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 PORT SAID ENGINEERING RESEARCH JOURNAL
Faculty of Engineering - Port Said University
Volume … No. … pp: :

Biomimicry Levels as an Approach to the

Architectural Sustainability

Eng. Merhan Mohammed Mohammed Shahda1

E-Mail address: Merhanshahda@yahoo.com
Prof. Dr. Mostafa Mohammed Abd Elhafeez3 Prof. Dr. Ashraf Abd Elfattah Elmokadem2

ABSTRACT
Certainly nature was and still the first teacher to humans and the main inspiration. Nature is a source of inspiration
for architects as it is for scientists, for example: its consider source of inspiration for structures, building materials and
systems of environmental and aesthetics. There aren’t enough studies to conclude and devise solutions from nature to
all areas of science and architecture. Branch of knowledge appeared called “Biomimicry” which mean (Nature
Simulation) is an innovation method that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature's time-tested patterns . In this
framework, research paper deals with nature as inspiration concept, Biomimicry concept, Biomimicry levels and
approach in the field of architecture and The research presents a number of questions and try to answer them :
▪ What is Biomimicry?
▪ What are the Biomimicry Levels?
▪ How can use the Biomimicry to support Architectural sustainability ?????

Keywords: Biomimicry - Sustainability

1. INTRODUCTION commensally with the environment through time,

without any defect and discusses the latest and the best
Biomimicry is an innovation method that derives solutions to achieve sustainability. Biomimicry
inspiration through the study of natural designs, systems presents a solution to the problems of our environment.
and processes to resolve human problems. Nature can Biomimicry is an inspirational source of possible new
teach us about systems, materials, processes, structures innovation and because of the potential it offers as a
and aesthetics. By studying how nature solves problems way to create a more regenerative built environment.
which we are facing today, as could be extracted and
explored appropriateness solutions and new directions 2. NATURE AS INSPIRATION
for our built environments. Nature is the most important sources of creativity
There are many attempts to achieve sustainability and inspiration in Architecture
through new designs and ideas or using smart materials 2.1. The natural environment as a source of
and energy-saving. There are many attempts to develop inspiration for architectural
global standards for achieving sustainability, but so far There is no doubt That the natural environment is
not all truly sustainable architectural practices. the most important source of inspiration for the
According to leading biomimetic thinker Bill Reed1 creative architect. Whether endless formations or how
(who co-chaired the development of LEED standards wonderful adaptation between ecosystems and
from the outset), we could "have a world full of LEED organisms. In modern times, there is some evidence
platinum buildings and still destroy the planet". These which refers to inspire some architects for their
greener designs, though progressive, often stick too architectural ideas from the natural environment,
close to the existing standard in a way that is simply comes to the fore, Frank Lloyd Wright, and through
"less bad". He states that our designs need to be the study of the natural environment and laws. He was
‘Regenerative‘‘, meaning that we need to contribute to able to realize how to derive from the environment
biodiversity with our own designs [1]. form structural configuration of the structure of
On the way the Search for a solution to the planet buildings . An example, Frank Lloyd Wright used the
problems and what are the best ways to make building structural principles of the mushroom for the design of
designs become part of the ecosystem and not make the the interior pillars in the administrative offices of
building an outsider to the ecosystem, which leads to Johnson Wax, Racine, Wisconsin, USA, 1936-1939,
imbalance in the environment, The research imposes, the [2]. see figure 1, the idea of spiral ramp in
simulation of ecosystems and organisms which be a Guggenheim Museum inspired by seashells 1943, see
figure 2.

1
Assistant lecturer in the Architecture and Urban Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University .
2
Professor of Architecture and Urban Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University .
3
Professor and Head of Architecture and Urban Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University .

