BIOMIMICRY

S P ECIAL S T UDY
S I V AR AMA N
38210072
• Biomimicry is the imitation of the
models, systems, and elements of
nature for the purpose of solving
complex human problems; biomimicry
in architecture and manufacturing is
the practice of designing buildings and
products that simulate or co-opt
processes that occur in nature.
WHY BIOMIMICRY?
• Nature is the best teacher. Biomimicry
offers an empathetic, interconnected
understanding of how life works and
ultimately where we fit in. It is a practice
that learns from and mimics the strategies
used by species alive today. The goal is to
create products, processes, and policies,
new ways of living that solve our greatest
design challenges sustainably and in
solidarity with all life on earth. We can use
biomimicry to not only learn from nature’s
wisdom, but also heal ourselves.
HISTORY
• The term “biomimetics” was coined by American biophysicist
and inventor Otto Schmitt.
• With her groundbreaking book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired
by Nature, Jennine Benyus coined the term biomimicry and
sparked the interest of the subject into engineers and designers
all over the world. She also started her own world leading
consulting organization, Biomimicry 3.8. Their mission is to teach
the world to innovate, learn, and be inspired by nature. She
continues to strive toward a future that listens to the earth rather
than exploits it.
Biomimicry sees nature as:
• A model. It studies nature’s models and
imitates them or uses them as inspiration for
designs or processes with the goal of solving
human problems
• A measure. It uses ecological standards to
judge the rightness of human innovations
• A mentor. It is a new way of observing,
assessing and valuing nature
The gherkin

INFLUENCES ON
ARCHITECTURE
• Inspiration for the structure of The
Gherkin was drawn from the Venus’
flower basket sponge, a type of glass
sponge. The sponge survives at great
depths thanks to its lattice-like
exoskeleton and round shape which
provide stiffness and disperse the forces
from strong currents. The structural
integrity of its body comes from a mesh of
silica spicules which can bend at the
intersecting points to absorb stress. This
silica skeleton forms the hollow “basket”
of the sponge through which sea water is
filtered for nutrients. Water flows through
the lattice and is directed upwards by
flagella.
Eden Project
• 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 were derived after studying
pollen grains, Radiolaria, and carbon
molecules. The biomes were made of
ETFE (Ethyl tetrafluoroethylene) and
steel. The geodesics are self-cleaning
and act as a thermal blanket that
traps air between them, resulting in
reduced energy consumption.
MILWAUKEE ART
MUSEUM, WISCONSIN
• Designed by Santiago
Calatrava, the dynamic
feature of the museum is
the Quadracci Pavilion. The
pavilion contains the Burke
Brise Soleil, which is a
movable sunscreen
resembling the wings of a
bird due to its opening and
closing mechanism.
CRITERIA COMPREHENSIBILITY ( how
CHOSEN the design helps to
FOR THE comprehend spaces)
STUDY
MANAGEABILITY( spatial
arrangement with
biomimicry influence)
MEANINGFULNESS ( creating
to sense of belonging to the
space)
 Criteria Supporting Biomimetic Possible zones
Elements

Place connections,
Waiting areas, triage
natural patterns and
zones, daycare
comprehensibility processes,
surgery, maternity
environmental
and birthing units.
features and light.

natural patterns Inpatient nursing

and processes, units, recovery
manageablitiy
environmental and intensive care
features and light. units.

Evolved relations
common rooms,
to nature and
meaningfulness lobby, corridor,
natural shapes
landscape
and forms
INFERENCE
• Biomimetic elements like natural
patterns, light, natural shapes and
forms makes a built environment
more lively and green.
• Biomimcry teaches how to coexist
with the nature.
• These elements would stand
out and create a better space
than a conventional hospital.