Nature has evolved over billions of years to produce the most resilient and intelligent living organisms. When observed and studied carefully, it can be the biggest inspiration for human design thinking and innovation. Biomimicry is a concept in architecture which utilises this inspiration to create sustainable and efficient designs. Continue reading to understand exactly what biomimicry in architecture is, the biomimetic meaning and evolution and the features, benefits and examples of biomimetism in architecture.
Biomimicry Meaning
Biomimicry is a word derived from the terms ‘bio’ (meaning life) and ‘mimesis’ (meaning imitation). Therefore, it literally means to imitate nature, and biomimetic design in architecture can mimic nature in form, function or principle. ‘Survival of the fittest’ is a concept in which only the strongest organisms have been able to adapt to adverse environmental conditions and survive the test of time. This concept is used as a guiding principle for biomimic design. It is based on the theory that natural organisms have already found the best solutions to adapt to nature and the same solutions can be adapted in buildings to make them durable and sustainable.
Evolution of Biomimetism in Architecture
The concept of deriving inspiration from nature has been in practice for centuries now. Ancient Greek and Roman architecture incorporated Classical columns based on the form and structure of plants, while Ancient Indian temples emulated natural rock formations. Medieval architectural styles such as the Gothic style incorporated arches and vaults that mimicked the form of trees. More recently, architect Antoni Gaudi’s design for the Sagrada Familia (a church in Spain whose construction began in 1882) was also based on the branching form of trees.
However, the term ‘biomimicry’ was first defined clearly in the book ‘Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature’ written by Janine Benyus in 1997. With the growing need for sustainable building practices since then, architects have increasingly been adopting this concept into their designs, leading to its immense popularity across the world today.
Features of Biomimetic Architecture
Levels and Types of Biomimicry
Typically, biomimicry in architecture can be adopted at three levels:
- Mimicking Natural Forms: In this level, building projects obtain inspiration from the way natural elements or organisms look. For example, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has RCC columns whose design is based on the shape of mushrooms.
- Mimicking Natural Mechanisms: Here, buildings or their elements imitate the way an organism functions or carries out specific activities. A simple example is a solar panel, which can absorb sun rays and convert it into usable energy, which is similar to the process of photosynthesis in plants.
- Mimicking Natural Ecosystems: This is the most advanced level of biomimicry in architecture, where the entire building project functions like a mini ecosystem and is self sustainable. Net zero energy buildings are a common representation of this type.
Process of Biomimicry Design
The ‘biomimicry spiral’ developed by industrial designer Carl Hastrich describes the steps involved in biomimetic architectural design as follows:
Biomimicry Spiral
- Identify: The requirements of the project—such as energy efficiency, weather protection and/or architectural style—are clearly identified and defined in this step.
- Translate: Identified requirements are translated into biological terms, so that natural solutions can be found.
- Discover: Natural patterns, organisms and functions are observed to discover solutions that can fulfill the identified requirements.
- Abstract: The solutions discovered are studied to understand how they work and convert them into abstract concepts that can be used in buildings.
- Emulate: Abstract concepts are developed into design or building strategies that can be engineered to satisfy the project needs.
- Evaluate: The developed strategies are compared to the originally identified requirements to evaluate how efficiently they fulfill those requirements.
What are the Benefits of Biomimicry in Architecture?
- Sustainability: Biomimetism often incorporates energy efficient features and climate responsive architecture that imitate how natural organisms function. This makes such buildings inherently eco-friendly.
- Durability and Adaptability: When biomimicry and design are integrated, buildings are typically imbibed with an enhanced resilience against environmental conditions like climate variations, earthquakes and hurricanes, making them extremely durable. This is because they are inspired by the adaptability of natural elements.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Similar to biophilic design, biomimicry also deepens the human connectivity to nature. People typically form emotional and spiritual attachments with natural elements, leading to improved mental health. The enhanced thermal comfort in such buildings can also lead to an increase in productivity and upliftment of spirits.
Biomimicry Examples in Architecture
Some prominent architecture biomimicry examples include:
Lotus Temple, India
Designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, the Lotus Temple in New Delhi is a type of biomimetic architecture that imitates natural forms. Nine separate entrances into this place of worship are formed by 27 marble ‘petals’ arranged in concentric layers. A large skylight that floods sunlight into the interiors and a surrounding water body that represents leaves make the building look like a large floating lotus.
Lotus Temple, India
Image source: Link
Eastgate Centre, Zimbabwe
The Eastgate Centre is a shopping centre and office block that mimics natural mechanisms of heating and cooling. Designed by Mick Pearce, the building draws inspiration from termite mounds, which get heated up during the day, allowing hot air to flow through the vertical structure and cool air to flow in from holes below the ground. Similarly, in this building, tall brick chimneys suck out hot air and cool air is captured by underground gaps.
Eastgate Center, Zimbabwe
Image source: Link
Lavasa, India
This is an 8000 acre city near Mumbai and Pune—proposed by architectural firm HOK—which represents biomimicry at the ecosystem level. The region was a deciduous forest which had been transformed to an arid landscape. Opting to bring back the region’s natural functioning, the architects designed types of foundations that could store water like trees. Rooftops allowed rainwater to water to run-off (inspired by native Banyan fig leaves) and get stored. A system of transporting excess water is inspired by the movement of harvester ants, forming a complete ecosystem which efficiently manages rainwater and recharges groundwater.
Lavasa, India
Image source: Link
Biomimicry and Architecture for Tomorrow
With the advancement of technologies like 3D printing, parametric design and kinetic facades, the field of biomimicry in design is rapidly developing. The intrinsic sustainability and emotional connection offered by biomimetic buildings could help mitigate the issues of climate change and social isolation faced across the globe. Biomimicry in architecture also has vast potential to transform the way buildings are built, used and experienced, making it an important concept that must be encouraged in order to build a brighter future.
Apoorva H P Achar 