Biomimetics for architecture & design: nature-analogies-technology: A review by Jintao Ma
Book Summary
This provides a detailed guide to the application of biomimetic principles in architecture and engineering design. The book describes the principles which can be used to compare nature and technology, and at the same time it presents thorough explanations and examples showing how biology can be used as a source of inspiration and “translated” in building and architectural solutions (biomimicry). Even though nature cannot be directly copied, the living world can provide architects and engineers with a wealth of analogues and inspirations for their own creative designs. The text also guides readers through the field of nature-inspired architecture, offering an extraordinary resource for professional architects, engineers, designers and urban planners, as well as for university teachers, researchers and students. Natural evolution is seen throughout the book as a powerful resource that can serve architecture and design by providing innovative, optimal and sustainable solutions.
Chapter I
From architectural point of view, we are focusing on subject area of “Structure” and “Process”. Structure will be materials substances and robotics, whereas Process will be corresponding to viewpoints of climate energy and architectural design. Ultimately I think nature and technology should work as a continuum, technology is noting other than the continuation of natural evolution with another means, therefore, it should be considered as a linear approach going forward.
Chapter II
The authors explained how the biological structuring have juxtaposed with a technical engineering aspect. Several variations of structural ideology have been developed, these have been geometrically defined based on biological principles. The systems are still being investigated and refined to this day, enabling technological advances to developing autonomous and adjustable according to its conditions and needs.
Chapter III
This chapter focuses from the architect’s point of view, using biomimetics as a tool to come up with better designs. It states the technology is not to be used as an end itself but to integrate into a cycle, it should be properly used and material applications shouldn’t be considered as a given as nature would teach us. Biomimetics is not looked upon in the building and design world as a distinct discipline and necessity, it should be consider as a creative tool to aid and implement better design solutions.
Chapter IV
It showcased a variety of different biological adaptation projects that really test its prototype to its limitations and material capabilities. By studying and investigating nature and animal’s behaviour and inhabitants, we were able to abstract its biological principles to solve functions such as ventilations, solar and insulations. As well as defining self organisation from biological patterns, then translated to urban formations and planning.
Chapter V
It states within these examples, the biology precedents stands in foreground. Due to the fact that the projects seen to be direct translation from the biological precedents, the organic forms are clearly visible and have been extracted to become an architectural design. The study of the natural forms and structures have actually influenced and inspired the development of certain technologies within some of these projects.
Chapter VI
In the final chapter, the examples shown are products and researches of biomimetics for architecture and engineering use. Their usage should be comprehensible and replicable, many of these projects use biomimetics as a way of integrative working tool, to analyse, to validate their research topics and purposes. Combining that with the latest technology and computerisation, the ability to abstract the concept from the organism, then apply into a 3D digital model in order to run and simulate tests to achieve and optimise the best outcome.
Conclusion
This text has provided vast amount of examples and inspiration for one’s own work, it is definitely not the answer to biomimetics design, it doesn’t necessarily have an answer; It won’t directly enables one to build and design and construct, it is a book that broadens your knowledge within the subject area of biomimetics and biomimicry, by looking into the nature’s biological systems.
The book is very descriptive, it contains large amount of research and projects that have been done in the past and present. Each chapters are closely interlinked, as a guide to applications of biomimetics principles in architecture and engineering design, it is very useful to get an understanding of how it can be resourced as a powerful tool, in which can be served by providing innovative, optimal and sustainable solutions. If the biological systems can help to solve design processes, then biomimetics will have a massive and positive impact on society and its built environment.