1
 Biomimicry is an innovation method that seeks
sustainable solutions by emulating nature's time-tested
patterns and strategies, e.g., a solar cell inspired by a leaf.
The goal is to create products, processes, and policies---
new ways of living---that are well-adapted to life on
earth over the long haul ., biomimicry has gained
prominence as a method to reduce human’s impact on
Figure 1: Hall staff in the administrative building of Johnson - design our environment since Janine Benyus, a biological
"Wright"1936 [3] science writer, gave name and purpose to this innovative
Figure1 shows the idea of a column widespread header concept [5].
that Wright inspired from mushroom.
"Nature is my mentor for business and design, a model
for the way of life. Nature's system has worked for
millions of years... Biomimicry is a way of learning from
nature."[6].

4. THE BIOMIMICRY APPROACHES

Biomimicry moves our present day ideology closer
to nature by using nature as a design inspiration to
sustainably solve human problems. Biomimicry links the
built environment to the natural world by striving to use
Mother Nature as a model, a standard of measure, and a
Figure 2:Upward spiral ramp at the Guggenheim Museum - Design
mentor, see figure 4. The rationale for this approach is
"Wright"[4] that “the more our world looks and functions like this
Figure2 shows upward spiral ramp idea that inspired the natural world, the more likely we are to be accepted on
"Wright" from the shell. this home that is ours, but not ours alone [7] .

2.2. Methods of dealing with the sources of creativity

A. copying: such as imaging
B. Abstraction: is innovation, a hierarchical form is
a abstraction of the mountain
C. inspiration: reflects the creative ability to
create the principles of composition, for instance
shells construction inspired by seashells
Methods
of dealing with the creativity
sources

copying Abstraction Inspiration Figure 5 : Viewing nature as a design model, measure, and mentor[8]

Table 1: comparison between nature as a model, measure, and mentor

Figure 3: Methods of dealing with the creativity sources
Biomimicry is a Biomimicry uses an Biomimicry is a
Nature as measure:

new science that ecological standard new way of

Nature as mentor:
Nature as model:

studies nature's to judge the viewing and

models and then "rightness" of our valuing nature.
imitates or takes innovations. After Introduces an era
inspiration from 3.8 billion years of based not on what
these designs and evolution, nature we can extract
processes to solve has learned : What from teh natural
human problems, works, What is world, but on what
A B C e.g., a solar cell appropriate. What we can learn from
Figure 4 : comparison between Methods of dealing with the inspired by a leaf. lasts. it.
creativity sources
3. WHAT IS BIOMIMICRY? Approaches to Biomimicry as a design process
Biomimetics and Biomimicry are both aimed at solving typically fall into two categories: Defining a human
problems by first examining, and then imitating or needs or design problem and looking for the ways other
drawing inspiration from models in nature. organisms or ecosystems solve this, termed here design
looking to biology, or identifying a particular
Biomimetics is the term used to describe the substances, characteristic, behaviour or function in an organism or
equipment, mechanisms and systems by humans to ecosystem and translating that into human designs,
imitate natural systems and designs. referred to as biology influencing design [9].
 Design Design Problem
4.1.2. Steel-Cable Technology in Muscles
Tendons, These tissues which connect muscles to
the bones, have a very firm yet pliant structure, thanks to

search for
1. the collagen-based fibers that make them up. Another
influencing

solution
from
feature of tendons is the way their fibers are woven
together., Ms. Benyus is a member of the teaching
to

faculty at America’s Rutgers University. In her book

Research of nature Nature Biomimicry, she states that the tendons in our muscles
are constructed according to a very special method and
Discover exploits in solving I have a problem Search goes on to say: The tendon in your forearm is a twisted
1. the problems around us in nature for solutions bundle of cables, like the cables used in a suspension
Figure 6: comparison between biomimicry approaches
bridge. Each individual cable is itself a twisted bundle of
4.1. Design looking to biology thinner cables., the steel-cable technology used in
present-day suspension bridges was inspired by the
The approach where designers look to the living
structure of tendons in the human body. The tendons’
world for solutions, requires the designers to identify
incomparable design is only one of the countless proofs
problems and biologists to match these to organisms that
of God’s superior design and infinite knowledge [7].
have solved similar issues. This approach is effectively
led by designers identifying initial goals and parameters
for the design.
An example of such an approach is:

