The Performance of Biomimicry Architecture in Sustainable Design for a Mixed-Use Workplace in Shanghai (Sustainable Design) (2024)

FAQs

How is biomimicry architecture sustainable? ›

Examples of biomimicry in architecture incorporate elements of flora and fauna. Biomimicry and bio-utilization can make building projects and materials more sustainable. Architects can start bringing biomimicry into projects today—but the future will need a confluence of industries and disciplines.

The scientific, research-based practice of learning from and then replicating nature's forms, processes, and ecosystems to create more regenerative designs. Ethos. The philosophy of understanding how life works and creating designs that continuously support and create conditions conducive to life.

Sustainable architecture is also referred to as green architecture or environmental architecture. It challenges architects to produce smart designs and use available technologies to ensure that structures generate minimal harmful effects to the ecosystem and the communities.

Eden Project, England | Biomimicry in Architecture

Eden Project is the world's largest greenhouse. The huge semi-circular modules were inspired by the shape of soap bubbles. The efficient structural system consisting of hexagons and pentagons was derived after studying pollen grains, radiolaria, and carbon molecules.

Biomimetic products, inspired by these processes, can be more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Innovation: Biomimicry encourages a fresh perspective and stimulates creative thinking. It opens the door to novel solutions that may not have been considered through traditional design approaches.

Biomimicry is using nature to inspire and improve designs for materials, devices, structures, and processes. The word comes from the Ancient Greek words bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate, so it literally means 'imitating life'.

Life cycle carbon footprint

The goal of sustainable architecture is to create buildings that have a low carbon or carbon neutral footprint throughout their life cycle — from construction to operation and maintenance.

What are the benefits of sustainability in architecture? ›

Sustainable architecture is not only energy-efficient and healthier for its inhabitants, but it also benefits the planet. By reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources (fossil fuels such as coal and oil), green architecture can actually promote and maintain a cleaner environment.

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.

It can reduce material costs: Biomimetic Design is based on shape rather than material, since the shape is cheap and material is expensive. Biomimicry can minimise the company's expenditures on materials while maximising the effectiveness of the product patterns and forms.

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.

The most desirable materials are those that are recycled or renewable, as well as those that require the least energy to manufacture. There is often a focus on using locally-obtained woods and stone, reducing the distance that materials travel before being used in the construction process and supporting local trades.

By emulating the nutrient cycles, self-regulation, and resilience observed in ecosystems, industries can reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize their environmental impact.

This study has shown the ability of biomimicry to intercept rainfall thereby reducing the risk of flooding, limit overheating, sequester carbon to offset CO2 emissions and overall, improve human wellbeing and the environment.

By implementing sustainable strategies into the design process, like reducing waste, preserving natural resources (such as water and wood), protecting our air supply, and limiting energy use, green building companies can create extremely efficient structures that can withstand the test of time.