Biomimicry for a Sustainable Built Environment: A State of the Art Review

Abstract

In order to curb the substantial environmental footprint of new buildings, innovative approaches in architecture are needed. The new built environment needs to integrate with its surrounding environment rather than only becoming a burden on it. Nature presents the best model for designing efficient, renewable, and waste-free systems. While conventional human systems use excessive energy and resources, organisms leverage nested and interconnected systems, diversity and collaborative relationships to adapt to their environment. They also provide a steady internal environment (homeostasis), similar to what buildings aim to do for their residents (steady temperature, humidity). As such, nature’s strategies can be a source of design inspiration for climate adaptive architecture.

Biomimicry, an interdisciplinary approach to design and innovation, aims to solve human challenges by emulating nature’s strategies that have evolved to be resource-efficient and sustainable. It also encourages designs that are in harmony with nature. Applying biomimicry in buildings is not a new concept, but it has gained traction in the past two decades. This study provides an overview of built or approved examples of biomimicry in the built environment in the 21st century, as described in scientific literature. Thirteen cases are described, and categorized into three groups based on their purpose: Heat and light regulation, air regulation, and water regulation. Regulating heat and solar is crucial for a more energy efficient interior climate control. Air regulation could be done to support the mechanical stability of buildings, as well as energy production to make them less reliant on the grid. Water regulation could enable vegetable farming in arid areas, or provide a basis for habitats in and around buildings.

The cases showcase promising initial steps in the application of biomimetic design in the built environment, while also highlighting the essential need for strengthening the interdisciplinary links between biology and (urban) architecture.