal rooms large timber framed windows feature Figure 11. "However, architecture and nature share common features as they both have the same logic of growth and adaptation [22]." Baker's forms are organic.…”

Biomimetic building skins: An adaptive approach

“…Biomimetic architecture seeks to remedy the errors that exist in designing efficient systems and products (Royall, 2010;EL-MAHDY, 2017). For instance, Myers (2012) presented a dramatic technique to design by incorporating living materials into elements and structures.…”