Dissertation: Amal P Azeez 171110027

DISSERTATION
Submitted by
AMAL P AZEEZ
171110027
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE - SEMESTER 8
Under the guidance of
DR. RAJAT SONI
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
MAULANA AZAD NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

BHOPAL, 462003
BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE Page 1

Topic
BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that that this dissertation report entitles “BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE “
has been submitted by Mr. Amal P Azeez (Roll No. 171110027) in the partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the Bachelor’s degree in
Architecture fort the session 2017-2022.

CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION
I hereby certify that the work which is presented in the project titled “BIOMIMICRY IN
ARCHITECTURE”, in the partial execution of the requirements for the award of the DEGREE OF
BACHELOR in ARCHITECTURE and submitted in Department of Architecture, Maulana Azad National
Institute of Technology, Bhopal, in an authentic record of my own work performed during a period from
January 2021 to May 2021 under the guidance of DR RAJAT SONI Associate Professor, Department of
Architecture, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal. The matter presented in this project
report has not been submitted by me for the reward of any other degree of this or any other
Institute/University.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At the very beginning of this report, I want to broaden my serious and sincere commitment towards all
people who have helped me in this obligation. Without their dynamic direction, cooperation, support and
help, I wouldn’t have made progress in the dissertation.
I am obliged to my guide, DR. RAJAT SONI for his steady supervision and for giving vital data for the
undertaking and for their help in finishing the task.
I stretch out my appreciation to MANIT BHOPAL for giving me this opportunity.
Lastly, I likewise recognize with profound feeling of respect, my appreciation towards my folks and
individuals from my family who have constantly bolstered me ethically and also financially.

ABSTRACT
The pressures of survival in nature all its varied aspects – finding sustenance, thermoregulating, mating and
avoiding predation, among many other factors – have,over a infinite long period of time , ruthlessly refined
the structures and other adaptations that genetic mutation and recombination and recombination has created.
Nature has spent billions of years solving and refining many of the problems we as humans are facing today
and so it is only logical for us to learn from nature’s existing solutions to solve our issues of sustainable
design.
Biomimicry is the knowledge that focuses its study on nature’s time tested patterns and life processes in order
to pull out ideas and thereby mimicking those thoughts in order to solve complex human engineering
tribulations. Biomimicry argues that nature is the best, most influencing and the guaranteed source of
innovation for the designers as a result of nature’s 3.85 billion years of evolution, as it holds a gigantic
experience of solving problems of the environment and its inhabitants.
The biomimicry emerging field deals with new technologies honed from bio-inspired engineering at the
micro and macro scale levels. The new technologies such as bullet train, diving suits etc. emerged as a result
of study in molecular as well as atomic levels of examination. Architects have been searching for answers
from nature to their complex questions about different kinds of structures, and they have mimicked a lot of
forms from nature to create better and more efficient structures for different architectural
purposes.Computers have been a much classy tool for humans since its contraption. Without the aid of this
tool, the analyzing and way of mimicking will be very thorny.

TABLE OF CONTENT LIST OF FIGURES
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BACKGROUND
2.1. Example of biomimicry

2.2. Evolution
2.3. Biomimicry in architecture
2.4. Aim
2.5. Objectives
2.6. Scope
2.7. Limitations
2.8. Methodology
2.8.1. Design looking to biology (Top-Down approach)
2.8.2. Biology influencing design (Bottom-Up approach)
2.9. HISTORY OF BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE
3. LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1. Principles of natural design

3.2. Levels of biomimicry
3.3. Application of biomimicry in field of architecture
3.3.1. Production of More Appropriate Materials:
3.3.2. Fulfilling Functional Designs, by Following Natural Processes:
3.3.3. Preservation of Resources, Rather Than Draining Them,
by Utilizing the Biomimicry Principles of Zero Waste:
3.4. Design spiral
3.5.Benifits of biomimicry
3.6.Approaches to biomimicry
3.6.1 Problem-driven Design Approach
3.6.2 Solution-driven Design Approach
3.7. Biomimetic Materials

4. REFERENCES

LIST OF FIGURES 1. FIGURE
1: Train modelled like the kingfisher”s beak SOURCE:www.oreilly.com

2. FIGURE 2:Leonardo da Vinci's design for a flying machine with wings based closely upon the structure of
bat wings. SOURCE:en.wikipedia.org
3. FIGURE 3: Biomimicry - innovation inspired by nature by Janine M. Benyus SOURCE:biomimicry.org
4. FIGURE 4:Hydraulic rams acting as muscles and steel sections as spinal vertebrae in Thomas
Heatherwick’s Rolling bridge SOURCE :Biomimicry in Architecture , a book by Michael Pawlyn
5. Figure 5: Biomimicry top-down and bottom-up approaches. SOURCE:www.sciencedirect.com
6. Figure 6: Beads on a Lotus Leaf SOURCE: www.creativeresourcelab.com
7. Figure 7: A Droplet Takes up the Dust Covering a Lotus Leaf. SOURCE:
www.botanik.unibonn.de/system/lotus/en/prinzip_html.html
8. Figure 8 : Lotus Effect. SOURCE : www.designboom.com
9. Figure 9: Section of Wood Ant Nest SOURCE:http://www.norseywood.org.uk
10. Figure 10:City Hall in London SOURCE:en.wikipedia.org
11. Figure 11:Biomimicry Design Spiral SOURCE:biomimicry.org

