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In an era of escalating climate concerns, achieving net-zero carbon emissions for infrastructure development is no longer optional, it is an imperative. Traditional infrastructure practices have a significant carbon footprint, hindering progress towards a sustainable future. [1]As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the buildings sector faces a daunting task: reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while meeting the needs of a growing population.
Biomimicry, the practice of drawing inspiration from nature’s ingenious solutions, offers a promising approach to sustainable architecture. By studying ecosystems, architects can create buildings that regulate temperature, capture carbon, and adapt to changing conditions. Biomimicry encourages us to coexist harmoniously with other species, integrating green roofs, vertical gardens, and wildlife-friendly features into our designs. It offers a range of innovative solutions for sustainable architecture, from adaptive structures to efficient materials.
Biomimicry: Innovating Towards Zero Carbon Emissions
By learning from nature, we can build resilient, eco-friendly cities and structures that meet our needs while preserving the planet for future generations. Let us delve into some awe-inspiring, real-world implementations of biomimicry and how they contribute to sustainability.
- Tiny Carbon Footprint from a Termite Mound! – The Eastgate Centre (Harare, Zimbabwe)
Inspired by the intricate engineering of termite mounds, the Eastgate Centre in Harare stands as a testament to sustainable architecture. Designed by the visionary architect Mick Pearce and engineering experts at Arup Group Limited, this innovative structure harnesses the natural rhythms of Harare’s climate. Using a network of cleverly designed channels, chimneys, and fans, Eastgate Centre ingeniously regulates its internal temperature. By strategically storing and releasing heat using high-capacity materials, it achieves exceptional energy efficiency. In fact, this biomimetic marvel consumes a mere 10% of the energy required by traditional buildings for cooling. Even when actively cooled, Eastgate slashes energy use by an impressive 35%.
- Sustainability in a Bubble – The Eden Project (Cornwall, UK)
Inspired by the graceful simplicity of bubbles, the Eden Project is an architectural marvel redefines what is possible with biomimicry. Instead of heavy steel and glass, the Eden Project uses air-inflated pillow structures named ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), slashing construction costs to a fraction of traditional materials.
By harnessing natural light and insulating like a dream, the ETFE structures cut energy use in half compared to ordinary greenhouses. That means fewer emissions, lower bills, and a smaller environmental footprint without compromising on beauty or functionality.
- Sanctuary in a Shopping Center – Heatherwick Studio’s 1000 trees Project (Shanghai, China)
Through biomimicry, Heatherwick Studio’s 1000 trees Project in Shanghai, China seamlessly blends 1000 trees and 250,000 plants into its very structure.
This project is not just about scenic looks. By weaving nature so deeply into its design, it purifies the air we breathe, cools the city’s scorching heat, and invites biodiversity back into the heart of urban life. It is a bold step towards a greener future, proving that nature and city living can thrive together.
More than a shopping center, this is a blueprint for tomorrow’s cities to achieve a harmonious blend of infrastructure and ecology. It sets a new standard for what urban development can achieve: sustainability that is as stunning as it is essential. The project is a visionary initiative to see cities in a whole new light.
Biomimicry offers a transformative pathway for sustainable infrastructure development, addressing the pressing challenge of reducing carbon emissions in our built environment
The examples of the Eastgate Centre, the Eden Project, and Heatherwick Studio’s 1000 Trees Project illustrate the potential of biomimicry to revolutionize architecture and urban planning. By emulating nature’s time-tested strategies, we can create buildings and urban spaces that not only meet the needs of our growing population but also contribute to the health of our planet. Thus, biomimicry can be a gateway to innovations that contribute towards zero carbon emissions in the field of Infrastructure, one of Frost & Sullivan Institute’s seven global priorities.
We must work together to reduce infrastructural carbon emissions and create a better world for generations to come. Let us begin by recognizing organizations like Biohm, Arup Group, Heatherwick Studio and Retein for their pioneering integration of biomimicry into their projects, thereby demonstrating a commitment to sustainable innovation.
Remember, our buildings can be more than concrete and steel; they can be living, breathing ecosystems.
Blog by Sakthi Kumararaja,
Associate, Frost & Sullivan Institute
FAQs
Biomimicry Architecture; is often referred to as a unique and technical approach to mimicking nature in creating various designs in architecture. The structure inspired by nature can be strong yet sustainable since nature is a long-lasting system. The buildings are designed to mimic the functions of nature.
