As previously described, biophilia, biomimicry and biomorphia have their roots in nature, so parts of these sciences interact, and some differ.
Biomorphia (1935)
Biomorphia resembles or suggests design elements of naturallyoccurring patterns or shapes in nature and living organisms. The term is derived from the Greek words of ‘Bios’ meaning life or living, and ‘morphe’, meaningform.
Initially, this term was used in the context of modern art and first mentioned in 1935 by the British writer Geoffrey Grigson. Subsequently, it was used during the exhibition of Cubism and Abstract Art in the 1930s. The Biomorphic approach uses nature as a source for unconventional organic forms and relates to some symbolic effects in architecture.
The Lotus Temple in New Delhi displayed above is a Baha’i place of worship and was built in 1986 by Fariborz Sahba and is a well-known example of biomorphism in architecture. Its design is based on a lotus flower shape from nature. It has a symbolic aspect to it - as according to Fariborz Sahba, the Iranian-American architect, the Lotus flower represents: ‘the manifestation of God and is also a symbol of purity and tenderness”.[1]
The structure is arranged in three clusters that form nine sides of the temple and has 27 free-standing marble-clad petal-shaped sections.
Biophilia (1964)
Let us consider the concept of biophilia. First and foremost, it explores how nature or natural elements make us feel and what impacts are the greatest, in terms of physical and psychological wellbeing.
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In an interview with one of the leading experts on biophilia, William D. Browning, in December 2020, the discussion started with the concept of biophilia. When posed with the question: “What does biophilia mean personally for you?” William Browning answered:“Studying biophiliais looking at the human psychological and physiological responseto expanses of nature. Biophilic design is a design that intentionally creates experiences of nature in the built environment.”
In researching the concept of biophilia, more than ten people representing various companies were interviewed. The majority of them were practising architects and designers - and a lot of responses about the concept of biophilia referred to the human experience.
Analysing the literature and interviews on biophilia, one conclusion is that the focus could shift from the outside to the inside. Rather than focusing on external elements (nature forms, shapes, etc.)and then their effects on humans, we should look first at the humans’ responses to the outside elements and then identify which features are the most effective and have the most impact.
Biomimicry (1957)
‘Biomimicry’ is derived from two ancient Greek words ‘, Bios’, meaning life and ‘Mimesis’, which means to imitate.It copies or mimics nature and various aspects and processes and focuses on how things work naturally to solve human problems.
‘Biomimetics’ was a term first used in the 1950s by Otto Schmidt and appeared in the scientific literature in 1962.[2]Its use in design and architecture became more prominent following the 1997 publication of the Janine Benyus book entitled ‘Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by Nature’, in which she developed the concept, emphasising sustainability as an objective for biomimicry.
The photograph above displays the Beijing National Stadium that was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, it is “…an excellent example of the use of bio-metric principles in modern architecture.”[3]The stadium design is based on an upturned birds’ nest and comprised of two structures - the seating is made of concrete whilst the outer steel frame represents twigs from a nest.
The steel structure utilised advanced geometric patterns. The stadium panels were designed to ensure optimal acoustics and receipt of sunlight whilst protecting spectators, again by using the nest insulation aspect to maximum impact and clever use of the twigs in the structure. A clear sightline for spectators was also a key feature of the design.
Biosciences Similarities and Differences
“Biomorphism is a formal and aesthetic expression; biomimicry is a functional discipline,” suggestsMichael Pawlin in his book “Biomimicry in Architecture”[2]
Biomimicry studies howfunctions are delivered in biology. Biomorphism looks at nature as an inspiration for unconventional forms. Biophilia concernshow nature or natural elements make us feel, what impacts are the greatest in terms of physical and psychological wellbeing. These are the differences.
All biosciences have the root ‘bio’ from theancient Greek word ‘Bios’, meaning ‘life, or connection with life and living things’ [4]since all the biosciences are looking at nature and the living world and havenatureat its cores.
As described in the previous post, biosciences’ diagram, presented above is illustrating how each area might overlap above and beyond their standing.
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[1]Bahai Teaching Organisation, www.bahaiteaching.org
[2]Pawlin, Michael “Biomimicry in Architecture”, 2011
[3]Architecture Ever, www.architecturever.com
[4]Cambridge Dictionary,www.dictionary.cambridge.org
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