Biomimicry in Design

In my first example, biomimicry is ever present. Called Habitat 2020, the architecture fuses the notion of high-tech with basic cellular functions. By adding these two ideas together, the end result creates living structures that would operate like natural organisms. The concept is meant to be eventually implemented in China. The walls of the edifices, homes, and buildings would have a skin-like quality that would behave as a membrane would. And it would serve as a vital connection from the outside to the inside.

The inspiration for this particular project came from the surface of leaves (leaves have stomata, which are cellular openings involved in gaseous exchange and transpiration with plants and vegetation). Taking that into account, the surface of these walls would act in a similar fashion. They would allow light to enter the room, air, and water into and out of the home/building. Because light could enter the walls during the day, electricity would only need to be used at nighttime. The walls too, would filter air/wind into the structure (there would be a natural air-conditioning system created). Water also could be harvested (rain water could be gathered and purified for drinking purposes). And with waste, it would be made into biogas energy that could be put to diverse uses in the habitat or home.

The concept is so radical and mind bending, but so exciting as well! It is amazing what we as the human race can create such things. By looking to nature, we can learn what has worked well, and apply that to our design and architecture. This idea is just wonderful. The waste we produce will be cut drastically, and make us, as home-owners, live more green friendly. This is just what we need to move in the right direction as a society being more earth friendly. This innovative idea brought to you by the Phillips Design Probes.

image: http://inhabitat.com/2008/07/09/habitat-2020-offf-the-grid-future-abode/

For my second sustainable design, an aspect of biomimicry--geo-mimicry for that matter--is the subject here. This form of architecture is inspired from the long-term geological process, and from buildings that look like geological forms (this one being a mountain more specifically).

MVRDV, a Dutch architecture firm, has a plan called "China Hills" that is for a city to develop along with agriculture and energy production. Inside the buildings would include retail, technology, lesuire, etc. Outside (now this is where it gets really cool) would have plants on the structure that would produce food and energy related crops. One could truly say with the implementation of all these mountain buildings arising, an actual mountain range would begin to appear in the landscape. This geo-mimicry connects architecture with urbanism, and urbanism into the landscape architecture.

Again, another great idea that promises a greener future. The concept that the buildings function as business inside, and food and energy sources on the outside is amazing. Not only does it cut down on the space utilized, it is eye-pleasing as well. A really wonderful idea.

image: http://www.justmeans.com/Biocmimicry-necglected-step-child-Geo-Mimicry/16333html

The final example of biomimicry comes from Michael Pawlyn, a British designer. His project idea is architecture used within horticulture. Called The Eden Project, he designed domes that function as giant greenhouses. Drawing inspiration from dragonfly wings, the frames are shaped as both hexagons and pentagons with the material ETFE (an insulating polymer membrane). ETFE is a transparent material that last merely 25 years. It too can transmit Ultra Violent light to heat the dome, as well as the vegetation within them.

The ephemeral aspect of The Eden project is superb. The material employed only lasts 25 years? Shut up! That's insane. As we've seen in every day products, things are becoming less long lasting, and are being made to be able to break down (as to cut down on waste). This is significant in our hopes of cutting down waste that is produced by our efforts. Well done!

image: http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/designer-eden-project-case-study.html