4.1.1. A Robotic Arm Inspired by the Elephant’s

Trunk
As scientists tried to design a robotic arm, one of the
worst problems they faced was achieving freedom of
movement. In order for a robot’s arm to serve any useful
purpose, it must be able to perform all the movements
required by that particular task. In nature, God has
created all creatures with the ability to move their limbs
in such a way as to meet all their needs. An elephant’s
trunk, with its 50,000 or so muscles,135 is one of the
most striking examples. ,The elephant is able to move its
trunk in any direction it wants and can perform tasks
requiring the greatest care and sensitivity. ,One robotic
arm constructed in the U.S. at Rice University clearly
reveals the elephant trunk’s superior design. There is no
single skeleton-like structure in the trunk, thus endowing
Figure 8:Steel-Cable Technology in Muscles [4].
it with enormous flexibility and lightness. The robotic
arm, on the other hand, has a spine. The elephant’s trunk The Biomimicry Institute has referred to this design
possesses a degree of movement which allows it to move approach and explained it through the Challenge to
in any direction, while the robotic arm is comprised of 32 Biology Design Spiral as illustrated in figure 9. Research
degrees of freedom in 16 links. This only goes to show held in Georgia Institute of Technology at the Design
that the elephant trunk is a special structure, whose every Intelligence Lab in 2006, also defined this approach
particular feature reveals the nature of God’s flawless art through 6 definite steps, which are very similar to those
in creation [5]. defined by the Biomimicry Institute:

Figure 7: A Robotic Arm Inspired by the Elephant’s Trunk

Figure 9: Design Spiral by the Biomimicry Institute [10]

3
 ▪ Step 1: problem definition
▪ Step 2: reframe the problem
▪ Step 3: biological solution search
▪ Step 4: define the biological solution
▪ Step 5: principle extraction
▪ Step 6: principle application

4.2. BIOLOGY INFLUENCING DESIGN

When biological knowledge influences human
design, the collaborative design process is initially Figure 11: Butterfly wings and solar cells.
dependant on people having knowledge of relevant
biological or ecological research rather than on A disadvantage from a design point of view with this
determined human design problems. approach is that biological research must be conducted
An example of such an approach is: and then identified as relevant to a design context.
Biologists and ecologists must therefore be able to
4.2.1 The Constantly Self-Cleaning Lotus recognize the potential of their research in the creation of
The lotus plant (a white water lily) grows in the dirty, novel applications. ,Research held in Georgia Institute of
muddy bottom of lakes and ponds, yet despite this, its Technology by defined this approach through 7 definite
leaves are always clean. That is because whenever the steps:
smallest particle of dust lands on the plant, it
immediately waves the leaf, directing the dust particles to
one particular spot. Raindrops falling on the leaves are
sent to that same place, to thus wash the dirt away. This
property of the lotus led researchers to design a new
house paint. Researchers began working on how to
develop paints that wash clean in the rain, in much the
same way as lotus leaves do. As a result of this
investigation, a German company called ISPO produced
a house paint brand-named Lotusan. On the market in
Europe and Asia, the product even came with a guarantee
that it would stay clean for five years without detergents
or sandblasting [11].

Figure 12:The Challenge to Biology Design Spiral, [13].