CHAPTER -1: INTRODUCTION
The term ‘biomimicry’ originates from the Greek words bios, meaning life and mimesis, meaning imitate. It
refers to imitating natural strategies (not forms) to devise new sustainable solutions. Although buildings
guard us against natural extremes, they have a lot to learn from the natural world.
Nature and natural processes are the guiding principles or the main metaphors of the design approach. –
Frank Lloyd Wright
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. There are ultrastrong synthetic
spider silks, adhesives modeled after gecko feet, and wind-turbine blades that mimic whale fins.For
designers, biology offers lessons in hyper efficient resource stewardship and circular economies. Nature also
practices a kind of “critical regionalism,” the belief that architecture should reflect the geography and culture
of its setting. For example, there are parasites so specifically evolved they can live with only one type of host.
Biomimetic Architecture is now on the rise. Therefore, discovering its potential is vital. Now, There are
Biomimetic wind turbine trees & furniture that use the principles of Biomimicry.Architecture has always
been tied with nature and regarded it as a source of inspiration for years. It has also been a muse for the
creation of several philosophies and movements that have characterized design. Biomimicry is one such
ideology that has helped mold and contribute structures, principles, and forms to the built environment.
Biomimicry is a method of solving human challenges by learning and imitating the strategies in nature. It
views nature as a measure, a mentor, and a model. In architecture, biomimicry is often used to seek
sustainable measures by understanding the principles governing the form rather than replicating the mere
form itself. It applies to several aspects of the architectural and engineering field in terms of materials,
structural systems, design, and much more. The mimicry can be seen at three levels i.e. at that of the
organism, its behavior, and the ecosystem.

Beijing National Stadium, Beijing
Biomimetic materials are synthetic (man-made) materials that mimic natural materials or that follow a design
motif derived from nature. In the previous section, a number of peptides and proteins were discussed. In
general, peptides and proteins are isolated from natural sources and are therefore listed among the
biologically derived polymers. However, significant research breakthroughs were made when scientists
started to create mimics of natural polymers by semi-synthetic or totally synthetic means. An excellent
example for this type of research approach is the work of Urry and coworkers, who used peptide synthesis
methods to create artificial variants of elastin [49,50]. Using a combination of solid-phase peptide chemistry
and genetically engineered bacteria, they synthesized several polymers which contained homologies of the
elastin repeat sequences valine-proline-glycine-valine-glycine (VPGVG). These biomimetic polymers had
better engineering properties than their natural equivalents, making it possible to create films and fibers that
could then be further modified by crosslinking. The resultant films had intriguing mechanical responses, such
as a reverse phase transition which results in contraction with increasing temperature [50], resembling the
action of muscles. The exact transition temperature could be varied by variations in the polymer’s amino acid
composition [50]. Several medical applications are under consideration for this system, including
musculoskeletal repair mechanisms, ophthalmic devices, and mechanical and/or electrically stimulated drug
delivery.
BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE Page

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Biomimicry involves learning from and mimicking nature to solve architectural design problems and
challenges.
The aim is to understand in detail what solutions nature has to offer to resolve the problems we face in
engineering design and science of materials. It aims to offer an empathic, interconnected understanding of
how life works.
Biomimicry learns and mimics from the practices and strategies that are used by species to create, design,
and process products and policies that solve our greatest design challenges and consequently bring
sustainability to our planet.
Biomimicry first appeared in scientific literature in 1962. Since then, its usage has grown particularly
amongst material scientists. There has been an enormous spike in the interest of architects and engineers
regarding biomimicry over the last ten years.

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Nature as Model
Biomimicry is a new science that studies nature’s models and then emulates these forms, processes, systems, and
strategies to solve human problems – sustainably.
Nature as Measure
Biomimicry uses an ecological standard to judge the sustainability of our innovations. After 3.8 billion years of
evolution, nature has learned what works and what lasts.
Nature as Mentor
Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature.
Biomimetic architecture is a multi-disciplinary scientific approach to sustainable design that goes beyond
using nature as inspiration for aesthetics but rather deeply studying and applying construction principles that
are found in natural environments and species.The core idea of the biomimetic philosophy is that nature’s
inhabitants including animals, plants, and microbes have the most experience in solving problems and have
already found the most appropriate ways to last on planet Earth. Similarly, biomimetic architecture seeks
solutions for building sustainability present in nature, not only by replicating their natural forms, but also by
understanding the rules governing those forms.

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CHAPTER -2 :BACKGROUND
The word "bionics" is defined as: “The application of biological principles to the study and design of
engineering systems ”. The growing interest in bionics was the motive to explore how the biological
principles could be applied to architecture. “The term ‘Biomimicry’ first appeared in scientific literature in
1962, and grew in usage particularly amongst material scientists in the 1980s. There has been an enormous
surge of interest during the last ten years, brought about to a large extent by individuals like
biological-sciences writer Janine Benyus, professor of biology Steven Vogel and professor of Biomimetics
Julian Vincent, who have all written extensively in this subject area. Julian Vincent defines it as ‘the
abstraction of good design from nature’, while for Janine Benyus it is ‘the conscious emulation of nature’s
genius
2.1.1. EXAMPLE OF BIOMIMICRY
a) Beijing National Stadium, Beijing

The Beijing National Stadium, popularly known as the bird’s nest, was designed by Swiss Architects Herzog
& de Meuron in 2008 for the Olympics. As the name implies, the structure rises from its surroundings like an
upturned nest. The stadium comprises two structures, the concrete seating bowl, and the outer steel frame,
that represents the twigs of the nest from the stadium. Similar to how a nest is insulated by stuffing material
between the twigs, the façade is filled with ETFE (Ethyl tetrafluoroethylene) panels to protect spectators,
provide acoustic insulation, reduce the dead load on the roof and optimize the entry of sunlight.

