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A change in thinking has been ongoing in the architecture and building industry in response to growing concern over the role of the building industry in the excessive consumption of energy and its devastating effects on the natural environment. This shift changed the thinking of architects, engineers, and designers in the initial phases of a building’s design, with a change from the importance of geometry and form to assessing a building’s performance, from structure to a building’s skin, and from abstract aesthetics to bio-climatic aesthetics. In this context, sustainable, intelligent, and adaptive building façades were extensively researched and developed. Consequently, several typologies, strategies, and conceptual design frameworks for adaptive façades were developed with the aim of performing certain functions. This study focuses on the biomimetic methodologies developed to design adaptive façades because of their efficiency compared to other typologies. A comprehensive literature review is performed to review the design approaches toward those façades at the early stage of design. Then, the theoretical bases for three biomimetic frameworks are presented to gain an overall understanding of the concepts, opportunities, and limitations.

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the design of an adaptive biomimetic facade as a practical solution for enhancing energy efficiency of highly glazed buildings in the hot and humid regions. We present an adaptive facade that reduces solar heat gain and hence the energy consumption of the building, with minimal reduction in visual comfort (i.e., indoor lighting levels and visibility to the outer environment) of the users. The basic module of the facade consists of four shading devices that can be folded along both horizontal and vertical axes. The design enables shading under both high and low sun angles, without blocking visibility to the outdoor environment. To develop the facade, we explore and mimic the physical, physiological and adaptation properties of an Oxalis oregana—a leaf that has the natural ability to track sun path and change its angle/position accordingly. As a case study for the proposed facade, we take an existing 20-story office building in the hot and humid climate of Lahore, Pakistan. Our numerical results indicate that after retrofitting of the designed facade, the building's existing energy load decreases by 32%. Moreover, 50% of the interior space (as opposed to 55% before the retrofitting) still has lighting level within the recommended range of 500–750 lux. The investigation demonstrates that the proposed biomimetic facade can significantly reduce the energy consumption, with minimal reduction in visual comfort, of highly glazed buildings.

… façade development. This study can address two gaps: (1) the lack of an architectural aspect in the kinetic façade … superficial biomimetic considerations with an in-depth investigation. …

… Biomimetics refers to “the interdisciplinary cooperation of biology and technology or other fields … term “biomimetics’ since the Pho’liage façade system results from a biomimetic approach …

The building envelope has an essential role in the energy consumption of buildings and in regulating the energy exchange between the indoor and outdoor environment. Especially in hot climate zones, the temperature increases the cooling loads of the building, while a significant amount of energy is consumed to provide indoor comfort. Much research has been carried out recently to produce responsive and adaptive building envelopes to solve this problem. Nature is a reference for responsive, adaptive building envelope solutions, and the biomimicry approach is utilized. The biomimicry approach suggests using biological models/systems/processes as models/measures/mentors. This research used the biomimicry approach to propose an innovative facade design solution in this context. In this study, where a problem-oriented design approach was accepted, plants were analyzed to find a solution. Plants have evolved to adapt to a particular location's weather, wind, dryness, heat, and light. Buildings, like plants, depend on a specific location. For this reason, arid climate plants were examined in the study. The biological information from analyzing the plants studied was used to develop a design concept. As a result of this study, it is understood that nature has an extensive database and offers many solutions for problems that can be applied in architecture to produce energy-efficient, sustainable, and adaptable designs to indoor and outdoor conditions. The next step for this study is to translate the developed design concept into practice and conduct the necessary analysis

