Structural analysis of biomimicry in architecture with Hoestrich's biology spiral and Kilmer's design process
Subject Areas : َArchitecture
1 - ISLAMIC AZAD UNIVERSITY, RUDHEN BRANCH
2 - ISLAMIC AZAD UNINERSITY, ROUDHEN BRANCH
Keywords: nature, biomimicry, biology, design process, biological spiral design challenge.,
Abstract :
Biological discoveries are increasing exponentially and designers should make the most of these effective solutions and new developments. Nature surrounds us and when designers spend time being "biological" and asking nature how these ecosystems work, they are inspired and influenced by the positive effects of how to create indoor environments that act like nature. They are placed there. In this research paper, the design process that nature uses is compared with the design process that interior designers use to solve their problems. The research method is descriptive-analytical and argumentative analysis of successful case examples in relation to the interaction of nature and design in biomimicry architecture. Research findings have shown that although designers use time-tested tools and methods, such as programming, schematics, and design development, now a bio-mimicry approach is needed to explore nature's database. to be able to find sustainable solutions and innovations. According to the present study and according to what we will see next, the only thing that nature does to solve a problem in a different way than designers is to "biologicalize" the problem by asking the question, what do you want your design to do? And that's the opposite of what designers ask: What do you want to design?
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The Biomimicry Institute defines biomimicry as an approach for evaluating design criteria, considering nature as a model, guide, and evaluator (Biomimicry Institute, 2007). This method imitates natural processes and ecosystems at all design levels to offer sustainable solutions (Benyus, 2002). Since nature has already solved many design challenges, mimicking its methods can lead to positive outcomes (Michigan, 2010). This article compares the design process in nature with that of interior design. The Biomimicry Institute introduces the "Biological Spiral Design Challenge" as a tool to guide designers, incorporating the "Life’s Principles" framework (Hastrich, 2006). These principles, consisting of nine natural laws, direct design towards efficient energy use and nature-inspired solutions (Benyus, 2002). This study emphasizes the necessity of integrating biomimicry into the interior design process and explores the role of the biological spiral in interior architecture.
Methodology
The interior design method derived from Kilmer and his reference book Designing Interior Spaces reflects the underlying assumption of this study: an improved design process ultimately leads to a better design outcome (Kilmer, 1992, 98). This model was chosen for two reasons: its similarity to Hastrich’s model in defining "the relationship between the design process and project phases" and positive feedback from educators and professionals supporting its effectiveness. This study compares Kilmer’s design process with Hastrich’s Biological Spiral Design Challenge to reinforce the argument that designers should incorporate a "biological" phase into their process. Nature provides a vast biological toolbox to help interior designers solve problems without harming the environment (The Biomimicry Guild, 2010). This research examines two biomimicry case studies that led to innovative products: structurally designed fabrics inspired by protein layers on butterfly wings and antimicrobial surface technologies mimicking shark skin. Historically, interior design has not formally integrated biomimicry into standard practice, with only a few professionals considering it an optional approach.
Results and discussion
The study initially focused on a comparative analysis of the Biological Spiral Design Challenge and Kilmer’s design process to evaluate their differences and similarities. A graphical representation of both processes was created to support this analysis. The key distinction lies in their approach: traditional designers ask, What do you want to design?, whereas biomimicry asks, What do you want your design to do?—biologizing the process. This fundamental difference highlights the need for interior designers to integrate biomimicry into their problem-solving process. By incorporating biomimicry in the design phase, designers can create truly sustainable solutions (National Resources Defense Council, 2024).
Conclusion
Biomimicry has emerged as a viable approach to solving human challenges sustainably. In 2008, the architectural firm HOK partnered with the Biomimicry Guild to integrate biomimicry into problem-solving, a groundbreaking initiative. HOK, a leader in green design, sought to biologize architecture, reinforcing the study’s argument that interior designers should collaborate with biomimicry institutions. The Biological Spiral Design Challenge guides designers through nature’s strategies, using biological principles to develop innovative solutions. This process involves defining the problem, identifying constraints, studying biological responses, summarizing key findings, and applying biomimetic ideas. The study concludes that incorporating biomimicry in design leads to sustainable innovations. However, Janine Benyus warns that merely adopting a few biomimetic technologies won’t ensure sustainability. True impact arises when systems function like ecosystems—interconnected and self-sustaining. To create sustainable environments, designers must use minimal resources, ensure closed-loop systems, recycle waste, generate energy, and design habitats that support long-term human survival.
