Vernomimicry: Bridging the Gap between Nature and Sustainable Architecture

Abstract

Biomimicry or learning from nature in architecture is a method that aims to develop a sustainable design solution for modern world challenges by mimicking models, systems, and elements of nature. However, developing biomimetic solutions is not a problem-free approach due to the fact that both, biology and architecture are different. Therefore, the vernacular architecture being the human form of natural construction can be used to help bridge the gap between nature and architecture. There are certain potentials and limitations of using both, biomimicry and vernacular architecture in modern day architecture. However, several methods and the process can be used to develop solutions for these issues. A fusion between both approaches in the form of “Vernomimicry” be used to apply nature based and nature like solutions in architecture successfully.

Local Wisdom and Sustainable Features of Tidore Vernacular Architecture

“…The finding of this study shows Tidore vernacular architecture has positive values to inspire future building designs (Table 2 and Fig. 14), and this agrees with previous studies that the design is environmentally friendly and can be an inspiration for contemporary building designs [44][45][46][47] and contains ecological design principles [41][42][43] to maintain harmony between nature and architecture towards realizing sustainable human life [10,11,17,32]. It simply means that vernacular architecture has local wisdom and sustainability values considered beneficial for present and future buildings.…”

“…The act of learning from nature in architecture is a method aimed at developing sustainable design solutions for the challenges of the modern world through the imitation of natural models, systems, and elements. According to Khoja and Waheeb [17], vernacular architecture has the ability to bridge the gap between nature and architecture. Therefore, this research was conducted qualitatively to explore the Tidore vernacular architecture in eastern Indonesia in North Maluku Province (see Fig.…”

“…Gangwar [16] stated that it is unnecessary to imitate all parts of traditional architecture, but some elements can inspire contemporary architecture. This concept is believed to have the potential to bridge the gap between nature and architecture [17], and this is the reason it is essential to identify its positive features for future inspiration.…”

Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods

“…Common to all design approaches, translating natural features to functional applications comes with various obstacles. Khoja and Waheeb [ 45 ] proposed an approach combining nature as a generator for design and vernacular architecture to bridge the gap between architecture and biology. In this study, a vernacular house in Cairo (Egypt) is compared to the natural ventilation strategy of a termite mound, showing great similarity and success regarding indoor thermal comfort.…”

“…Hence, it is relevant to this survey. A vernomimetic approach would result in a building inspired by an aspect of a flower and vernacular knowledge solving a similar architectural challenge [ 45 ].…”