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leading to anthropogenic global warming continue to be a major issue for societies worldwide. A major opportunity to reduce emissions is to improve building construction, and in particular the effectiveness of building envelope, which leads to a decrease in operational energy consumption. Improving the performance of a building's thermal envelope can substantially reduce energy consumption from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning while maintaining occupant comfort. In previous work, a computational model of a biomimetic building façade design was found to be effective in temperate climates in an office context. Through a case study example based on animal fur and blood perfusion, this paper tests the hypothesis that biomimetic building facades have a broader application in different building typologies across a range of climate zones. Using bioinspiration for innovation opens new ideas and pathways for technological development that traditional engineering design does not provide. This study exemplifies the process in a building façade, integrating a new form of insulation, heating and cooling. Methods of mathematical modelling and digital simulation methods were used to test the energy reduction potential of the biomimetic façade was tested in a set of operational applications (office, school, and aged care) and across different climate zones (tropical, desert, temperate, and cool continental). Results indicated that the biomimetic façade has potential to reduce energy consumption for all building applications, with the greatest benefit shown in residential aged care (67.1% reduction). Similarly, the biomimetic building façade showed potential to reduce operational services energy consumption in all climate zones, with the greatest energy reductions achieved in the tropical (55.4% reduction) and humid continental climates (55.1% reduction). Through these results the hypothesis was confirmed suggesting that facades engineered to mimic biological functions and processes can improve substantially decrease building operational energy consumption and can be applied in different building classifications and different climate zones. These results would significantly decrease operational greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of a building and provide substantial savings in energy bills. Such facades can contribute to the further reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in a broad range of contexts in the built environment and other areas of technology and design. The flexibility and adaptability of biomimetic facades exemplify how biological strategies and characteristics can augment and improve performance in different environments, since the organisms that inspire innovation are already well-adapted to the conditions on earth. This study also exemplified a method by which other biomimetic building envelope features may be assessed. Further work is suggested to assess economic viability and constructability of the proposed facades.

Many recent studies in the field of the kinetic facade developed the grid-based modular forms through primary kinetic movements which are restricted in the simple shapes. However, learning from biological analogies reveals that plants and trees provide adjustable daylighting strategies by means of multilayered and curvature morphological changes. This research builds on a relevant literature study, observation, biomimicry morphological approach (top-down), and parametric daylighting simulation to develop a multilayered biomimetic kinetic facade form, inspired by tree morphology to improve occupants’ daylight performance. The first part of the research uses a literature review to explore how biomimicry influences the kinetic facade’s functions. Then, the study applies the biomimicry morphological approach to extract the formal strategies of tress due to dynamic daylight. Concerning functional convergence, the biomimicry principles are translated to the kinetic facade form configuration and movements. The extracted forms and movements are translated into the design solutions for the kinetic facade resulting in the flexible form by using intersected-multilayered skin and kinetic vectors with curvature movements. The comprehensive annual climate-based metrics and luminance-based metric simulation (625 alternatives) confirm the high performance of the bio-inspired complex kinetic facade for improving occupants’ daylight performance and preventing visual discomfort in comparison with the simple plain window as the base case. The kinetic facade provides daylight performance improvement, especially the best case achieves spatial Daylight Autonomy, Useful Daylight Illuminance, and Exceed Useful Daylight Illuminance of 50.6, 85.5, 7.55 respectively.

Facades have an important role in the control of energy waste in buildings, nevertheless most of them are designed to provide static design solutions, wasting large amounts of energy to maintain the internal comfort. However, biological adaptation solutions are complex, multi-functional and highly responsive. This paper proposes a biomimetic research of the relationship that can be developed between Biology and Architecture in order to propose innovative facade design solutions. We focus on plants, because of plants, like buildings, lack of movement and remain subject to a specific location. Nevertheless, plants have adapted to the environment developing special means of interaction with changing external issues.

… Biomimetic green façades reinterpret natural processes to form adaptive skins that respond to environmental stimuli. Studies have shown that these systems can significantly reduce …

… façades, with a specific emphasis on biomimetic strategies. Over time, numerous types of adaptive façades have … The review will explore many methodological frameworks in biomimetic …

Enhancing the thermal performance of building façades is vital for reducing energy demand in hot desert climates, where envelope heat gain increases cooling loads. This study investigates the integration of biomimicry into opaque ventilated façade (OVF) systems as a novel approach to reduce façade surface temperatures. Thirteen bio-inspired façade configurations, modeled after strategies observed in nature, were evaluated using computational fluid dynamics simulations to assess their effectiveness in increasing airflow and reducing inner skin surface temperatures. Results show that all proposed biomimetic solutions outperformed the baseline OVF in terms of thermal performance, with the wide top mound configuration achieving the greatest temperature reduction—up to 5.9 °C below the baseline OVF and 16.4 °C below an unventilated façade. The study introduces an innovative methodology that derives façade design parameters from nature and validates them through simulation. These findings highlight the potential of nature-based solutions to improve building envelope performance in extreme climates.

