Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods
Biomimicry, as a field of science, is mainly defined as a solution for design problems inspired by natural models, systems, and elements. For the built environment, using nature as a guide can enhance sustainability or even go beyond that and generate a regenerative approach. This is important in th...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Biomimetics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/107 |
| _version_ | 1827751076128882688 |
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| author | Nathalie Verbrugghe Eleonora Rubinacci Ahmed Z. Khan |
| author_facet | Nathalie Verbrugghe Eleonora Rubinacci Ahmed Z. Khan |
| author_sort | Nathalie Verbrugghe |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Biomimicry, as a field of science, is mainly defined as a solution for design problems inspired by natural models, systems, and elements. For the built environment, using nature as a guide can enhance sustainability or even go beyond that and generate a regenerative approach. This is important in the building sector to evolve towards a sustainable and circular economy and reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in terms of energy-use. While several biomimicry-related keywords exist, scholars and practitioners in architecture have given varying interpretations to the term biomimicry depending on the use and goal. There has been increasing interest in biomimicry in architecture (BIA), yet the field has become more fragmented. This study aims to highlight differences and similarities through an extended literature survey and analysis that explores case studies, classification systems, and methodological frameworks related to biomimicry in architecture as a way to contribute to reduce the fragmentation in the field. To provide the necessary context and avoid confusion regarding the many concepts and terms that refer to nature-based design, biomimicry-related keywords and interpretations of the word biomimicry are first clarified. Ultimately, the discussion is an integrative effort at defining the field, and highlights the significance and impact of employing BIA in terms of sustainability and usability, as well as showcasing the opportunities for further research. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T06:52:13Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1399017f8b8e4f9196f93ccc32398362 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2313-7673 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T06:52:13Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Biomimetics |
| spelling | doaj.art-1399017f8b8e4f9196f93ccc323983622023-11-17T09:50:24ZengMDPI AGBiomimetics2313-76732023-03-018110710.3390/biomimetics8010107Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design MethodsNathalie Verbrugghe0Eleonora Rubinacci1Ahmed Z. Khan2Building, Architecture and Town Planning Department (BATir), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue A. Buyl 87 (CP 194/2), 1050 Brussels, BelgiumBuilding, Architecture and Town Planning Department (BATir), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue A. Buyl 87 (CP 194/2), 1050 Brussels, BelgiumBuilding, Architecture and Town Planning Department (BATir), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue A. Buyl 87 (CP 194/2), 1050 Brussels, BelgiumBiomimicry, as a field of science, is mainly defined as a solution for design problems inspired by natural models, systems, and elements. For the built environment, using nature as a guide can enhance sustainability or even go beyond that and generate a regenerative approach. This is important in the building sector to evolve towards a sustainable and circular economy and reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in terms of energy-use. While several biomimicry-related keywords exist, scholars and practitioners in architecture have given varying interpretations to the term biomimicry depending on the use and goal. There has been increasing interest in biomimicry in architecture (BIA), yet the field has become more fragmented. This study aims to highlight differences and similarities through an extended literature survey and analysis that explores case studies, classification systems, and methodological frameworks related to biomimicry in architecture as a way to contribute to reduce the fragmentation in the field. To provide the necessary context and avoid confusion regarding the many concepts and terms that refer to nature-based design, biomimicry-related keywords and interpretations of the word biomimicry are first clarified. Ultimately, the discussion is an integrative effort at defining the field, and highlights the significance and impact of employing BIA in terms of sustainability and usability, as well as showcasing the opportunities for further research.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/107biomimicrybiomimicry in architectureBIAsustainable designbiomimicry design approachesbiomimicry classifications |
| spellingShingle | Nathalie Verbrugghe Eleonora Rubinacci Ahmed Z. Khan Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods Biomimetics biomimicry biomimicry in architecture BIA sustainable design biomimicry design approaches biomimicry classifications |
| title | Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods |
| title_full | Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods |
| title_fullStr | Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods |
| title_full_unstemmed | Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods |
| title_short | Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods |
| title_sort | biomimicry in architecture a review of definitions case studies and design methods |
| topic | biomimicry biomimicry in architecture BIA sustainable design biomimicry design approaches biomimicry classifications |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/107 |
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