1) تجاره، سارا سادات، حبیب، فرح و کامران کسمایی، حدیثه. (۱۴۰۲). تدوین مدل مفهومی ارزیابی کیفی پوستههای ساختمانی با رویکرد زیستتقلیدی جهت بهبود اکولوژی شهری، مطالعه موردی: اقامتگاه بارین اسکی شمیرانات. فصلنامه علمی پژوهش های بوم شناسی شهری (۱)۳۰. ۱-۱۸.
2) گلابچی، محمود و محمودی نژاد، هادی (1398) دانشنامه معماری بیومیمیکری و بیوفیلی، تهران: انتشارات دانشگاه پارس.
3) گلابچی، محمود و محمودی نژاد، هادی (1398) معماری بیومیمیکری و بیوفیلی، تهران: انتشارات دانشگاه پارس.
4) محمودی نژاد، هادی: الف (1397) معماری بیومیمیکری: تقلید از طبیعت در طراحی، انتشارات طحان.
5) محمودی نژاد، هادی: ب (1397) معماری بیولوژیک: معماری پایدار، تهران: انتشارات طحان.
1. Al-Obaidi, Karam M., Muhammad Azzam Ismaila, Hazreena Husseinb, Abdul Malik Abdul Rahman, Biomimetic building skins: An adaptive approach, 2017, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 79 (2017) 1472–1491
2. Ask Nature. “Wing scales Scatter and Diffract Light: Morpho Butterflies,” http://www.asknature.org
3. Benyus, J. (1997). Biomimicry - Innovation Inspired by Nature. New York, Harper Collins Publishers.
4. Benyus, Janine M., Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Design, New York: Harper Perennial, pp. 2-7, 2002.
5. Benyus, Janine, Tim Mcgee and Sherry Ritter, “Biomimicry in Community Planning,” Biomimicry Institute, 2009. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/
6. Berkebile, Bob, Jason McLennan. “The Living Building: Biomimicry in Architecture, Integrating Technology with Nature,” http://elements.bnim. com/resources/livingbuildingright.html
7. Biomimicry Institute, “Biomimicry: A Tool for Innovation,” 2007-2010. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/about-us/biomimicry-a-tool-forinnovation. html
8. Faludi, J. (2005). Biomimicry for Green Design (A How To). World Changing.
9. Gendall, John, “Biomimicry: Architecture That Imitates Life,” Harvard Magazine, 2024. http://harvardmagazine.com/2009/09/architecture-imitates life
10. Hastrich, Carl, “The Biomimicry Spiral,” Biomimicry Newsletter, The Biomimicry Guild, Vol. 4.1. 2006. http://biomimicry.typepad.com. newsletter/files/biomimicry_newsletter_v4.pdf
11. HCC Group, “Lavasa Corporation,” 2010. http://www.hccindia.com/. lavasa_corporation.php
12. HOK News Articles. “HOK and the Biomimicry Guild Form Alliance to Integrate Nature’s Innovations in the Design of Buildings Communities and Cities Worldwide,” 2008. www.hok.com/cfm/NewsArchive.cfm?CurYear=2008&PressRelease=0&Category
13. Implications. “Learning from Nature.” InformeDesign, University of Michigan, Vol. 4.1. pp.1-5, 2010. http://www.informedesign.umn.edu
14. Jacobs, Carrie, “India’s New Eco-Friendly City,” Travel & Leisure, 2010. http:www.travelandleisure.com/articles/indias-new-eco-friendly-city/1
15. Kilmer, Rosemary & W. Otie Kilmer, Designing Interiors, Florida: Holt Rinehart and Winston, Inc., pp. 154-176, 1992.
16. Mazzoleni, Ilaria.( 2013). Architecture follows nature - Biomimetic principles for innovative design, California.
17. McDonough, William & Michael Braungart, “The Next Industrial Revolution.” Atlantic Magazine, 1998. http://theatlantic.com/past98oct/ issues/industry.htm
18. National Resources Defense Council, “Adopt a Whole-Building Approach.” NRDC, The Earth’s Best Defense, www.nrdc.org/ buildinggreen/ approach/
19. Reed, B. (2006). Shifting our Mental Model “Sustainability” to Regeneration. Rethinking Sustainable Construction 2006: Next Generation Green Buildings. Sarasota, Florida.
20. Sharklet Technologies, Inc., “From evolution to Medical Solution.”
21. The Biomimicry Guild. “Biomimicry Guild Method of Consulting,” 2009- 2010. http://www.biomimicryguild.com/guild_services.html
22. Vella, Matt, “Using Nature as a Design Guide: Janine Benyus, dean of the burgeoning “biomimicry” design movement,” Business Week Online, 2023. www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/feb2008