▪ Step 1: biological solution identification
Here, designers start with a particular biological solution
in mind.
▪ Step 2: define the biological solution.
▪ Step 3: principle extraction.
▪ Step 4: reframe the solution.
In this stage, reframing forces designers to think in terms
of how humans might view the usefulness of the
biological function being achieved.
Figure 10: The Constantly Self-Cleaning Lotus ▪ Step 5: problem search.
Whereas search in the biological domain includes search
4.2.2 Butterfly wings and solar cells. through some finite space of documented biological
The butterfly wings have scales that act as tiny solar solutions, problem search may include defining entirely
collectors has led scientists in China and Japan to design new problems. This is much different than the solution
a more efficient solar cell that could be used for search step in the problem-driven process.
powering. The researchers turned to the microscopic ▪ Step 6: problem definition.
solar scales on butterfly wings in their search for ▪ Step 7: principle application.
improvements. Using natural butterfly wings as a mold
or template, they made copies of the solar collectors and 5. LEVELS OF (BIOMIMICRY).
transferred those light-harvesting structures to Grätzel There are three levels of Biomimicry; Nature is the
cells. Laboratory tests showed that the butterfly wing inspiration for the formation , Mimicry of how an
solar collector absorbed light more efficiently than organism behaves and ecosystem. The first level refers
conventional dye-sensitized cells [12].

4
to a specific organism like a plant or animal and may describe the mimicking of ecosystems in design also uses
involve mimicking part of or the whole organism. The the term to mean a sustainable ,the advantage of
second level refers to mimicking behaviour, and may
include translating an aspect of how an organism
behaves, or relates to a larger context. The third level is
the mimicking of whole ecosystems and the common
principles that allow them to successfully function.

• Nature is the • Mimicry the • Simulation of

Level 2

Level 3
Level 1

inspiration adaptation ecosystems

for the methods of levels
formation the organism
with its
environment

Figure 13: Levels of Biomimicry

5.1. The first level: Nature is the inspiration
for the formation . Figure 16:Council House Two (CH2), Melbourne
God created nature in a comprehensive picture of a designing at this level of bio-mimicry is that it can be
rich and varied forms , this forms success to withstand in used in conjunction with other levels of bio-mimicry
the environment Although the different circumstances, (organism and behaviour). beside the principles of
Architects and Structural inspired from nature formations sustainable .
for many of the structural systems, as shown by the
following examples:

Figure 14: Inspired from the Figure 15:stretched cables from

shells the system of shell the spider net
Construction
5.2. The Second level : Mimicry of how an
organism behaves .
A great number of organisms facing the same
environmental conditions that humans face, but these
organisms try to solve their problems within limits of
energy and material availability, and continue to Figure 17: Ecosystem Level Closed circle
development the solutions even with the change of the
Challenges of the around environmental conditions . Ecosystem principles can be defined as follows [13]:
In behaviour level Biomimicry, it is not the organism ▪ Ecosystems are dependent on contemporary
itself that is mimicked, but its behaviour. It may be sunlight.
possible to mimic the relationships between organisms or ▪ Ecosystems optimize the system rather than its
species in a similar way. An architectural example of components.
process and function Biomimicry at the behaviour level ▪ Ecosystems are attuned to and dependant on local
is demonstrated by Mick Pearce’s Eastgate Building in conditions.
Harare, Zimbabwe and the CH2 Building in Melbourne, ▪ Ecosystems are diverse in components, relationships
Australia, see figure 16. Both buildings are based in part and information.
on techniques of passive ventilation and temperature ▪ Ecosystems create conditions favorable to sustained
regulation observed in termite mounds, in order to create life.
a thermally stable interior environment. Water which is ▪ Ecosystems adapt and evolve at different levels and
mined (and cleaned) from the sewers beneath the CH2 at different rates.
Building is used in a similar manner to how certain The characteristic of ecosystems being regenerative was
termite species will use the proximity of aquifer water as a powerful driver for the team to strive for solutions that
an evaporative cooling mechanism [12]. went beyond ‘sustainable’ to ‘restorative’. The latter
5.3. Third level : Ecosystem Level point was taken further with an in depth comparison of
The mimicking of ecosystems is an integral part of conventional human-made systems and ecosystems
bio-mimicry, the term eco-mimicry has also been used to which revealed the following contrasts, at table 2.

