Biomimicryas a Design Approach for Adaptation

Abstract

Biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, is a growing area of research in the fields of architecture and engineering. This is due to both the fact that it is an inspirational source of possible new innovation and because of the potential it offers as a way to create a more sustainable and even regenerative built environment. Nature provides a large database of adaptation strategies that can be implemented in design in general, and in the design of building envelopes in particular. The widespread and practical application of biomimicry as a design method remains however largely unrealized. Through literature review, and an examination of existing biomimetic technologies, this paper elaborates on distinct approaches to biomimetic design that have evolved. Biomimicry origins, levels and adaptation principles are discussed.It is hypothesized that applying biomimetics to architectural designs that incorporates an understanding of organisms' ecosystems' adaptive mechanisms could become a tool for creating a built environment that goes beyond simply sustaining current conditions to a restorative practice where the built environment becomes an adaptable and a vital component in the integration with and regeneration of natural ecosystems.

Biomimicry in the built environment: energy-saving assessment of a novel biomimetic window system

“…This reduces the impact as the kingfisher essentially wedges its way into the water, allowing the water to flow past the beak rather than being pushed in front of it (Elsamadisy et al. , 2019).…”

“…, 2019). Because the high-speed trains in Japan faced the same challenge, moving from low drag open air to high drag air in the tunnel, Nakatsu, an engineer in Japan, designed the forefront of the Shinkansen train based on the beak of the kingfisher (Elsamadisy et al. , 2019).…”

“…This reduces the impact as the kingfisher essentially wedges its way into the water, allowing the water to flow past the beak rather than being pushed in front of it (Elsamadisy et al, 2019). Because the high-speed trains in Japan faced the same challenge, moving from low drag open air to high drag air in the tunnel, Nakatsu, an engineer in Japan, designed the forefront of the Shinkansen train based on the beak of the kingfisher (Elsamadisy et al, 2019).…”

Mapping Biomimicry Design Strategies to Achieving Thermal Regulation Efficiency in Egyptian Hot Environments

“…Biomimicry is a mixture of the Greek words bios (meaning life) and mimesis (meaning to imitate) (Aanuoluwapo & Ohis, 2017) (Elsamadisy et al, 2019). The biomimicry concept was first invented in 1960 by biologist Janine Benyus and popularized in her book "Biomimicry-Innovation Inspired by Nature" in 1997 (Zari & Storey, 2007).…”