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Beijing National Stadium, Beijing

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b) National Aquatics Center, Beijing
The National Aquatic Center, also known as a water cube, was another spectacular project created to host the
2008 Olympics. The structure was inspired by cells and the natural formation of soap bubbles. The unique
geometry of the bubbles was used repetitively to build a structure that appeared organic and random. The
continuous skin of the structure was created with ETFE (Ethyl tetrafluoroethylene) due to its lightweight and
great insulation. The cladding allows the entry of more light as compared to glass and even traps 20% of
solar energy, which is used to heat the pools.
National Aquatics Center, Beijing

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c) Council House 2, Melbourne
The office building was designed using strategies from a termite mound. The system used by termites to
control and maintain the temperature in the mound was replicated in the building through natural convection,
thermal mass, water cooling, and ventilation stacks. The façade of the structure takes inspiration from the
skin system i.e. the epidermis (outer skin) and dermis (inner skin). The dermis acts as an outside zone and
houses stairs, ducts, lifts, etc. while the inner line defines the fire compartment. The bark façade of the
structure also assists with natural ventilation of the wet systems.
d) 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.

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e) The Gherkin, London
Norman Foster’s iconic skyscraper, the 30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as Gherkin mimics the shape and
lattice structure of the Venus Flower Basket Sponge. The lattice exoskeleton and shape of the sponge
provides strength and stability. The hollow basket formed by the skeleton filters water for nutrients as well.
The structural elements of the building are connected at different angles on each floor due to its shape. This
system allows for an open floor plan, vertical support without interior columns, resistance to winds, and
ventilation throughout all floors.

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f) Eastgate Center, Zimbabwe
Designed by Mick Pearce in collaboration with Arup engineers, the center is a shopping mall and office
building that makes use of natural cooling with sophistication. Inspired by the natural cooling system of
termites, the air enters the building at the lower floors and escapes through the chimneys. The natural system
helps reduce energy consumption by 10% when compared to a standard building.

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g) Esplanade Theatre, Singapore
Inspired by the hard thorn skin of the Durian fruit that protects its seed, the theatre designed by DP Architects
and Michael Wilford has an elaborate skin system. The façade of the structure has a responsive shading
system of the curved framework and triangular aluminum louvers that adjusts to the sun’s angle and position
during the day. The system provides natural light as well as a dramatic effect of shadows in the space.

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h) Eden Project, England
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.

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h) Institute du Monde Arabe, Paris
The adaptive façade of the structure mimics the iris of the eye. The cladding of the structure acts as an
automated eye that dilates based on the conditions during the day, while the kinetic façade on the south
maintains thermal exposure. This helps control the entry of light into interior spaces and maintains thermal
comfort.
i) Eiffel Tower, Paris

The iron structure elicits inspiration from the femur i.e. the thigh bone. The internal iron braces represent the
trabecula within the femur whereas the outward flares at the base of the tower resemble the curved portion at
the top of the bone. The features similar to the bone help the structure withstand shear winds and provide
structural stability.

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j) Bullet Trains
The iron structure elicits inspiration from the femur i.e. the thigh bone. The internal iron braces represent the
trabecula within the femur whereas the outward flares at the base of the tower resemble the curved portion at
the top of the bone. The features similar to the bone help the structure withstand shear winds and provide
structural stability.
In japan , the typical shape of a very fast bullet train caused loud booming sounds when exiting the tunnels .
The reason for the booming noise was due to the cushion of air building up in front of the speeding train
going at an avg speed of 300km/ hour .

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FIGURE 1: Train modelled like the kingfisher”s beak
The engineer, being a birdwatcher , noticed how the kingfisher is able to slice through air and dive into water
with very little splash . The new design modelled the front of the train like the kingfisher's face , having a
pointed part just like the beak of the kingfisher . The new kingfisher beak style trains produce 30% less air
pressure, use 15% less electricity and are 10% faster. The drop in air pressure not only makes the trains
quieter, but more comfortable for passengers. The Shinkansen trains are some of the fastest and largest in the
world, and it’s interesting to think that they are based on the adaptations of one small bird.
This is an example of effective usage of biomimicry to solve design problems .
2.1.2. OTHER EXAMPLE OF BIOMIMICRY
A) Solar Panel System:
The solar panel system mimics the way leaves harvest energy. This imitation is further intensified with the
Ivy solar cells designed by SMIT, a Brooklyn-based firm. The new ‘artificial leaves’, so to speak, combine
chlorophyll with carbon materials to generate renewable energy and winds. This results in greater efficiency
and lower cost.

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B) Synthetic Material:
This cutting-edge building material ‘reverse engineers’ the self-healing mechanism of the organism at the
time of injury. That is to say, it bleeds and heals like our skin. It contains tiny capsules with healing agents to
self-repair any damage or cracks. Due to this, we have quite a low-maintenance and durable material.

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C) Responsive Façade:
Yes, the concept of the responsive facade is biomimetic too. It stems from the concept of spiky or fibrous
husks that protect the fruit or the seeds inside. The facade of Esplanade Theatre, for example, mimics the
semi-rigid skin of the durian plant which is covered in thorns to protect its inner content. The building’s
exterior adjusts throughout the day to allow sunlight in without overheating the space.

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D) Termite mound’s ventilation structure:
Minuscule termites build giant mounds to grow and house fungus (their main food). The amazement kicks in
with the complex ventilation system of this structure.
The Fungus must be kept at 87 F while the outside temperature ranges between 35 F (night) – 104 F (day).
Termites achieve this by constantly opening and closing thousands of heating and cooling vents at the surface
of the mound. Air is sucked in the lower part of the mound, moving down into the mud enclosures and up
through the channels at the peak. The termites continuously dig new vents and plug up the old ones to
fine-tune the system.