In the present and future, the buildings more qualified and energy saved to their inevitable surroundings has turned into a need and turn into a critical research point. To accomplish total decarbonization inside the buildings is vital to change structures from wasteful vitality consumers into net-zero vitality structures. This paper displays a modeled biomimetic way to deal with encourage the implementation of a shielding form to eco-friendly buildings and improve the advancement of the building structure. The shielding type contributes to consumption of energy thanks to the movement of kinetic cells placed on the outer surface of the building, provides comfort for usage and maintains the thermal balance for residents. Our design can be implemented as a coating material reducing cooling and heating electricity consumption for building facades that we will use in smart cities soon and adapted to self-supporting building types.

Adaptive facades are considered one of the most prominent interfaces between the exterior and interior of the building. The most advanced approaches in facade design are human-centered, focusing on user needs, making it complex to balance human comfort and energy consumption. This research takes a problem-oriented approach within the biomimetic framework, employing a clustered review methodology to systematically categorize studies, identify solutions, and develop innovative strategies based on cutting-edge research. This paper introduces a novel biomimetic kinetic Beams-Redirected Adaptive Façade (BRAF), inspired by pangolin scales. The triangular panels tilt and shift to control daylight and reduce cooling loads based on solar angle and occupant position. Simulations demonstrate balanced illuminance, negligible glare, and over lighting risks, 60–100% daylight autonomy, and lower cooling loads compared to louvers. The BRAF’s tailored performance across various states and occupant positions surpasses that of an unshaded space. The BRAF’s sun-tracking and occupant-responsive capabilities exemplify an advanced facade design that successfully balances competing objectives. Further refinements in control logic are necessary to enhance user-adaptive performance across diverse climate contexts. Finally, this study integrates two key methodologies—clustered review and BRAF development—interactively and systematically to provide a comprehensive investigation.

… roofs and façades, the study highlights key variations in biomimetic … facade designs. Natural forms are mostly abstracted in three-quarters of the roof cases and a quarter of the facade …

The façade is the main component related to the design, occupation and performance of buildings. In the past, traditional facades were always constructed as load-bearing structural elements without flexibility, which made it impossible to deal with the changing environment, resulting in the consumption of large amounts of energy to maintain the internal comfort conditions. Biomimetic adaptive strategies have been proposed as an optimal solution for improving building façade performance. This paper aims to present biomimetic strategies that are translated into design solutions for dynamic façades, resulting in adaptive, flexible and more efficient façade design. Several illustrated case studies and researches have shown the high potential of biomimetic adaptive facades to reduce total energy consumption without reducing the internal comfort of buildings, which is a promising new approach to energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions.

At present, buildings are increasingly being designed with transparent materials, with glass paneling being especially popular as an installation material due to its architectural allure. However, its major drawback is admitting impractical amounts of sunlight into interior spaces. Office buildings with excessive sunlight in indoor areas lead to worker inefficiency. This article studied kinetic façades as means to provide suitable sunlight for interior spaces, integrated with a triple-identity DNA structure, photosynthetic behavior, and the twist, which was divided into generation and evaluation. The generating phase first used an evolutionary engine to produce potential strip patterns. The kinetic façade was subsequently evaluated using the Climate Studio software to validate daylight admission in an indoor space with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) version 4.1 criteria. To analyze the kinetic façade system, the building envelope was divided into four types: glass panel, static façade, rotating façade (the kinetic façade, version 1); an existing kinetic façade that is commonly seen in the market, and twisting façade (the kinetic façade, version 2); the kinetic façade that uses the process to invent the new identity of the façade. In addition, for both the rotating façade and twisting façade, the degrees of simulation were 20, 50, 80, and 100 degrees, in order to ascertain the potential for both façades to the same degree. Comparing all façades receiving the daylight factor (DF) into the space with more or less sunlight resulted in a decreasing order of potential, as follows: entirely glass façade, twisting façade (the kinetic façade, version 2), rotating façade (the kinetic façade, version 1), and static façade. By receiving the daylight factor (DF), the façade moderately and beneficially filtered appropriate amounts of daylight into the working space. The daylight simulation results indicated that the newly designed kinetic façade (version 2) had more potential than other building envelope types in terms of filtering beneficial daylight in indoor areas. This article also experimented with the kinetic façade prototype in an actual situation to test conditional environmental potential. The twisting façade (the kinetic façade, version 2) was explored in the building envelope with varied adaptability to provide sunlight and for private-to-public, public-to-private, or semi-public working areas.

