Exploring a Biomimicry Approach to Enhance Ecological Sustainability in Architecture

Increased environmental consciousness in recent years, stimulated by concerns about human induced climate change, has motivated a desire to reduce the impact of the built environment through eco efficient design imperatives. This evolution has provided eco practitioners with multifaceted challenges in making their practices more ecologically sustainable through optimal approaches to design. One such design approach to ecological sustainability is to emulate or take creative inspiration from natural systems, often referred to as biomimicry. This study examines how eco practitioners perceive biomimicry as a design approach in architectural eco design practice. An exploratory approach, taking a post-positivist epistemological framework informed a mixed method, correlational, project-based research design. The theoretical contribution was a model and framework for biomimicry thinking which suggested ways of addressing problems of conceptualisation and understanding the complexities of ecological integration that had been identified as barriers to the practice of ecologically sustainable design. The empirical contribution was a recommendation for a Biomimicry Approach, which proposed a simultaneous use of indirectly mimicking and directly mimicking to architectural eco design projects. Multivariate statistical analysis recognised biomimicry principles, design propositions and physical attributes as the most significant predictors that can enhance ecological sustainability in architecture. The study’s outcome in relation to biomimicry advanced understanding of ways to reduce waste by efficient spatial design was seen as a contribution architects can make to the concept of a reduction scenario for the ecological age. This thesis adds important knowledge to underpin future research and recommends biomimicry design indicators, biomimicry design matrix and possibilities for the use of vernacular architectural strategies for the development of architectural eco design practice

Exploring a Biomimicry Approach to Enhance Ecological Sustainability in Architecture

Increased environmental consciousness in recent years, stimulated by concerns about human induced climate change, has motivated a desire to reduce the impact of the built environment through eco efficient design imperatives. This evolution has provided eco practitioners with multifaceted challenges in making their practices more ecologically sustainable through optimal approaches to design. One such design approach to ecological sustainability is to emulate or take creative inspiration from natural systems, often referred to as biomimicry. This study examines how eco practitioners perceive biomimicry as a design approach in architectural eco design practice. An exploratory approach, taking a post-positivist epistemological framework informed a mixed method, correlational, project-based research design. The theoretical contribution was a model and framework for biomimicry thinking which suggested ways of addressing problems of conceptualisation and understanding the complexities of ecological integration that had been identified as barriers to the practice of ecologically sustainable design. The empirical contribution was a recommendation for a Biomimicry Approach, which proposed a simultaneous use of indirectly mimicking and directly mimicking to architectural eco design projects. Multivariate statistical analysis recognised biomimicry principles, design propositions and physical attributes as the most significant predictors that can enhance ecological sustainability in architecture. The study’s outcome in relation to biomimicry advanced understanding of ways to reduce waste by efficient spatial design was seen as a contribution architects can make to the concept of a reduction scenario for the ecological age. This thesis adds important knowledge to underpin future research and recommends biomimicry design indicators, biomimicry design matrix and possibilities for the use of vernacular architectural strategies for the development of architectural eco design practice

Some design aspects of sustainable post-disaster housing

Purpose - This paper discusses selected aspects of the design of post disaster housing building on current guidance in this area. We focus on the use of appropriate materials and technology to suit the climate and site and draw lessons from traditional housing types and settlement patterns. Design/methodology/approach - A case study of a design project is used to illustrate an approach toward sustainable design. The approach is structured and could therefore fit into the wider structures and frameworks of providing such housing. Findings - A design was generated that meets many of the desired environmental criteria. It was also found that important design resources are required by the design team not mentioned in the existing guidelines. Research limitations/implications - A limitation of the paper is that the design is hypothetical and there has been no input from prospective inhabitants or other groups. Practical implications - The design approach illustrated here may be of use to relief organizations working in the field, and also could be used to develop further awareness of sustainability. Organizations that provide for and coordinate post disaster construction could consider making further design resources available as part of a project. Social implications – The study addresses the design of housing which itself is an activity located in society. Originality/value - The paper adds to discussion on the design of post disaster housing and supports the argument that such housing can help to support wider and longer term development

Some design aspects of sustainable post-disaster housing

Purpose - This paper discusses selected aspects of the design of post disaster housing building on current guidance in this area. We focus on the use of appropriate materials and technology to suit the climate and site and draw lessons from traditional housing types and settlement patterns. Design/methodology/approach - A case study of a design project is used to illustrate an approach toward sustainable design. The approach is structured and could therefore fit into the wider structures and frameworks of providing such housing. Findings - A design was generated that meets many of the desired environmental criteria. It was also found that important design resources are required by the design team not mentioned in the existing guidelines. Research limitations/implications - A limitation of the paper is that the design is hypothetical and there has been no input from prospective inhabitants or other groups. Practical implications - The design approach illustrated here may be of use to relief organizations working in the field, and also could be used to develop further awareness of sustainability. Organizations that provide for and coordinate post disaster construction could consider making further design resources available as part of a project. Social implications – The study addresses the design of housing which itself is an activity located in society. Originality/value - The paper adds to discussion on the design of post disaster housing and supports the argument that such housing can help to support wider and longer term development