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Eastgate Center in Zimbabwe mimics a similar concept. The concrete building mass warms or cools the
winds entering the building depending on which is hotter, the concrete or the air.
As in the termite mounds, the air enters the building into the lower floors and offices before escaping through
the chimneys at the top. This system reduces the building’s energy consumption to less than 10% of a
conventional building.
There is a huge list of such ingenious examples, some accomplished while others yet to be. The next step
forward is a Biomimetic architectural system that creates itself!
2.1.3. Creativity of the Minds
Biomimicry in architecture not only produces creative systems but also induces creative thinking in
Architects. Carl Hastrick developed a biomimicry spiral demonstrating a step-by-step process to turn natural
strategies into creative design solutions:
1. Identify – make a list of the functions your building will perform.

2. Translate – translate it to biological terms; i.e. think how nature does this function.
3. Discover – discover the natural heroes who solve your challenges.
4. Abstract – reinterpret the discovered strategies in architectural terms.
5. Emulate – devise a design solution from the strategies.
6. Evaluate – evaluate your design solution against your old brief from step 1 and against the natural
rules you discovered in step 3.
Thereupon, you can evolve your own laps to reach your final design conclusion.

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2.2. EVOLUTION
Biomimicry has been studied only for the past half-century, but the incorporation of nature into buildings had
begun much before .For example the Golden Ratio. The golden ratio can be seen in flower petals, shells,
pinecones, pineapple spires, DNA molecules, and even in hurricanes. The golden ratio was used to design the
Parthenon, a temple to worship Athena in the Acropolis of Greece. One of the earliest examples of
biomimicry was by Leonardo Da Vinci.
2.1.2.1. 1452-1519
One of the early examples of biomimicry was the study of birds to enable human flight was by Leonardo Da
Vinci . Although never successful in creating a "flying machine", Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was a keen
observer of the anatomy and flight of birds, Leonardo da Vinci's design for a flying machine with wings
based closely upon the structure of bat wings.
FIGURE 2:Leonardo da Vinci's design for a flying machine with

wings based closely upon the structure of bat wings

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.
2.1.2.2. 1903
The Wright Brothers, who succeeded in flying the first heavier-than-air aircraft in 1903, allegedly derived
inspiration from observations of pigeons in flight.
2.1.2.3. 1912
Italian photochemist and Senator Giacomo Ciamician, wrote a paper describing a world without smokestacks
where humankind has found the secret of photosynthesis and can run the world without coal.
2.1.2.4. 1950s
The term “biomimetics” was coined by American biophysicist and inventor Otto Schmitt.
2.1.2.5. 1997
With her groundbreaking book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, Jenine 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.

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FIGURE 3: Biomimicry - innovation inspired by nature by Janine M. Benyus
Their mission is to teach the world to innovate, learn, and be inspired by nature. In her book named
“Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature” published in 1997, she defined Biomimicry idea as ”a new
science which studies nature as a model and an inspiration from which one can imitate its design and process
to solve human problems”.

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2.3. BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE
Biomimicry in architecture and manufacturing is the practice of designing buildings and products that
simulate or co-opt processes that occur in nature.
In architecture, biomimicry can be applied to improve the way the built environment is designed to reduce
the impact it has upon the natural environment through numerous strategies of reducing carbon emissions,
waste and more.
In architectural design, there are several examples of biomimicry that can be found; although, many of these
examples use it in different ways, and it is often considered not to be a total design solution but rather as a
solution to a particular aspect of design. ution but rather as a solution to a particular aspect of design. Michael
Pawlyn, an architect that uses biomimicry, has identified several ways in which biomimicry can be applied to
architectural design; such as, in his book, “Biomimicry in Architecture,” he identifies applications for water
management, climate control, structural innovations, material developments, and energy production
FIGURE 4:Hydraulic rams acting as muscles and steel sections as spinal vertebrae in Thomas
Heatherwick’s Rolling bridge

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2.4. AIM
Aim of the research is to determine the extent to which biomimicry can influence environmentally
sustainable design in the built environment.
2.5. OBJECTIVES
● TO Understand and analyse the different biomimicry approaches

● To study different levels of biomimicry and their application in design
● To learn the application of biomimicry in the field of architecture
● To study case studies and analyse the biomimicry solutions
2.6. SCOPE
Biomimicry is still in its infancy in the built environment . It is expected that it will be applied most widely in
architecture in the future , particularly as a tool of sustainable design in terms of daylighting , energy
consumption and ecological footprint . The architectural and technological advancement are cohesive enough
to allow innovative approaches and new technologies to spread rapidly . As a result , less heat is generated ,
less cooling is required , there is a decrease in the dependency on fossil energy and less overall energy usage .
For architects and other design professionals , it opens up a whole new world of innovative ideas for
transforming the interior environment while optimizing human well being .
2.7. LIMITATIONS
A recent trend in architecture has been designing sustainable and ecologically responsive structures in
response to threats of depleted resources, leading to turn designers and researchers to biomimicry.
While attempting to apply lessons learnt from nature to multiple disciplines like chemistry, medicine ,
engineering may be appropriate but there are limitations when applying it to architecture. These limitations
lie in the stark contrast of nature and man and well as the unified ways in which nature works versus the
individualistic methods humans tend to pursue.

