Harnessing nature's blueprint: biomimicry in urban building design for sustainable and resilient cities

Abstract

The increasing urban population and its associated activities significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change impacts. Urban areas, particularly susceptible to extreme weather events, face challenges such as heat stress, flooding, air pollution, and water scarcity. In response, the concept of biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature's functional principles, has gained traction as a viable approach for sustainable urban design. By emulating natural systems and processes, biomimetic solutions offer innovative strategies for addressing environmental challenges at various scales, from single buildings to entire urban areas. This study explores the potential of biomimicry in urban building design to mitigate environmental challenges associated with rapid urbanisation and climate change. Utilising a two-part methodology, the research includes a narrative literature review and a survey of practical case studies to evaluate the benefits of biomimetic concepts in architecture. The literature review provides a comprehensive, critical analysis of current knowledge on biomimicry, while the case studies showcase real-world examples of biomimetic design, such as the Eden Project and Eastgate Centre. Findings demonstrate that biomimicry enhances energy efficiency, reduces Carbon emissions, and increases resilience against extreme weather events. The study concludes that while biomimicry holds great promise for creating sustainable and resilient urban environments, widespread adoption is hindered by limited awareness and education among stakeholders. The research contributes to the field by highlighting the need for increased training and collaboration in biomimicry to fully harness its potential for sustainable urban design.