… Incorporating these biomimetic principles in the definition of … to “tune” the façade to changing external climatic conditions. … facade is identified in the behavioral level of the biomimetic …

In this paper, we systematically review the implications of bionic architecture-a design method derived from biological principles-for the low-carbon transformation of the built environment. Based on a review of 109 studies from 2010 to 2024, we classify biomimetic solutions into three main categories: façade systems, structural optimization, and energy-generating envelopes. These nature-inspired strategies are derived from natural mechanisms, such as termite ventilation, lotus-leaf hydrophobicity, and algae photosynthesis, and offer significant potential to reduce carbon. Reported operational energy savings range from 30% to 60%, and reductions in embodied carbon can reach up to 40%. We harmonize performance metrics (definitions, boundaries, and reporting coverage) and compile published CAPEX/OPEX ranges for representative systems. The results confirm the potential of computational instruments for translating biological principles from living systems to architectural applications through parametric design and performance-based model simulation. We also closely consider other issues in terms of scalability, reliability, and price. To address these issues, the review suggests future work streams, including AI-based bionic design, climate-agile prototypes, and multilevel integration. This work provides a comprehensive reference connecting nature-inspired innovation to quantifiable performance outcomes and supplies actionable guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers in the pursuit of net zero. By linking biology with architecture, bionic design is presented as a significant approach to achieving sustainable and resilient built environments.

Buildings must adapt and respond dynamically to their environment to reduce their energy loads and mitigate environmental impacts. Several approaches have addressed responsive behavior in buildings, such as adaptive and biomimetic envelopes. However, biomimetic approaches lack sustainability consideration, as conducted in biomimicry approaches. This study provides a comprehensive review of biomimicry approaches to develop responsive envelopes, aiming to understand the connection between material selection and manufacturing. This review of the last five years of building construction and architecture-related studies consisted of a two-phase search query, including keywords that answered three research questions relating to the biomimicry and biomimetic-based building envelopes and their materials and manufacturing and excluding other non-related industrial sectors. The first phase focused on understanding biomimicry approaches implemented in building envelopes by reviewing the mechanisms, species, functions, strategies, materials, and morphology. The second concerned the case studies relating to biomimicry approaches and envelopes. Results highlighted that most of the existing responsive envelope characteristics are achievable with complex materials requiring manufacturing processes with no environmentally friendly techniques. Additive and controlled subtractive manufacturing processes may improve sustainability, but there is still some challenge to developing materials that fully adapt to large-scale and sustainability needs, leaving a significant gap in this field.

Abstract Thermal performance of building envelope is acquired a great deal of global interest. Recently, algorithms are used in architecture for generating inspired shapes from nature which could effect on thermal performance. The research investigates an architectural design Methodology based on a “Modeling-Simulation-Optimization” framework to control the thermal performance of the building envelope. The design of a parametric building envelope is optimized by biomimetic algorithms such as genetic algorithms to minimize the thermal performance. It explores the possibilities of Enhancing the thermal performance of the building envelope by reducing the total thermal loads of a proposed unit in an office building. Results demonstrate that the total thermal loads are decreased from 366.36 KWh to 319.98 KWh which is about 12.65% less than the total thermal loads of the default state before the optimization process. Finally, possible configurations of the building envelope are presented to enhance thermal performance in real architectural design.

The article explores bionics as a scientific and methodological foundation for creating sustainable architecture capable of energy-efficient functioning and achieving synergy with the natural environment. It examines the evolution of bionics from the formal imitation of organic forms to the comprehensive application of biomimetic principles. Through specific examples – such as the passive ventilation system of the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe, inspired by termite mound architecture, and façade concepts that mimic photosynthesis – the article reveals mechanisms for implementing bionic design solutions. Particular attention is given to analyzing the energy efficiency, adaptability, and resource-saving characteristics of bio-inspired architectural objects. The study highlights the contemporary understanding of bionics, which focuses on the principles of cyclicality, adaptability, and zero-waste design derived from natural ecosystems. It provides a detailed analysis of examples ranging from passive ventilation and thermal regulation systems modeled after termite mounds to adaptive façade systems that imitate photosynthesis and plant regulatory mechanisms. Special attention is paid to environmental synergy achieved through efficient resource management – for instance, mimicking water-harvesting strategies of desert insects or adopting lightweight yet durable structural analogues inspired by biological prototypes such as bone or spider silk to minimize material consumption. The discussion systematizes the advantages of the bionic approach – including enhanced energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved comfort – while also addressing the challenges of its implementation, such as high research costs and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The article substantiates the idea that bionics serves not only as a tool for solving engineering problems but also as a catalyst for shaping a new architectural philosophy aimed at fostering harmony between the built and natural environments. The practical significance of the study lies in its potential use by researchers, educators, graduate students, and practitioners engaged in related scientific and design inquiries.

With the acceleration of urbanization, environmental degradation is increasingly restricting the improvement of residents’ quality of life, and promoting the transformation of old communities has become a key path for sustainable urban development. However, existing buildings generally face challenges, such as the deterioration of the performance of the envelope structure and the rising energy consumption of the air conditioning system, which pose a serious test for the realization of green renovation. Inspired by the application of bionics in the field of architecture, this study innovatively designed five types of bionic envelope structures for outdoor air conditioning units, namely scales, honeycombs, spider webs, leaves, and bird nests, based on the aerodynamic characteristics of biological prototypes. The ventilation performance of these structures was evaluated at three scales—namely, single building, townhouse, and community—under natural ventilation conditions, using a CFD simulation system. The study shows the following: (1) the spider web structure has the best comprehensive performance among all types of enclosures, which can significantly improve the uniformity of the flow field and effectively eliminate the low-speed stagnation area on the windward side; (2) the structure reorganizes the flow structure of the near-wall area through the cutting and diversion of the porous grid, reduces the wake range, and weakens the negative pressure intensity, making the pressure distribution around the building more balanced; (3) in the height range of 1.5–27 m, the spider web structure performs particularly well at the townhouse and community scales, with an average wind speed increase of 1.1–1.4%; and (4) the design takes into account both the safety of the enclosure and the comfort of the pedestrian area, achieving a synergistic optimization of function and performance. This study provides new ideas for the micro-renewal of buildings, based on bionic principles, and has theoretical and practical value for improving the wind environment quality of old communities and promoting low-carbon urban development.

ABSTRACT The responsibilities of the building sector concerning resource consumption and waste generation, as a problem of research, require a transition from a linear to a circular model in order to obtain significant positive effects on the environment. The Biomimicry approach appears to be a promising way to move the sector towards the circular economy, to meet the increasing levels of functional and environmental requirements, which is shifting the research on building materials and products toward biomimetic solutions. Along this path, the building envelope emerges as an interesting application field concerning its adaptive behaviour towards external conditions. In this field of research, the knowledge gap concerns the need for criteria to classify the biomimetic behaviour of building materials under operating conditions and to identify their environmental effects, as well as their compliance with the principles of the circular economy. The study provides a methodology to develop a set of classification criteria applicable to biomimetic materials and products which are suitable for application in the building envelope and a related set of markers that identify the strongest environmental relationships and implications related to the aptitude for integrating circular economy principles. The mapping highlights the absence of some relationships thus highlighting potential limitations of biomimetic materials/products within circular economy principles and thus current research limits. The results obtained may be useful to evaluate and compare biomimetic materials and products for the building envelope, whilst also providing the first step for further research on their environmental implications within circular economy processes. HIGHLIGHTS a classification system for biomimetic devices for building envelopes; biomimetic device features linked to expected effects provided to envelope; markers to assess compliance to circular economy principles of biomimetic devices; there are no previous environmental esteem effects of biomimetic building materials.

Building envelopes represent the interface between the outdoor environment and the indoor occupied spaces. They are often considered as barriers and shields, limiting solutions that adapt to environmental changes. Nature provides a large database of adaptation strategies that can be implemented in design in general, and in the design of building envelopes in particular. Biomimetics, where solutions are obtained by emulating strategies from nature, is a rapidly growing design discipline in engineering, and an emerging field in architecture. This paper presents a biomimetic approach to facilitate the generation of design concepts, and enhance the development of building envelopes that are better suited to their environments. Morphology plays a significant role in the way systems adapt to environmental conditions, and provides a multi-functional interface to regulate heat, air, water, and light. In this work, we emphasize the functional role of morphology for environmental adaptation, where distinct morphologies, corresponding processes, their underlying mechanisms, and potential applications to buildings are distinguished. Emphasizing this morphological contribution to environmental adaptation would enable designers to apply a proper morphology for a desired environmental process, hence promoting the development of adaptive solutions for building envelopes.

… In bionic design, one common pattern is parametric … in bionic facades to reduce energy consumption, can be analyzed. The results display that applying parametric patterns to bionic …

The concept of bioinspiration, which is a new design paradigm inspired by solutions found in biological systems, has led to many innovative designs in different fields in recent years. …

… and heating of buildings. Despite innovative architectural solutions, there are some drawbacks to applying vertical greenery on building envelopes. In this study, a bionic façade that …

The contemporary urban environment is undergoing rapid transformation due to global climate challenges and the increasing demand for improved energy efficiency, reduced material consumption, and enhanced user comfort. Architecture and construction — fields deeply intertwined with resource management and environmental quality — must adopt innovative and sustainable design strategies. One of the most promising approaches is bionics (biomimetics), an interdisciplinary field that draws on principles from biological systems to inform design practices. Nature has long served as a source of architectural inspiration — from the symbolic and organic forms of Art Nouveau to contemporary projects enabled by digital technologies that allow for precise modeling of biological structures. However, modern biomimetics extends beyond aesthetics. It encompasses function, structure, and adaptive processes, integrating insights from biology, engineering, materials science, computer science, and architecture to develop nature-inspired systems that are more efficient, durable, and sustainable. Key technologies in this domain include parametric and generative design, environmental simulation, digital fabrication, and smart materials, all of which enable the creation of structures that respond dynamically to external stimuli. Additionally, the growing trend of biophilic design — often combined with biomimetics — contributes to the development of spaces that are not only energy-efficient but also promote the psychophysical well-being of users. This article aims to present the current state of knowledge regarding the application of bionic solutions in architecture and construction. Selected case studies are discussed to illustrate how biomimetic strategies have achieved high environmental, aesthetic, and functional performance. The article presents examples of rod structures based on minimal forms, as well as structures with topology inspired by nature and parametrically generated. It also explores specific architectural implementations and identifies challenges and future directions for this rapidly evolving field.

The urgent need for sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsive buildings has intensified in the face of global climate challenges. This study presents an integrative architectural approach that synthesizes biomorphic and climatic design principles to create energy-efficient structures with minimal ecological impact. A hotel building—serving both residential and recreational functions—is proposed as a case study to demonstrate this dual methodology. The biomorphic design draws inspiration from the growth patterns and natural geometries of trees, incorporating tree trunk cross-sections and bamboo as central elements in both structural planning and façade articulation. Complementarily, climatic design strategies integrate vernacular elements such as shaded porches, internal courtyards, elevated foundations, and regionally appropriate materials to enhance thermal performance. These features promote natural ventilation, reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, and improve daylight utilization, thereby lowering energy consumption and environmental impact. The resulting architectural framework underscores the potential of bio-inspired and climate-adaptive design strategies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a replicable model for architects and policymakers seeking to develop resilient and livable built environments in a warming world.

… Adaptive façades mostly do not integrate multiple responses to various climatic situations. In sum, they are rarely multifunctional. Therefore, they often work in conjunction with …

Abstract Both organisms and adaptive building skins (ABS) respond to changing environmental conditions. There have been several systems developed through the synthesis of biomimetics and ABS to reduce energy demand or improve comfort in buildings. This paper presents the definition, characterisation and a comparative analysis of existing applications in the field of biomimetic adaptive building skins (Bio-ABS). We evaluate current uptake in the field, present an overview of the state-of-the-art and undertake a meta-analysis of fifty-two Bio-ABS applications to determine performance trends, opportunities and challenges. We found that current development in the field of Bio-ABS is limited. 53.8% of all published Bio-ABS remain at a conceptual stage of development, resulting in a gap between theoretical and real-world uptake. In addition, there is little quantitative analysis in terms of environmental or energy performance measurements, with only 44.2% of the projects considering these performance metrics. Of those that do, 78.2% demonstrate either thermal or visual comfort analysis while only five, 21.7%, include energy analysis. A further conclusion drawn is that the majority of Bio-ABS are monofunctional, only controlling a single environmental parameter. Very little attention is paid to multifunctionality, with only 13.4% of the published projects controlling more than one parameter. Multifunctionality in Bio-ABS needs further study to address multiple contradictory functional requirements of buildings regarding energetic and environmental performance.