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In nature , ecosystems operate in an interconnected, systematic way forming a network of interrelations
between organisms and their environment . The organisms within that ecosystem are dependent on processes
and systems of other organisms within the same environment . An architectural parallel could be net-zero
buildings, which strive to cancel out energy consumption by producing energy themselves . An example of
an ecosystem would be the food chain . But the moment the population of a predator or prey fluctuates , the
entire food chain is affected .
Although biomimetic designs inspired by the ways in which nature works theoretically appear like safe and
functional building solutions on an individual scale, the ways in which the designs function cohesively is
often neglected. Individual biometric examples could be applied to building but applying nature inspired
systems to a building without considering and researching the consequences of combining these systems can
lead to fatal responses. A failed biometric system can endanger the humans for whom it was built .
Additionally, errors would be more likely to occur in a man made imitation of nature .The human errors are
usually not taken into account in biomimicry , especially like with the ecosystem , if one piece of the system
is unbalanced the whole larger system can collapse .
And although architecture can be tested to a certain degree before being built , social and health effects are
usually not noticed until when the architecture has been occupied and used by the people.
2.8. METHODOLOGY
Approaches to biomimicry as a design process typically fall into two categories: Defining a human needs or
designing problem and looking to the ways other organisms or ecosystems solve this, termed here Design
looking to biology (Top-Down approach), or identifying a particular characteristic, behavior or function in an
organism or ecosystem and translating that into human designs, referred to as Biology influencing design
(Bottom-Up approach)

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2.8.1. Design looking to biology (Top-Down approach)
Top down approach is prepared in such a mode that the definition of human problems are done first; then
only after that the engineers along with biologists and architects look for the organisms that contribute to the
analogous taste of the process.
2.8.2. Biology influencing design (Bottom-Up approach)
Bottom-up approaches the process of identifying the life processes of a range of organisms and studying their
process of problem-solving thereby administering these peculiarities in human problems
Figure 5: Biomimicry top-down and bottom-up approaches.

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2.9. HISTORY OF BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE
Structures have taken inspiration from nature from a very long time. Some very early examples
include the old temples of the ancient Egyptian civilization in which, for example, the columns of the
temples influenced by the lotus plant, the holy plant for the Egyptians. In the Greek and Roman ages,
trees and plants were traditionally used as a source of inspiration for the classical order's ornamented
structural columns. Two of the capitals of these columns were influenced by the Acanthus plant (the
Corinthian and Composite order), where these columns appeared extensively in architectural forms
of the Greek and Roman. (Aziz and El Sherif, 2016). During this whole period of time, it was clear
that the use of figurines and ornaments was influenced by the commonly seen trees and plants in
architectural decoration.
After many years, at the beginning of the mediaeval era, it was the age of the mighty Catholic church,
where the most important buildings were the cathedrals. Inspired by the form of the tree, the
ornamented fan vault originated in the church of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, made in 1248 (Aziz and
El Sherif, 2016).
With the beginning of Art Nouveau from the late 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century,
beautiful, mesmerising and very influencing structural forms were found in the work of Antonio
Gaudi, who is renowned for his architectural forms influenced by his nature. This 19th century
architect closely observed natural forms and was a bold innovator of advanced structural systems.
He designed 'equilibrated' structures with catenary, hyperbolic, and parabolic arches and vaults, and
inclined columns and helical (spiral cone) piers (which stand like a tree, requiring no citra supports
like internal bracing or external buttressing), first cleverly predicting complex structural forces
through string models hanging with weights (his findings are now verified by computer analysis)
(Pearson 2001, cited in Panchuk, 2006, p. 30).

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At the beginning of the 20th century, the world saw the invention of reinforced concrete, which one
can say was the most significant aspect in the architecture of this century. Felix Candela was one of
the architects who used reinforced concrete to fulfil his design ideas which were inspired by nature.
Based on his study of shell structures in Germany, the Spanish architect took a geometrical approach
to the architectural forms along with using reinforced concrete. For building his structure, Candela
used the geometric hyperbolic paraboloid as a source of inspiration. Los Manantiales restaurant in
Xochimilco, founded in Mexico in 1958, is Candela's most popular building. Eight separate hyperbolic
forms linked to each other along the shared valley joint form are created from the form (Aziz and El
Sherif, 2016).

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CHAPTER -3: LITERATURE REVIEW
Biomimicry is the study of forms, structures and mechanisms of natural living organisms to perform
their functions
3.1. PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL DESIGN

According to Buckminster Fuller's saying, we don't seek to copy forms that we find in nature
regardless of the function achieved by these forms, or even to copy functional processes
regardless of the environments where these processes took place. The following list of principles
contains nine principles that were stated by Janine Benyus the author of “Biomimicry: Innovation
inspired by nature”, but in the words of Onno Koelman that were found more simplified.
Natural designs:
1. Run on the sun and other ‘natural sources’ of energy.

2. Use only the energy and resources that it needs.
3. Fit form to function efficiently.
4. Recycle everything.
5. Reward cooperation and make symbiotic relationships work.
6. Develop diversity of possibilities.
7. Adjust to the Here and Now.
8. Avoid excesses and “overbuilding”.
9. Tap the power of limits.

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3.2. LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY
There are three levels of biomimicry that have to be applied also to design problems: the organism level,
behavior level and ecosystem level. The organism level illustrates the mimicking of certain organism or the
mimicry of a part from the whole organism. The second level is the mimicry of behavior of which every
organism behaves. The third level is the mimicking of the whole ecosystem and this level is considered the
hardest level as it focuses on a functionally very hard issue to mimic.
Through each level there are five dimensions which determine at which extent the mimicry exists. The design
is listed as biomimicry in the way it looks like (form), what it is made of (material), how it is made
(construction), how it works (process) and what it's capability (function). Example: Building that mimics
termites.

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3.3. APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY
IN FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE:
3.3.1. Production of More Appropriate Materials:
Scientists have already produced a self cleaning paint after the lotus flower. Beads of water form on the
surface of a lotus leaf, and then the beads roll off the surface and take small particles of dirt with them .
Figure 6: Beads on a Lotus Leaf Figure 7: A Droplet Takes up the Dust Covering a Lotus Leaf
According to Bhushan , self cleaning surfaces can be produced by using roughness combined with
hydrophobic coatings. When a surface has many tiny bumps, and these bumps are formed from a
water-repellent substance, water drops “sit” on top of the bumps, cushioned by the air in the space beneath
them. The area of contact between the water drop and the surface is dramatically reduced by these bumps.