5
 Table2: comparison of conventional human-made systems helped to rationalization of energy , This in
systems and ecosystems [14]. turn helped in reducing operating costs.
▪ Reducing pollution emitted from the building as a
result of the rationalization of energy consumption.

Figure 18:Bird's Nest Stadium In China

6.1.2 Water cube National Swimming Centre :

Project Description: The idea of the project is based
on soap bubbles. The architects emulated the random
appearance of clinging soap bubbles with each other, by
making organized models taking the form of cells with
12 through 14 facets. The project consists of 100,000 m
of ETFE bubbles. The fluoropolymer is plastic material
which has several advantages [16]:
▪ It weighs one tenth of glass.
▪ It is more flexible and transparent.
▪ It allows passing a larger amount of light.
▪ It is an excellent insulator. So it saves more than
50% of lightening costs.

6. HOW CAN USE THE BIOMIMICRY TO

SUPPORT ARCHITECTURAL
SUSTAINABILITY ?
From previous studies as a source of inspiration from
nature and levels of imitating nature, we can say that
each level of imitating nature can solve significant
architectural and environmental problems, as shown by Figure 19: Water cube‘ National Swimming Centre
the following examples:
The Success of Design in Achieving
6.1. The First Level : Nature is the inspiration Sustainability :
for the formation . ▪ Simulating the form and clinging bubbles with each
6.1.1 Bird's Nest Stadium In China : other enriched the architectural formation of the
Project Description: The Swiss office "Her Zog et building, which bestowed aesthetic values.
De Mevron" developed the Bird's Nest Stadium together ▪ The up-to-date technology and computer technology
with the Chinese government. The stadium took this which was used in manufacturing and cutting ETFE
name because the iron bars are like a bird's nest. It was didn't waste time, manufacture costs, or materials.
designed by simulating birds' shelters which consist of They could cut 3500 pads to fit their place well, and
organic material such as branches and grass. The they had to make just one pad.
structure of the Bird's Nest is innovated on the grounds ▪ Simulation bubbles transparent appearance with the
of structural systems and the way of how to distribute use of the transparent ETFE with its advantages
loads. Designers of the Bird's Nest used the simulation saved the costs of lightening, and helped with the
technique (CFD) so as to simulate temperatures, wind rationalization of energy.
power, and humidity inside the structure of birds' nests, 6.2. The Second Level : Mimicry of how an
and to give the audience the opportunity to enjoy light organism behaves .
[15]. 6.2.1 Hydrological Center Project
The Success of Design in Achieving Project Description: The project is inspired by the
Sustainability : Namibian beetle's ability to capture fog to quench its
▪ The use of simulation in designing the Bird's Nest to thirst. The beetle's behaviour has been developed in
develop a strong structural system. designing the project , was designed to pick water from
▪ Unique architectural formation which fog over the building roof to provide all the building
achieved aesthetic values Moreover, not to ignore needs of water. needs of water [17].
simulating natural ventilation and lighting

