BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE

1. BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SEMINAR 2011-2012 Vaisali K B070225AR

2. CONTENTS OF PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND APPROACHES TO BIOMIMICRY PRINCIPLES OF BIOMIMICRY STEPS TO ADOPT BIOMIMICRY LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY CASESTUDY ANALYSIS INFERENCE APPLICATION CONCLUSION 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CONTENTS VAISALI K B070225AR 2

3. WHAT IS BIOMIMETICS? Biomimetics is the term used to describe the substances, equipment, mechanism and systems by which humans imitate natural systems and designs . 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE INTRODUCTION VAISALI K B070225AR 3

4. Biomimicry originates from two Greek words Bios = Life Mimesis= imitate Biomimicry operates on the principle that in its 3.8 billion year history , nature has already found solutions to many problems we are trying to solve. Biomimicry is multi-disciplinary subject involving wide diversity of other domains like architecture, electronics, medicines, biology, chemistry, mathematics etc. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE INTRODUCTION VAISALI K B070225AR 4

5. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CONCEPT VAISALI K B070225AR 5

6. FLIGHT OF BIRD LEONARDO DA VINCI’S FLYING MACHINE WRIGHT BROTHER’S FIRST PROTOTYPE AEROPLANE TODAY 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CONCEPT VAISALI K B070225AR 6

7. GECKO TAPE Inspiration Precedence Product Textiles Surfaces Inspiration Precedence SHARKLET TECHNOLOGIES 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CONCEPT VAISALI K B070225AR 7

8. HOW DID IT BEGIN? Otto   Schmitt   (1913-1998) American biophysicist and polymath. Coined the term Biomimetics in 1950’s. Developed Schmitt trigger by studying the nerves in squid. Attempted to engineer a device that replicated the system of nerve propagation. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE BACKGROUND VAISALI K B070225AR 8

9. HOW DID IT BEGIN? Janine  M.  Benyus (b 1958) American writer and scientific observer from Montana. Wrote the book “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature” in 1997 The books gives an insight on how significant biomimicry is in shaping the future. In 1998 she co-founded the Biomimicry Guild which helps inform , inspire and empower the bridging of nature’s wisdom with human knowledge. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE BACKGROUND VAISALI K B070225AR 9

10. APPROACHES TO BIOMIMICRY There are two approaches to Biomimetic design DESIGN BIOLOGY DESIGN BIOLOGY 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE APPROACHES TO BIOLMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 10

11. APPROACHES TO BIOMIMICRY DESIGN TO BIOLOGY DaimlerChrysler’s Bionic Car More fuel efficient due to aerodynamic body mimicking BOX FISH More material efficient due to mimicking tree growth patterns form structure. The car not new approach to transportation but improvement to existing technology The approach requires designers to identify problems and biologists to match these to organisms that have solved similar issues. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE APPROACHES TO BIOLMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 11

12. APPROACHES TO BIOMIMICRY BIOLOGY TO DESIGN Lotus inspired’s Lotusan Paint Lotus flower emerges clean from swampy waters. Lotusan paint enables buildings to be self cleaning. Biology can influence humans in ways outside predetermined design problem. This will result in previously unthought-of technologies or systems or approach to design solutions. The approach requires to have relevant biological or ecological knowledge and research rather than design problem 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE APPROACHES TO BIOLMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 12

13. PRINCIPLES OF BIOMIMICRY NATURE 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE PRINCIPLES OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 13

14. PRINCIPLES OF BIOMIMICRY Nature runs on sunlight . Nature uses only the energy it needs . Nature fits form to function . Nature recycles everything . Nature rewards cooperation . Nature banks on diversity . Nature demands local expertise . Nature curbs excesses from within . Nature taps the power of limits 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE PRINCIPLES OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 14

15. NATURE AS A MODEL NATURE AS A MEASURE NATURE AS A MENTOR 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE PRINCIPLES OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 15

16. STEPS TO ADOPT BIOMIMCRY Develop a design brief of human needs Biologize the question: ask from nature’s perspective. Look for champions in nature who solve the challlenges Find the repeating patterns and processes within nature that achieve success Develop ideas and solutions based on the natural model Evaluate the design against Life’s Principles 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE STEPS TO BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 16

17. LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY ORGANISM LEVEL BEHAVIOUR LEVEL ECOSYSTEM LEVEL 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 17

18. Form/ process mimicry at ORGANISM LEVEL Waterloo International Terminal , London 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 19

19. Process/function mimicry at BEHAVIOUR LEVEL Eastgate Centre , Harare Council House 2, Melbourne 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 21

20. Function mimicry at ECOSYSTEM LEVEL Mithūn Architects and GreenWorks Landscape Architecture Lloyd Crossing Project proposed for Portland, Oregon. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 23

21. "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs .” WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT? 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 24

22. CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 25

23. In order to tackle the issue of global climate change two approaches can be adopted :   MITIGATION ADAPTATION 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 26

24. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FRAMEWORK 1. SITE & CLIMATE ANALYSIS : analysing site, orientation, exposure, climate, topographical factors, local constraints and natural resources 2. FLEXIBLE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS: investigating structural characters, permanence/temporariness, integration with building components, etc 3. RENEWABLE BUILDING MATERIALS : analysing efficiency of a material or a product, size, standardization, structural adequacy, complexity, appropriateness, cost, labour involved, plantation origin, method of growth, embodied energy, recycled and reused content, toxicity, etc . 4. BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEMS: control of energy flows that enter ( or leave ) an enclosed volume, including consideration of orientation, seasonal variations, surrounding environment, function, and typology . 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 27

25. 5. MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEMS: construction and assembling methods to facilitate substitution, repair, maintenance, diversified lifetime, etc . 6. RENEWABLE & NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SYSTEMS : integrating sources of energy that do not reduce or exhaust their point of origin ; 7. INNOVATIVE HVAC SYSTEMS: implementing strategies to provide thermo-hygrometric and air quality comfort, exploiting mechanically regulated, hybrid, or, preferably, totally passive techniques ; 8. WATER COLLECTION & STORAGE SYSTEMS: adopting methods, system and strategies to collect, store, distribute, use, recycle and re-use water. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 28

26. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BIOMIMICRY VAISALI K B070225AR 29

27. EXAMPLE- COUNCIL HOUSE 2 Architecture (CH2), Mick Pearce with DesignInc., 2005 Maximum Six Green Star rating 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 30

28. “DIVERSIFY AND COOPERATE TO FULLY USE THE HABITAT” Same amount of foliage on the building as original state of site Harvests sunlight, cool night air, water, wind and rain Use of natural convection, thermal mass, ventilation stacks and water for cooling 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 31

29. “USE WASTE AS RESOURCES” Sustainable timber selection Recycled structural steel Recycled structural concrete PVC minimisation 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 32

30. “USE WASTE AS RESOURCES” Recycled Untreated from old housing frames Use waste as amenities 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 33

31. “GATHER AND USE ENERGY EFFICIENTLY” micro-turbine (co-generation) lifts  generate power in breaking mode solar hot water produced by 48 square metres of solar hot water panels on roof, supplemented by gas boiler solar power (PV cells) : 3.5kW energy  used to power Western timber shutters Gas-fired micro-turbine Electricity Waste heat Used in A/C plant Heating hot water; cooling via absorption chiller 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 34

32. “OPTIMIZE RATHER THEN MAXIMIZE” 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 35

33. “OPTIMIZE RATHER THEN MAXIMIZE” 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 36

34. “OPTIMIZE RATHER THEN MAXIMIZE” 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 37

35. “OPTIMIZE RATHER THEN MAXIMIZE” 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 38

36. Water • 72% reduction in mains water consumption compared to the existing Council House of similar size • Multi-Water Reuse (MWR) sewer mining plant • Sprinkler water reclaim and rainwater collection Waste building waste during construction was recycled (87%) recycling carried through within building after operations  waste separation “DON’T DRAW DOWN RESOURCES” 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CASESTUDY VAISALI K B070225AR 39

37. ANALYSIS 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE ANALYSIS VAISALI K B070225AR 40

38. Name of building Inspiration Materials used Application in design Problem solved Level of Biomimicry 1.Eiffel Tower Thigh bone Exposed iron The outward flares at base resemble the upper curved portion of femur. The internal wrought iron braces closely follow design of original trabeculae within femur.   Can withstand bending and shearing effects due to wind Ventilation problem solved      Organism level 2.L’institute Du Monte Arabe Iris of eye Steel, glass & Aluminium Cladded with screens with automated lens to control light Controls the amount of sunlight entering the building, keeping it cool and flooding room with natural light.   Organism level 3.Waterloo International Terminal Pangolin Steel & glass The glass panel fixing that makes up the structure mimic the flexible scale arrangement of Pangolin.   Ability to move in response to the imposed air pressure forces when trains enter and depart. Organism level 4. Eastgate Centre, Harare Termite mound Concrete The building is designed with a unique ventilation system, which draws outside air and cools or warms it depending on temperature. The central open space draws more air with help of fans and is pushed up through ducts located in the central spine of the buildings,     Temperature remains regulated all year around without using conventional air-conditioning or heating systems.    Behaviour level

39. Name of building Inspiration Materials used Application in design Problem solved Level of Biomimicry 5.Beijing National Stadium Bird’s nest Steel, ETFE “Cushion system” adopted where façade is in-filled with translucent ETFE panels just like a nest is insulated by small pieces of material. Protects spectators from elements Provides acoustic insulation, Reduces maintenance cost Reduces dead load, Filters sun rays   Behaviour Level 6. Council House 2, Melbourne Termite mound Concrete, recycled timber CH2 uses ventilation strategy similar to termite mould using natural convention, ventilation stacks, thermal mass, phase change material and water for cooling The façade is composed of dermis and epidermis, which provides microclimate Ventilation stacks are implemented on the north and south facades of the building The ceilings are wavy shaped to optimise surface area to increase thermal mass capacity The west façade is covered with system of timber louvers to optimize the penetration of natural light and views . The epidermis provides primary sun and glare control while creating a semi-closed micro-environment. The wavy design helps it efficient collection and channelling out of heated air. The vaulted ceiling also allow more filtration of natural light to the deeper parts of the space. Shower towers provide a reduction of 4-13 degrees C from the top of the tower to the bottom. Behaviour level

