The Design and Technology Revolution: Understanding Biomimicry

Biomimicry is a practice that learns and imitates the strategies used by natural species. The aim of this approach is to solve design challenges sustainably and in solidarity with all life on Earth.

The origin of the term biomimicry

The word biomimicry was coined by Janine Benyus in 1997, when she launched her book "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature". In the book, Benyus mentions stories of scientists who were translating their fascinating observations of functional strategies found in biology into innovative technologies. Before her book was published, this approach to innovation was referred to by terms such as bionics or bioengineering.

An important factor that differentiates biomimicry from other bio-inspired design approaches is the emphasis on learning from nature to solve functional challenges. While biomorphism refers to designs that visually resemble elements of nature, biomimetic designs focus on function.

Biomimicry in Architecture

Biomimetic architecture or design is a multidisciplinary scientific approach to sustainable design that focuses on deeply studying and applying construction principles found in natural environments and species. The first examples of biomimicry are found in Leonardo da Vinci's sketches for flying machines and in the work of Filippo Brunelleschi, who after studying the resistance of eggshells, designed a thinner, lighter dome for his cathedral in Florence.

In today's context, biomimicry can be applied to solve the many urgent challenges of climate change, food, energy and water security, resource scarcity and much more. The potential is endless.

Biomimicry applied to buildings

1. Form and structure

Architects often look to natural geometries, such as the branching patterns of trees or the spirals of shells, to create the design of buildings and infrastructures. These biomimetic forms exhibit aesthetic beauty and offer insights into structural integrity, material distribution and energy efficiency.

2. Material innovation

Biomimetic architecture inspires the development of innovative materials that emulate the properties of natural substances. Using biomimetic materials, designers can create lightweight, durable and sustainable buildings.

3. Energy efficiency

Nature is excellent at optimizing energy for its best possible use. This can inspire architects to design buildings that take advantage of renewable energy sources, optimize passive heating and cooling strategies and minimize energy consumption.

4. Adaptive systems

Biomimicry encourages the design of adaptive systems that respond intelligently to changes in environmental conditions. For example, architects can study the way organisms regulate temperature, humidity and air flow to develop responsive buildings and HVAC systems.

5. Ecological integration

Using the principles of biomimicry, architects can create buildings that function as integral components of larger ecological systems. This can involve incorporating green roofs, living walls and urban biodiversity corridors to improve habitat connectivity, as well as supporting biodiversity and promoting ecosystem services in urban environments.