ARCH 534 - GRADUATION DISSERTATION – 5TH YEAR LEVEL-

ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
DESIGN & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Theme of Graduation Project: Biomimetic Architecture.

Typology of Graduation Project: Salt Formation Center.
Site of Graduation Project: Dbayyeh, Lebanon.

TITLE OF GRADUATION DISSERTATION:

Exploring the Optimal Biomimicry Approaches to Enhance the Real

Meaning of Sustainability in Architecture
By:

Abbas Hmade
ID Number: 201701189

The Graduation Dissertation submitted to the

Faculty of Architecture - Design & Built Environment, Beirut Arab University
To obtain a Bachelor Degree
In
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

FALL SEMESTER
ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021
 Exploring the Optimal Biomimicry Approaches to Enhance the Real
Meaning of Sustainability in Architecture

Abstract:

Nature has been always remarkable at turning all the disadvantages into advantages of
balancing the ecosystem. And in recent years, human-induced problems that lead to an
increase in many natural hazards, have motivated designers, especially architects to transform
from the “Industrial Age” to the “Ecological Age” through exploring the concept of
sustainable approaches, eco-efficient design strategies, which is referred mainly by
Biomimicry. Biomimicry, which is an extension of the sustainability principle, is the science
of applying nature-inspired designs in human engineering and invention to solve human
problems and imitate the efficient life system of nature. In the last few centuries, the
Architectural activities in biomimicry within the limits of sustainability and eco-efficient
solutions are relying on using a lot of materials or energy to provide human needs, leading to
other harmful non-eco-friendly damages. This mechanism contradicts with nature itself,
which relies on unique geometry, using very little material and employs it in the right place.
This dissertation aims to adopt the most optimal alternatives of biomimicry design strategies
to mitigate or adapt to life changes, using fewer materials and energy resources and far less
waste in the right place and time, without restricting creative innovations. The research will
follow a scientific methodology, based on qualitative type, starting by defining the meaning of
Sustainability, and Biomimicry within the literature review, explaining its background,
importance, and application directly and indirectly. The dissertation will also use an
experimental method, by simulating the digital model of the proposed building with the exact
surrounding environment. Finally, the dissertation ends with concluding the most appropriate
approaches of biomimicry in the architectural field to serve both human needs, and nature.

Keywords: Sustainable approaches, Biomimetic principles, Inspiration from nature, Building

design, Design strategies, Energy efficiency, eco-efficient design imperatives.

I
RESEARCH STRUCTURE
This dissertation consists of three main parts in addition to both an Introduction and
conclusions as follows:
-Introduction :
This section includes the research background, its aims, and objectives as well as its
importance which followed by the research methodology to demonstrate the research premise.
-Abstract
-0.1 Research Approach
-0.2 Research Problem
-0.3 Research Aim
0.3.1 Main Aim
0.3.2 Objectives
-0.4 Research Hypothesis
0.4.1 Main Hypothesis
0.4.2 Questions
-0.5 Research Determinants
-0.6 Research Methodology
-0.7 Research Methodology Materials
-Chapter One: Literature Review
This chapter is based on presenting definitions and looking into the history and concept of
Biomimicry within the architectural field. It is based on exploring optimal ways of imitating
the biological system that we are part of.
-Chapter Two: Analytical Study :
The point of this chapter is to cover the mechanical and technological principals which are
mentioned and clarified in arrange to go through Intelligent building skins.
-Conclusions and Recommendations:
In this section, the aim is to conclude the facts aiming to improve and enhance the quality of
the architectural product in seeking the advancement of the ecological architectural field.

Sustainable Designing in the Extreme Environment Through Intelligent Building

Skin

Problem- Objective Hypothesi Methodolo

Aim Structur
s s gy
Definitio e
n

Chapter One: Theoretical Part Conclusion

Conclusion Chapter Two: Analytical Study

Conclusion

Discussion and Conclusion

III
 REFERENCES

- Books

1. Pawlen Michael, ”Biomimicry in Architecture”, published by RIBA Publishing

( 2016)
2.

-Articles, Papers, and Reports:

1. Mwila Isabel Nkandu and Halil Zafer Alibaba (2018). Biomimicry as an Alternative
Approach to Sustainability.
2. Button Thomas (2016). Biomimicry: A Source for Architectural Innovation in
Existing buildings
3. Pawlyn, M. (2016). Biomimicry in Architecture. Retrieved October 9, 2020, from
https://sharetfd9.firebaseapp.com/aa538/biomimicry-in-architecture-by-michael-
pawlyn-1859463754.pdf

4. Maglic, M. J. (2012). Biomimicry: Using Nature as a Model for Design. Retrieved

October 9, 2020, from https://www.mobt3ath.com/uplode/book/book-1044.pdf

5. Taylor, B. (2015). The Art of Imitating Life: The Potential Contribution of

Biomimicry in Shaping the Future of Our Cities. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/30273741.pdf