What is biomimicry and how biomimicry work for a sustainable development? ›
The scientific, research-based practice of learning from and then replicating nature's forms, processes, and ecosystems to create more regenerative designs. Ethos. The philosophy of understanding how life works and creating designs that continuously support and create conditions conducive to life.
Is green architecture really sustainable? ›
New construction relies heavily on natural resources, such as wood, stone, metal, and water, further impacting the environment. Green buildings use less energy, use sustainable materials, and minimize waste.
Why are sustainable architecture and green building important to our future? ›
Sustainable architecture is not only energy-efficient and healthier for its inhabitants, but it also benefits the planet. By reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources (fossil fuels such as coal and oil), green architecture can actually promote and maintain a cleaner environment.
How to use biomimicry in architecture? ›
By mimicking the form and function of a bird, the structure can regulate its environment, reducing the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling systems. This approach demonstrates the potential for biomimicry to create sustainable and efficient buildings that harmoniously integrate with their natural surroundings.
What are some examples of biomimicry in a house? ›
Examples include self-cleaning roof tiles, self-cleaning paints, soil-repellent fabrics, and treatments for glass. The benefits in all these products are decreased use of water, detergents, and solvents. Another potentially important area of growth is coatings for solar panels.
What is one example of biomimicry? ›
Perhaps the most famous example of biomimicry is Velcro. In 1941, engineer George de Mestral was walking his dog when he noticed burrs (like the ones pictured below) sticking to both of them. When he studied the burrs under magnification he found their clinging property was the result of hundreds of tiny hooks.
How can biomimicry help us in the future? ›
By drawing inspiration from the natural world, designers can develop more efficient and sustainable products, systems, and manufacturing processes. Biomimicry has the potential to revolutionize the way we design and manufacture products, resulting in a more sustainable future for all.
How is biomimicry used in design? ›
Biomimicry architecture inspires the development of innovative materials that emulate the properties of natural substances. Using biomimetic materials, designers can create buildings that are lightweight, durable, and sustainable.
What are the downsides of sustainable architecture? ›
Many sustainable technologies and materials are still relatively expensive, which can make them inaccessible to some communities or individuals. This can create a divide between those who can afford to live in sustainable buildings and those who cannot, which can perpetuate inequality and environmental injustice.
Limited availability of sustainable materials
In some regions, accessing a diverse range of eco-friendly building materials may be challenging. Additionally, the production and transportation of these materials contribute to carbon emissions, underscoring the need for local sourcing to reduce environmental impact.
What is the difference between green architecture and sustainable architecture? ›
What is a green building? The key difference between sustainable buildings and green buildings is that sustainable buildings operate with all three sustainability pillars in mind (people, planet and profit), whereas green buildings focus solely on the environment.
What are the disadvantages of green building? ›
Limitations of green buildings
The materials and technologies they utilize tend to cost more, the materials may be less readily available, and construction may take longer. Additionally, bank funding for green building projects can be more difficult to secure.
What is the primary goal of green or sustainable architecture? ›
green architecture, philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy sources, the conservation of energy, the reuse and safety of building materials, and the siting of a building with consideration of its impact on the environment.
How does sustainable architecture affect the environment? ›
Environmental Benefits
It encourages the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials, reducing the strain on global supply chains. Furthermore, it conserves water through strategies like rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems.
What is the meaning of sustainable architecture? ›
Sustainable architecture means designing and constructing buildings and infrastructure in order to support their positive environmental impact, with the objectives of achieving energy efficiency, durability, favourable effects on health, comfort and safety, and an improved live quality for individuals.
Is sustainability through biomimicry possible? ›
As with most design factors, sustainability needs to be considered at all stages of the design process. Biomimicry lends itself well to this task, due to how deeply rooted it is in natural processes.
What is the approach to sustainable architecture? ›
Creating places that belong, places that people respond to, places that people want to keep, is a big part of designing and building sustainably. A truly sustainable architecture is one that endures independently of changing time and fashion.
What is the difference between biophilic and sustainable architecture? ›
Biophilic Architecture: Focuses on integrating natural elements to connect people with nature. Sustainable Architecture: Aims to reduce environmental impact through energy efficiency and resource conservation.