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Figure 8 :Lotus Effect
3.3.2. Fulfilling Functional Designs, by Following Natural Processes:
The wood ants (Formica rufa) have several strategies to worm their nests: 1. The surface has numerous holes
which serve as entrances and ventilation holes; at night and in cold weather the ants plug the holes to keep
heat in. 2. The workers also keep the slope of the nest at the right angle to obtain maximum amount of solar
heat, where the southern side of the nest is flatter to present a greater surface area to the midday sun . This
may inspire architects to choose the slope angles of their building consciously, as applied in City Hall in
London , where leaning back towards the south provides shading.

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Figure 9: Section of Wood Ant Nest Figure 10:City Hall in London
3.3.3. Preservation of Resources, Rather Than Draining Them, by Utilizing the

Biomimicry Principles of Zero Waste:
Geothermal Heating and Cooling: Closed loop system, an ecosystem property, is clearly seen in the way in
which water is cooled and heated in 2211 west forth building . Ground source heat pump uses “heat transfer”
fluid to take heat from the ground, or displace heat to ground as needed. This heats and cools the penthouses
and commercial levels, and heats water for the entire project
3.4. BENEFITS OF BIOMIMICRY
Biomimicry thinking helps create products and processes that:
· Are sustainable: Biomimicry follows Life’s Principles. Life’s Principles instruct us to build from the
bottom up, self-assemble, optimize rather than maximize, use free energy, cross-pollinate, embrace
diversity, adapt and evolve, and use life-friendly materials and processes, engage in symbiotic
relationships, and enhance the biosphere. By following the principles life uses, you can create products
and processes that are well adapted to life on earth.
· Perform well: In nature, if a design strategy is not effective, its carrier dies. Nature has been vetting
strategies for 3.8 billion years. Biomimicry helps you study the successful strategies of the survivors, so
you can thrive in your marketplace, just as these strategies have thrived in their habitat.

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· Save energy: Energy in the natural world is even more expensive than in the human world. Plants
have to trap and convert it from sunlight and predators have to hunt and catch it. As a result of the
scarcity of energy, life tends to organize extremely energy efficient designs and systems, optimizing
energy use at every turn. Emulating these efficiency strategies can dramatically reduce the energy use of
your company. Greater efficiency translates to energy cost savings and greater profitability.
· Cut material costs: Nature builds to shape, because shape is cheap and material is expensive. By
studying the structures of nature’s strategies and how they are built, biomimicry can help you minimize
the amount your company spends on materials while maximizing the effectiveness of your products'
patterns and forms to achieve their desired functions.
· Redefine and eliminate “waste”: By mimicking how nature transitions materials and nutrients
within a habitat, your company can set up its various units and systems to optimally use resources and
eliminate unnecessary “waste”. Organizing your company’s habitat flows more similarly to nature’s, will
drive profitability through cost savings and/or the creation of new profit centers focused on turning your
“waste” into a feedstock.
· Heighten existing product categories: Biomimicry helps you see stale product categories in a
radically different light. This new site creates an opportunity for innovation.
· Define new product categories and industries: Biomimicry can help you create disruptive
technologies that transform your industry or help you build entirely new industries.
· Drive revenue: Biomimicry can help you create whole new growth areas, reignite stale product
categories and attract both customers who care about innovation and sustainability.
· Build your brand: Creating biomimetic products and processes will help your company become
known as both innovative and proactive about the environment.
3.5. DESIGN SPIRAL
Biomimicry is often termed as an evolutionary process taking inspiration from nature to generate systems and
processes infinitely seeking a close fit to the ever changing environment

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Figure 11:Biomimicry Design Spiral
The Biomimicry Design Spiral was developed in 2005 by Carl Hastrich, an industrial designer who was one
of a cluster of devoted individuals that we can thank for building the foundations for biomimicry as we know
it today. Hastrich took a standard design process, added the unique steps needed for biomimicry, and then,
emulating one of nature’s pervasive patterns, he turned the process into a spiral.
The Biomimicry Design Spiral shown here is used when you know what problem you are trying to solve

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3.54.1. Identify
To use this method, you start with the Identify step, where the objective is to identify the functions that your
design needs to perform – what you want your design to be able to do.
3.5.2. Translate
Once you have created a list of functions, you Translate those functions into words or terms that makes sense
in the biological world.
3.5.3. Discover
Next, you Discover strategies that Nature uses to accomplish these functions. (This is the step most unique to
biomimicry.
3.5.4. Abstract
In the Abstract step, you “reverse engineer” the strategies you have discovered, and describe how they work
in terms that make sense to your design profession.
3.5.5. Emulate
The Emulate step is where you use your professional skills to create a design solution based on emulating one
or more of the strategies that you have discovered and abstracted.

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3.5.6. Evaluate
In the Evaluate step, you do three things. One is to evaluate your design solution against your original design
brief. Another is to evaluate your design against Nature’s Unifying Patterns (or “Life’s Principles”), nature’s
rules for sustainability.
So in one ‘lap’ around the Biomimicry Design Spiral you:
Identify one or more functions that you want your design to perform, Translate those functions into biological
terms, Discover strategies that nature uses to perform those functions, Abstract those strategies back into
technical terms, Emulate those strategies in your design solution, Evaluate your design against your design
brief and Life’s Principles, and then decide how you want to use your next lap.
3.6.APPROACHES TO BIOMIMICRY
3.6.1 Problem-driven Design Approach
The problem-driven design approach is the approach where designers search for solutions to the biological
world. Designers must define issues and biologists must then align them with species that have solved similar
problems. This strategy is effectively driven by designers who define initial design priorities and parameters.
The potential consequences of architectural design where biological analogues are matched with human
defined design issues are that the fundamental approach to solving a given problem and the question of how
buildings relate to each other and the ecosystems they are part of is not explored. The underlying causes of a
non-sustainable or even
degenerative built environment are not therefore generally addressed with such an approach Despite
these drawbacks, such an approach may be a way to start changing the built environment from an
inefficient model to an efficient one.

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3.6.2 Solution-driven Design Approach
When biological knowledge affects human design, the process of collaborative design is initially based on
individuals with knowledge of relevant biological or ecological science rather than on established problems
of human design. Therefore, one benefit of this approach is that biology can impact people in ways that may
be outside of a predetermined design issue, resulting in previously not thought of technologies or processes
or even approaches to design solutions. A
downside to this approach from a design point of view is that biological research must be undertaken and
then defined as applicable to the context of a design. The potential of their research in the development of
novel applications must therefore be recognised by biologists and ecologists .
3.7. Biomimetic Materials
Biomimetic materials are materials that are designed in such a way as to replicate the functions and attributes
of a material that is produced by living organisms. Biomimetic materials share similar characteristics with
biomaterials.
The criteria and success of a biomimetic material depend on the fact that they restore natural function and
structure without causing any harm.
Biomimetic architecture can be considered as a contemporary philosophy of architecture that seeks to find
sustainable solutions, by not replicating the natural forms, but rather by understanding the rules of governing
those forms.
It is a very multi-disciplinary approach towards a sustainable design that follows a set of principles.

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Biomimetic architecture goes way beyond the use of nature as a source of inspiration for the aesthetic
components of built form. It tends to seek nature as a means to resolve architectural problems concerning
building various types of structures.
3.7.1 Examples of Biomimicry in Materials and Architecture
1. Improved building resiliency; mimicking the human skeleton
Earthquakes throughout the world have shown how inefficient our current buildings and their structure are to
withstand their tremendous impact.
Building professionals have now been warned that the use of current methods, materials, and techniques are
insecure and new structures must be adapted to withstand future seismic events.
Research has proposed making a concrete structure that is driven by a natural flow of force generated by
earthquakes within a material.
Such king of desired “force driven force” bears great resemblance to organic bones and may allow the
structure to withstand tremendous force of earthquakes.
2. Photo-luminescent Webs
Photo-luminescence refers to light absorption and consequent emission at molecular levels in nature.
Jenny Sabin, an architecture professor at Cornell, has produced a photo luminescent web with cellular
structures which emulates the cellular networking behavior of natural cells that are bound together to become
tissues.
Her eSkin project, along with collaboration from material scientist Shu Yang, has incorporated structural
color to change a material’s opacity and color in response levels of intensity of sunlight.

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3. Gecko Climbing feet
Geckos have tiny little hair coverings in their toes, which help them to climb up the vertical surface without
falling.
Biomimicry has managed to replicate the biomechanics inside the gecko feet and used to make a pair of
climbing pads capable of supporting the weight of a human.
Each pad is covered with adhesive tiles that are made of polymer structures and are sawtooth-shaped. They
are about a width of a human hair and create adhesion forces when they are pulled upon.

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4. Kingfisher-Inspired Bullet Trains [Featured Image]
Japanese Engineers took up the daunting tasks of upgrading the high-speed bullet trains. However, they
reached a stumbling block concerning the irritating noise created by these trains when they displaced the
surrounding air. The trains entering a tunnel would often create a loud shock wave also known as the “tunnel
boom”.
To reduce the tunnel boom and also prevent structural damage in tunnels, they needed to increase the overall
aerodynamics by making the nose of the train more streamlined.
The engineers went on to make a train that was modeled like the beak of a Kingfisher bird.
The Kingfisher birds have special beaks. These beaks allow them to dive into the water and hunt down their
prey without making a splash.
After adapting this anatomical trait of the Kingfisher, the next generation of trains proved to be 10 percent
faster.
Due to streamlined shape, they were also 15% more efficient in terms of electricity use. Most importantly, the
new trains didn’t have a “tunnel boom” anymore!
Currently, this design has made the Japanese Shinkansen Bullet Train the fastest train in the world, with
speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.
5. Baobab tree inspired Treehouses
Imagine living inside a treehouse that looks like a part of the natural forest. This is what Baobab inspired tree
houses are all about!

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The beautiful embryo tree houses have been designed by Antony Gibbons. Although they are artificial, they
actually use the trunk of a tree for support and wrap around it like natural growth.
The shape is inspired by the Baobab tree, which has a massive swollen trunk. It is an honor to the appearance
of the tree along with having a minimal impact on the forest environment.
The tree house attaches to the trunk with a set of braces that prevent tree damage and allow for continued tree
growth.
6. Wind turbines modeled like Humpback of Whales
It was always thought that minimal drag, sleek edges and clean lines were a necessity to obtain optimum lift
off. These basic principles were essential for modern aerodynamics. Even insect debris deposited on the
leading edge of wind turbine panes could reduce performance.
Surprisingly, nature works differently.
The humpback whale uses bumpy, tubercle fins for propulsion. The leading edges of the fins are not smooth.
Studies show that these nodules placed evenly throughout the fin are what enable whales to choose a much
steeper angle of attack. Because of these smaller angles, the resistance can only occur at different points
(nodules) along the fin.

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The US Naval Academy went on to conduct tests using model flippers. They demonstrated that biomimetic
fins reduced the overall drag by nearly a third while improving lift.
A company known as Whale Power has already utilized this latest tubercle tech. Their blades now make the
same amount of electricity at 10 mph that a normal turbine generates at 17 mph of wind.
7. Armadillo Backpacks
The armadillo has a hide, which is highly rigid and flexible. The hide protects the animal, while enabling it to
be agile.
Backpacks have been made as people got inspired by this biomimicry. They joined recycled rubber inner
tubes around a central axis to make backpacks more adaptable and durable.
Although I haven’t used such a bag, here are some solar backpacks I can personally vouch for.
8. Antimicrobial film imitating sharkskin
The skin of a shark is covered with “dermal denticles”. They can be considered as a flexible layer of small
teeth. While in motion, these dermal denticles create low-pressure zones. This pulls the shark forward and
reduces the drag during motion. There are plenty of applications to these designs.
This model of sharkskin has been incorporated into swimsuit design. Such swimsuits were first used in the
2008 Olympics. The Olympics was won by swimmers who wore this sharkskin swimwear. It made such a big
difference that this technology got banned from the Olympics since then.
The dermal denticles also prevent growth of microorganisms on the sharkskin. Hence, the U.S Navy has
made a material, termed as “Sharklet’, which is similar to shark’s skin pattern. It prevents growth of marine
life on ship hulls.

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9. Water-Harvesting like Stenocara Beetle
Water is an important natural resource which is essential for continued life on our planet. Water scarcity is
increasingly affecting many parts of the world.
Inspiration is available from the Stenocara Beetle. It thrives in the harshest conditions on the planet and may
even begin a new generation of clean-water harvesting.
Stenocara Beetle lives in extremely arid regions in the African Namib desert but can pull out water from thin
air. The beetle has a pattern of nodes around the back enabling it to collect moisture. The droplets can then
slide off into the mouth of the beetle.
Studies and research are being carried on as we speak. Newer patents suggest architects moving to develop
biomimetic patterns that are capable of harvesting water from thin air just like the Stenocara Beetle does.
10. Shock-absorbing Biomimicry of the Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are excellent excavators. They can use their beaks to hunt down insects and create nooks for
themselves.
As the woodpeckers strike the wood, the head of the bird experiences a deceleration of 1200 gravitational
pull 22 times every second. A severe car crash would deliver a deceleration of 120Gs which is nearly fatal
and can permanently damage the human brain.
But how can a woodpecker absorb almost 10 times more impact force than a car crash?
The answer to this is that they have natural shock absorbers. They have a four-structured design which helps
them to absorb shock.

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They have a semi-elastic beak, an area of spongy bone behind their skull and cerebrospinal fluid; all working
in unison to extend the time over which the concussion occurs. This ultimately inhibits vibration.
Based on this exquisite design, teams are working to create a wide array of applications to mimic this
exceptional anatomy. These include shock-resistant black boxes and micrometeorite resistant spacecraft.
11. Camouflage of Cephalopods
All cephalopods like squids have the capability of glowing and also changing the color of their skin. This
allows them to hide from predators, whereas the bioluminescence allows them to communicate with each
other and attract others during mating.
A similar device has been developed by the University of Houston which is capable of detecting the
surrounding environment and matching it within seconds.

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This is still an early prototype. It uses flexible, pixelated grid utilizing actuators which trigger light sensors
and reflectors as they detect a change in surrounding light and send it back to the diode.
This generates heat in the area which triggers a change in color. This use can be adapted by the military and
commercial applications in future.
12. Termites-inspired Ventilation System
Termites are often considered harmful due to their destructive properties. However, they are known for
creating the most elaborate ventilation system for cooling on the planet.
P.S: Termites are also known as an example of keystone species.
Utilizing an intricate network of air pockets, the mounds create a natural ventilation system using convection.
An engineering firm built Eastgate center. An entire shopping mall in Harare, Zimbabwe based on this
system. The convection system also uses 35% less energy than traditional air-conditioned facilities.

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CHAPTER 4 :REFERENCES
BOOKS:
Biomimicry in architecture A book by Michael Pawlyn
RESEARCH PAPERS
1. APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY IN BUILDING DESIGN by Shanta Pragyan Dash

2. The Limitations of Biomimetic Architecture by Kamila Buraczynski
3. Various Approaches of Study in Biomimicry by Akshay Lawrence, Krishnanunni S.
4. Biomimicry as an Alternative Approach to Sustainability by Mwila Isabel Nkandu, Halil Zafer Alibaba
5. Biomimicry as an approach for bio-inspired structure with the aid of computation by Moheb SabryAziz ,
Amr Y.El sherif
6. Ecosystem Biomimicry: A way to achieve thermal comfort in architecture by H. Abaeian* , R. Madani , A.
Bahramian
7. Biomimicry – Nature Inspired Building Structures by Ar. Anjali Prashant Kshirsagar , Ar. Seema Santosh
Malani , Er. Vikramsinh S. Tiwari

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DISSERTATION

Under the guidance of

DR. RAJAT SONI

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

MAULANA AZAD NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

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I stretch out my appreciation to MANIT BHOPAL for giving me this opportunity.

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2.1. Example of biomimicry

3.1. Principles of natural design

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1: Train modelled like the kingfisher”s beak SOURCE:www.oreilly.com

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strategies to solve human problems – sustainably.

evolution, nature has learned what works and what lasts.

Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature.

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2.1.1. EXAMPLE OF BIOMIMICRY

a) Beijing National Stadium, Beijing

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National Aquatics Center, Beijing

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d) Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin

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i) Eiffel Tower, Paris

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This is an example of effective usage of biomimicry to solve design problems .

2.1.2. OTHER EXAMPLE OF BIOMIMICRY

A) Solar Panel System:

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2.1.3. Creativity of the Minds

1. Identify – make a list of the functions your building will perform.

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FIGURE 2:Leonardo da Vinci's design for a flying machine with

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● TO Understand and analyse the different biomimicry approaches

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2.8.2. Biology influencing design (Bottom-Up approach)

Figure 5: Biomimicry top-down and bottom-up approaches.

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3.1. PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL DESIGN