DISSERTATION

BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE
Biomimetic architecture uses nature as a model, measure and mentor to solve problems in
architecture. It is not the same as biomorphic architecture, which uses natural existing
elements as sources of inspiration for aesthetic components of form. Instead, biomimetic
architecture looks to nature as a model to imitate or take inspiration from natural designs
and processes and applies it to the man-made. It uses nature as a measure meaning
biomimicry uses an ecological standard to judge the efficiency of human innovations. Nature
as a mentor means that biomimicry does not try to exploit nature by extracting material
goods from it, but values nature as something humans can learn from.

Mimicking nature requires understanding the differences between biological and technical
systems. Their evolution is dissimilar: biological systems have been evolving for millions of
years, whereas the technical systems have been developing for only a few hundred years.
Biological systems evolved based on their genetic codes governed by natural selection, while
technical systems developed based on human design for performing functions. In general,
functions in technical systems aim to develop a system as a result of design, while in
biological systems, functions can occasionally be an unsystematic genetic evolutionary
change that leads to a particular function that is not prearranged. Their differences are wide:
technical systems function within extensive environments, while biological systems work
within restricted living constraints.

There is a beauty to science, and a science to the beauty that is intrinsic in art. The exploration
of art and science in architecture are intertwining studies in the pursuit of new inspiration
and ideas. Art and science are both processes in the understanding of our world and all its
complexities in nature. Natural inspirations, Biomimicry and biophilic designii have been
present in architectural history since the early Eighteenth Century. Architects, designers and
engineers have returned to their natural and biological roots to investigate and seek out
solutions to design and performance-based problems within architecture.

The first chapter, Nature and its Biological Roots, sets the scene for bio inspiration within the
Twentieth Century. Nature and its historical roots lie deep within the Eighteenth Century
when immense scientific and biological discoveries were made. It was from these findings
that the foundations for modern-day thinking and technology were derived.
AIM:
The exploration of art and science in architecture are intertwining studies in the pursuit of
new inspiration and ideas

OBJECTIVE:
to investigate and seek out solutions to design and performance-based problems within
architecture.

SCOPE:
He contends that evolution within humanity is culturally based in technological innovations
rather than ecological evolution. However, architects and engineers do not base their designs
strictly off of nature but only use parts of it as inspiration for architectural solutions. Since
the final product is actually a merging of natural design with a human innovation, biomimicry
can actually be read as bringing man and nature in harmony with one another.

LIMITATION:
Biomimicry has been criticized for distancing man from nature by defining the two terms as separate
and distinct from one another. The need to categorize human as distinct from nature upholds the
traditional definition of nature, which is that it is those things or systems that come into existence
independently of human intention

METHODOLOGY: