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What Inspires Biomimicry in Construction? Patterns, Trends, and Applications

Summary

Nature has already solved many design problems that architects and engineers struggle with today. This research examines how 70 recent studies have borrowed ideas from organisms like termites, coral reefs, and lotus plants to create better buildings. The study finds that most biomimetic applications focus on improving function and structure—like using termite mound ventilation principles for energy-efficient buildings—but there’s huge potential in learning from how nature heals itself and adapts in real-time.

Background

Biomimicry has emerged as a revolutionary concept in construction, extracting ideas from nature to design sustainable solutions. The field has evolved from historical implementations in ancient civilizations to contemporary applications optimizing thermal, structural, and energy performance of buildings.

Objective

To identify organisms and natural systems that inspire biomimetic applications in construction, establish patterns and trends in their use, and develop a practical framework for implementing biomimicry in architectural design across materials, structures, and building systems.

Results

Analysis revealed eight key biological categories (insects, reptiles, plants, marine species, fungi, birds, arthropods, ecosystems) with function being the most frequently replicated criterion, followed by structure, form, and process. Key patterns include dominance of functional and structural imitation, functional convergence across species, and emphasis on terrestrial adaptations.

Conclusion

Biomimicry serves as a strategic tool for optimizing energy efficiency, structural strength, and sustainability in construction. While functional optimization dominates current applications, significant opportunities exist for expanding process-based biomimetic strategies and ecosystem-level integration to develop more regenerative and circular architectural solutions.
  • Published in:Biomimetics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40422090
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