40. Name of building Inspiration Materials used Application in design Problem solved Level of Biomimicry 7. Sinosteel International Plaza Bee hive Concrete, steel and glass The windows are designed in five different sizes of hexagon, placed in an energy-efficient configuration. Minimum possible energy used in the form of conventional energy. The skin removes the need for internal structures     Organism level 8. Habitat 2020 Stomata of leaves Designed as living skin The exterior designs as living skin which serves connection between exterior and interior, like stomata on leaf surface. The surface automatically positions itself according to the sunlight and let it in Surface absorbs water and converts waste to biogas energy   Electricity not required during day Air and wind filtered to provide clean air and natural air conditioned Recycling of water air and waste   Organism level 9. Rafflesia House Rafflesia flower Tensile environmentally friendly fabric The building sits on 12 columns to allow other species to develop around it, trying to change traditional definitions of its characteristics. Concave and convex internal walls to regulate flow of air inside. Effective air conditioning at independent zones       Behaviour level 10. National Aquatics Centre, Beijing Water bubbles Steel, ETFE The surface is covered with membrane of lit blue bubbles or pneumatic cushions made of EFTE creating bubble effect The bubbles collect solar energy to heat swimming pools. Temperature regulation Organism level

41. Name of building Inspiration Materials used Application in design Problem solved Level of Biomimicry 11. Swiss Re Headquarters, London Glass sponge Steel & glass Using a series of triangulations on the exterior similar to those of a glass sponge The building ventilates air in a similar fashion just like glass sponge filters nutrients from the water by sucking water from its base and expelling it through the holes at its top   Its aerodynamic, Glazed shape minimizes wind loads and maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing the building's energy consumption Triangulations on the exterior similar to those of a glass sponge makes the structure stiff enough to resist lateral structural loads without extra reinforcements.     Organism level 12.Treescraper Tower of Tomorrow Growing of tree Steel & glass The southern façade would be made of photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity. A combined heat-and-power plant installed, to be fuelled by natural gas, to supply the power that the solar panels cannot.   It uses minimal construction materials, while making maximum use of the enclosed space. All of the water in the building is recycled. All products, from building materials to furnishings, could be recycled or returned safely to the earth       Behaviour level 13. Ministry of Municipal and Agriculture Cactus plant Steel & glass Sun shades on the windows can be opened or closed to suit the prevailing temperature , mimicking the activity of the cactus which performs transpiration at night rather than during the day in order to retain water.   Temperature regulated. Absorption and loss of heat controlled.   Behaviour level

42. • Building inspired by plants /flower : Self-sustainable Energy efficient Recycling Aesthetically appealing Low maintenance • Building inspired by organisms: Resistant to imposed forces Structural stability Controlled entry of sunlight Regulation of internal temperature Aesthetics Acoustics • Buildings inspired by natural forms : Effective channelling of wind Increase thermal mass capacity Dynamic form Acoustics . Energy efficiency 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE INFERENCE VAISALI K B070225AR 45

43. APPLICATION 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE APPLICATION VAISALI K B070225AR 46

44. INDUSTRIAL BUILDING DESIGN Large & clear unobstructed areas Proper lighting ( Natural and Artificial ) Ventilation Acoustical treatment Energy-efficiency Triangulated exoskeleton or frame inspired from glass sponge , thigh bone ,beehive etc. or load distribution& long span inspired by water lily or dragon fly wings Louvers, living skin which can regulate entry of daylight inspired from stomata of leave or Iris of eye   Cushion effect of Birds nest, ventilation mechanism of termite moulds, Curved walls ceilings for channelling air.     Cushion effect of Birds nest, two layer skin( dermis and epidermis) to act as sound buffer or insulation     15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE APPLICATOIN VAISALI K B070225AR 47 A system which utilises resources available locally with minimum embedded energy and recycles to maximum like growth of tree or emulate natural forms like termite mound for passive systems to reduce cost and energy consumption.  

45. CONCLUSION To echo, listen, steward and immerse in nature Biomimicry presents itself as a basis, a foundation of a new research methodology instead of mere serendipity. Biomimicry has to be approached in a multi-disciplinary order of thought in order to understand the principles of nature to achieve a holistic design solution. 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CONCLUSION VAISALI K B070225AR 48

46. CONCLUSION For nature has been field-tested for millions of years through evolution 15-11-2011 BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE CONCLUSION VAISALI K B070225AR 49