Biomimicry is based on the idea that nature has already solved many of the challenges that we face as humans, such as energy, water, materials, and climate. By observing and mimicking how nature works, we can create designs that are more compatible with the natural systems and cycles that support life on Earth. Biomimicry is not about copying nature exactly, but rather learning from its strategies and patterns and applying them to our own context and needs.
the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe uses a natural ventilation system based off the self-cooling mounds of termites to regulate temperature without air conditioning. The Biomimetic Office Building in Hamburg, Germany uses a façade system modeled after the skin of a pine cone to adjust its shading and ventilation according to the weather and occupancy. The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK has a geodesic dome structure based on the shape of soap bubbles to create a large, lightweight space that houses different biomes and plants. The Bullitt Center in Seattle, USA has a solar roof inspired by the shape of a sunflower to maximize energy production and a rainwater harvesting system based on how plants store water to meet its needs. Lastly, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore uses a green roof resembling the shape of a lotus leaf to reduce heat gain and a biofiltration system inspired by wetlands for wastewater treatment.