The implementation of responsive facades offers a promising strategy for reducing operational energy use while enhancing indoor comfort. These facades dynamically adjust their configurations, mirroring adaptive behaviors observed in living organisms. The bio-inspired responsive facade approach integrates principles from biomimicry and responsive architecture to develop systems that react intelligently to environmental stimuli. This study aims to analyze existing literature to identify key developments and trends in bio-inspired responsive facades. The research is conducted in three main phases. First, the study establishes its conceptual framework. Second, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis is conducted using the Web of Science database, employing science mapping techniques via VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package. This analysis uncovers major trends, turning points, influential authors, leading journals, and significant conferences, offering a clear overview of the research landscape. In the third phase, 33 facade designs are selected from 141 identified publications for comparative analysis. Each design is examined based on material, control systems, movement mechanisms, and functional objectives. The review explores their natural inspirations, responsive stimuli, and material strategies to derive insights for future innovation. Results reveal that 45% of designs focus on improving thermal comfort in hot climates, often utilizing active systems or smart materials. Folding and rotating mechanisms are the most common modes of movement. However, only five designs progress beyond the conceptual phase, highlighting the need for practical implementation. By mapping the evaluation of this interdisciplinary field, the study establishes a systematic foundation for advancing bio-inspired responsive facade research.

As it has always been, nature is the main source of inspiration. Its ability to sustain the coexistence of an endless number of organisms in perfect dynamic balance makes its behavioral patterns as a model to be followed. The key principle of these patterns is adaptation. Understanding its related concepts helped to interpret the continuous organisms’ change to achieve the equilibrium that is responsible for sustainability. However, this pattern is widely inspiring researchers to find solutions to a more and more sophisticated complexes beyond the limits of their scopes. One of these current emergent problems is energy conservation in general and at architectural domain in particular.This paper investigates the potentials of ‘Biomimicry’ –defined as an innovation inspired by nature- to come with original visions to building’s skin as a mediator surface between internal and external environmental conditions. It addresses a number of environmental concerns; energy balance, humidity, temperature, visual perception, noise, carbon dioxide concentration, and light intensity that the building’s envelop has to reconfigure their performance moving from the outer environment to the inner one. It presents a framework for biomimic design of building’s skin based on detailed studies for number of biomimic design processes, adaptation techniques and strategies for skin configurations. It also makes an in-depth analysis to a number of related examples to show the updated trends in adaptation related techniques. Finally, it comes up with recommendations concerning the most appropriate techniques that could be utilized to come with innovative solutions inspired by the native Egyptian biological conditions.

… This study investigates the evolution and impact of biomimicry in architecture, specifically its role in enhancing building performance amidst the world challenges. This paper presents a …

Abstract Since 1970, a major problem worldwide is energy shortage along with the high consumption of energy in buildings. Architects are attempting to find solutions for managing buildings energy consumption. One innovative approach is Biomimicry,Which is defined as the applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems, and process2. A subcategory of biomimicry is building skin which forms the entire exterior of the building. It is the boundary through which the buildings interaction with the environment occurs. Proper management of the building skin can significantly reduce the building's energy demand. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the ability of reducing energy consumption by applying the biomimicry approach on buildings skin design. In order To achieve this aim, a research methodology has been designed to accomplish four objectives. First, it will carry out an in depth research on biomimicry, skin, and biomimicry in building skin through the study of existing literature. Second, international case studies will be presented and analyzed in terms of usage of biomimicry, in addition to, the impact it had on reducing the buildings energy consumption. Finally it will conclude with guidelines for building skin biomimicry design for more efficient energy consumption in buildings.

The relationship between biomimetics as a design strategy and architectural skin as a construction technique, both of these strategies can be implemented in a building design process to develop more sustainable project, now a days there is a pollution problem in Mexico and one of the main causes is the waste generated by construction, in addition, just a few investors are interested in the application of bioclimatic strategies, sustainable technologies and building materials because they imply a large investment and constant maintenance, which is why an architectural skin designed based on the responsive skin of the crocodile is proposed, which is expected to be seen as a model for future generations of Mexican architects for them to implement these strategies and methodologies in their design process.

In this article, the authors present a global synthesis of the work done on adaptive architectural skins using smart materials, based on the biomimetic approach. Their geometric configurations are adjusted under the effect of environmental stimuli. The integration of advanced technology into a building projects has as its principal objective to bring more comfort to everyday life. The current buildings envelopes are statics, while climate and users’ needs are considerately variable. Looking for a sustainable design of the buildings skins to move from theirs passive role to a more active role, the concept of adaptive skin is emergent and several progresses in building skins technologies have been implemented recently all around the world. The reflection focuses on the analysis of innovative architectural design projects that was inspired by nature, especially those related to plant adaptation strategies. To explore new potential for buildings envelopes design, new smart materials that present reversible movements due to external stimuli are studied.