6
 achieve this remarkable feat by constantly opening and
closing a series of heating and cooling vents throughout
the mound over the course of the day., East Gate building
which designed by the architectural Mick Pace
Simulator for termites mounds, consume energy less
than 10% than traditional building , which make the rent
reduce by 20% than around building
Mick Pearce says during an interview- ( Mick,
Principal Design Architect, City of Melbourne, CH2
Design Team, 2004)-"I funnily enough spent a lot of time
studying termite nests and the reason for that is that
they're very much cleverer than we are at manipulating
the natural environment. These great mounds that they
build in nature, aren't like the castles we build to show
off, they're actually lungs. The purpose of them is to
extend the organism. The organism is the whole
termitery ... and the termites are in fact like blood
moving around in it. So they build these mounds and
they breathe. They actually allow transference of air,
and/or gases through a membrane, which is porous and
Figure 20:Fog harvesting by a desert beetle [18]. you can study it from the point of view of diffusion of
gases. There's quite a lot of science that we've done that
The Success of Design in Achieving would apply to a termitery.' [19].
Sustainability : 6.3. The Third Level : Ecosystem Level
▪ The project succeeded through simulating the
6.3.1. California Academy of Sciences museum
beetle's behavior toward compatibility with the
Green Roof
surrounding environment where fog was heavy.
Project Description: The building received a
▪ Reducing operating costs by provide all the building platinum rating scale “leed” , Building designed by the
needs of water. architectural “Renzo Piano” One of the key features of
6.2.2. East Gate
the museum will be an undulating green roof that will
Project Description: East Gate designed by the
mimic the sloping lines of the surrounding landscape.
architectural Mick Pace, simulation of termites mounds
Part of the roof will be accessible to visitors.,- The new
by using the negative Ventilation technology and control Academy building will house an aquarium, planetarium,
the temperature and create thermal stable environment., and exhibition spaces, and is set to open in 2008. Aside
Termites in Zimbabwe build mounds that must be kept at from its green roof, the building is a feat of institutional
exactly 87°F, while the temperatures outside range from
green building, using some of the most cutting-edge
35°F at night to 104 °F during the day. The termites
energy efficiency strategies, day lighting, possible
biofuels, and water reclamation.

Figure 22: California Academy of Sciences museum Green Roof [20].

Figure 21:East Gate building, Harare, Zimbabwe simulation of
termites mounds.

7
 The Success of Design in Achieving
Sustainability :
The building is based on :
▪ Aquifer layer: to store coolness for use in Summer.
▪ lake 300 meters underground : to store heat for use
in Winter. This reduced the consumption of non-
renewable energy.
Figure 22: California Academy of Sciences museum Green Roof
▪ The use of solar cells and vegetable oil in fueling
The Success of Design in Achieving power generators, reduced C02 emission.
Sustainability : ▪ All these processing led to reducing the quantity of
▪ The roof itself is estimated to prevent approximately emission of C02 from 7,000 tons in 1960 to 440 tons
two million gallons of rainwater from becoming currently..
storm-water runoff , Storage system of ice for 7. Results and Discussions
cooling , Agriculture Inclined plane without slid, - Nature is the most important teacher , can teach us
took a patent called “biotray”. about systems, materials, processes, structures and
▪ Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. aesthetics .
▪ On the roof, stations to monitor the changes of air - Biomimicry can become a mean for the integration
temperature, wind, rain and inform the negative of architecture product with the environment,
automated system to ventilation. Besides the attempts to preserve the environment by
rationalization of energy resources and reduce
6.3.2. Dome of the German Parliament : pollution to become part of the architectural product
The German Parliament building connects between of the ecosystem of the environment. .
originality and modernity. The old building was designed - Biomimicry can be a tool to become the architecture
in 1894. A worldwide competition was held by the product Part of the ecosystem of the environment
architect Norman Foster with the purpose of designing an “Closed circle”.
unprecedented dome .giant transparent dome with slopes - Second approach needs to be a major scientific
for getting audience's sights ,inverted glass cone research team with different specialties and great
reflecting Lighting from sky to the hall potential to analyze Ecosystems and organisms
behaviors adapted to the environment in closed
circles without defects one of the systems and try to
drop this on the man problems and society. ,The first
approach fits more architect who owns description to
the problem of architectural, environmental,
construction and looking in nature for solution.
- There is no Enough studies to a conclusion and
devise solutions from Nature.
- Attention to Biomimicry not only to search for new
sources of inspiration form But also to find new
ways of building , The results of this trend is high-
efficient buildings , sustainability and the
rationalization of the energy and materials .
- By use Biomimicry can design whole cities
operating like complex ecosystems, processing water
and waste while generating energy. Communities in
desert regions will be designed to maximize the
ability to collect water, like the plants of the desert
retain and conserve that water.

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