What are the best biomimicry and biophilic design practices for sustainable architecture? (2024)

FAQs

What is biophilia and biomimicry in architecture? ›

In a nutshell, biomimicry is the “mimicry,” or more accurately, the emulation of life's engineering. In contrast, biophilia describes humans' connection with nature and biophilic design is replicating experiences of nature in design to reinforce that connection.

Biomimicry Architecture; is often referred to as a unique and technical approach to mimicking nature in creating various designs in architecture. The structure inspired by nature can be strong yet sustainable since nature is a long-lasting system. The buildings are designed to mimic the functions of nature.

Biomimicry offers an empathetic, interconnected understanding of how life works and ultimately where we fit in. It is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by species alive today.

According to Zhang, biomimicry can be achieved at different levels, including, (1) imitating the form or function of nature, (2) imitating natural processes and (3) imitating natural systems; where the first is seen as the most common approach.

Biomimetic architecture is a multi-disciplinary scientific approach to sustainable design that goes beyond using nature as inspiration for aesthetics but rather deeply studying and applying construction principles that are found in natural environments and species. Related article.

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. Biophilic designed buildings incorporate things like natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements for creating a more productive and healthy built environment for people.

Biophilic design is about creating spaces that not only look good but feel good. By incorporating elements of nature into our buildings, we're not just enhancing the aesthetic appeal, but also crafting healthier, more harmonious living and working environments.

Sustainable design principles aim to: Optimize site potential. Minimize non-renewable energy consumption and waste. Use environmentally preferable products. Protect and conserve water.

Another example of biomimicry in architecture at the Eden Project is using passive ventilation systems inspired by termite mounds. The biomes capture and store solar energy during the day, which is then released at night to create a natural convection current that circulates fresh air through the building.

For example, Swiss engineer George de Mestral was inspired by burdock burrs sticking to his clothes and his dog's fur during a walk. This led him to invent Velcro, a hook-and-loop fastening system, which has since been used in various applications, including clothing, aerospace, and medical devices.

What is the best example of biomimicry? ›

Perhaps the most famous example of biomimicry is Velcro. In 1941, engineer George de Mestral was walking his dog when he noticed burrs (like the ones pictured below) sticking to both of them. When he studied the burrs under magnification he found their clinging property was the result of hundreds of tiny hooks.

Using biomimicry to solve problems

Some of the most prominent examples of biomimicry include velcro inspired by hooked seed pods, wind turbines that mimic humpback whale pectoral fins, or studying ant patterns as a solution to traffic congestion.

Biomimicry can work on three levels: the organism, its behaviors, and the ecosystem. Buildings on the organism level mimic a specific organism.

What is the first example of biomimicry? The flying machines of Leonardo Da Vinci are the earliest biomimicry example. He very closely observed the anatomy and flight of birds and made numerous notes and detailed sketches of his observations. These sketches of proposed "flying machines"...

Going beyond what Nature provides usually entails a number of transitions, (1) from biomimicry, which involves solely superficial imitation of the biological systems, (2) to biomimetics, which attempts to copy and recreate the structure- function relations observed in living entities, and finally (3) to bioinspiration, ...

Apple Park – California, USA. One of the most widely recognised examples of biophilic architecture, tech giant Apple's headquarters in California has been praised for its design and incorporation of nature.

The building uses 90% less energy than conventional buildings and provides a comfortable indoor environment for its occupants. Another benefit of biomimicry in architecture and planning is that it can improve the environmental performance and resource efficiency of buildings and cities.

Helps sharpen our senses

Therefore, the presence of those all elements in a space, in a naturally stimulating way - using biophilic elements (elements from nature) - creates a positive atmosphere in the space that helps us use and develop more our senses.

The word biophilia originates from the Greek, 'philia' meaning 'love of'. It literally means a love of life or living things. Humans have a deeply engrained love of nature which is an intuitive and natural drive imprinted into our DNA.