In 2020...

A large disconnect between nature and architecture exists. The built-environment is often rigid, psychologically draining, and one-size-fits-all, truly the opposite of nature's approach.

In 2050...

The built environment seamlessly integrates nature's functioning. Buildings are designed to be dynamic, aesthetically pleasing, and mimic natural life.

<aside> 💡 Biomimetic architecture changes the relationship between humans, the built environment, and nature. A more resilient, dynamic, and beneficial milieu is created.

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What is biomimetic architecture?

"Biomimetic architecture goes beyond using nature as inspiration for the aesthetic components of built form, but instead seeks to use nature to solve problems of the building's functioning. Biomimicry means to imitate life and originates from the Greek words bios (life) and mimesis (imitate)."

Biomimetic architecture

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There are 3 levels of biomimicry in architecture:

  1. Organism Level: Applies the form and/or function of an organism to a building (e.g. material, skin, shape, etc.)
  2. Behavior Level: Mimics how the organism interacts with its environment (e.g. temperature, dynamic restructuring, etc.)
  3. Ecosystem Level: Mimic how the many components in the environment work together (e.g. designing on an urban scale)

The Silk Pavilion (Mediated Matter Group at MIT Media Lab)

https://vimeo.com/67177328

How will biomimetic architecture change the relationship between humans and the built environment?

Anthropocentrism

regarding humankind as the central or most important element of existence, especially as opposed to God or animals.

Ecocentrism

a point of view that recognizes the ecosphere, rather than the biosphere, as central in importance, and attempts to redress the imbalance created by anthropocentrism.