Introduction. Recent advances in computational design have transformed architectural facades from static envelopes into dynamic systems capable of adapting to environmental conditions in order to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Purpose of the study. This study aims to evaluate the thermal performance of an adaptive biomimetic building skin (ABBS), inspired by plant thermoregulation mechanisms, applied to a typical residential building located in Guelma, Algeria, which is characterized by a hot Mediterranean climate. Methods. Following the thermal validation of a base model, the research integrated two complementary approaches: a problem-driven biomimetic strategy to define the morphology and kinetic behavior of facade modules, and a parametric simulation workflow developed in Rhino Grasshopper, coupled with the Ladybug and Honeybee plugins for environmental and energy analysis. The ABBS was tested under five aperture configurations (−30° to +30°) across east, south, and west orientations during representative summer and winter periods, based on the ASHRAE Standard 55 adaptive comfort model. Results. The results demonstrate that the best-performing scenarios achieved up to a 17.7 % reduction in overheating hours during summer and up to a 22 % improvement in thermal comfort during winter through enhanced passive solar gains. This study confirms the potential of bio-inspired responsive facades to optimize indoor thermal conditions and highlights the effectiveness of computational biomimicry as a pathway toward climate-adaptive and energy-efficient architectural envelopes contributing to sustainable building design.

Previous studies proved that building skins are mostly responsible for the energy consumed inside the buildings. Recently, new perspectives for building skins appeared; some of them were enhancing their responsiveness to the surrounding environment. Biomimicry is also one of the innovative approaches that the world starts to head for, to find ideas and solutions for humans’ problems through mechanisms and materials found in nature. This paper is seeking to integrate biomimetic characteristics of plants into the design of a responsive skin as a way to reduce thermal loads in office buildings by adjusting the model and testing variables using Grasshopper as a simulation program to reach the best result. The study took place in Giza, Egypt, for a medium-sized office building consisting of 3 levels of open spaces with an area of 1,665 m 2 for each floor. Results showed That the proposed skin could decrease the thermal loads, especially cooling loads with an 8% reduction.

Architects spend a lot of time and efforts trying to solve their design problems. Actually, they just need to look at and learn from the surrounding environment. Nature can achieve not only humans’ requirements but also helps to solve the problems, which they make. It could be considered as a life dictionary due to the diversity that exists. That is what the biomimicry science in general aims. One of the practical fields that applies biomimicry science is architecture. Biomimetic architecture aims to redesign multiple sustainable solutions for human’s subversion in the built environment. Chameleon is an amazing word that exists in this dictionary. Some of Chameleon species that live in hot arid zones can reduce about 45% of the solar heat gain only by using its skin due to the special physical components called “chromatophores”. In this paper, the biomimetic architecture has been introduced. Besides, some famous case studies of architectural buildings that imitate chameleon have been reviewed, analyzed, and classified according to the biomimetic architecture levels.

The growing interest in biomimicry in built environments highlights the awareness raised among designers on the potentials nature offers to human and system function improvements. Biomimicry has been widely utilized in advanced material technology. However, its potential in sustainable architecture and construction has yet to be discussed in depth. Thus, this study offers a comprehensive review of the use of biomimicry in architecture and structural engineering. It also reviews the methods in which biomimicry assists in achieving efficient, sustainable built environments. The first part of this review paper introduces the concept of biomimicry historically and practically, discusses the use of biomimicry in design and architecture, provides a comprehensive overview of the potential and benefits of biomimicry in architecture, and explores how biomimicry can be utilized in building envelops. Then, in the second part, the integration of biomimicry in structural engineering and construction is thoroughly explained through several case studies. Finally, biomimicry in architectural and structural design of built environments in creating climate-sensitive and energy-efficient design is explained.

Biomimicry inspired architects to solve complex design problems and develop adaptive solutions for enhancing the environmental quality. Fields of inspiration include energy efficiency, natural ventilation, daylighting, and structural stability. In this paper, 144 biomimicry-inspired building skin alternatives have been developed to improve daylighting performance in office buildings in Assiut City, Egypt; 72 alternatives are of 0.5 m frame depth, and other 72 alternatives are of 1.0 m frame depth. Two levels of biomimicry; namely, the organism level (snakeskin) and the behavior level (plants tropism), have been adopted. Alternatives have been developed to be simulated ClimateStudio plug-in for Rhino in accordance with the international rating system leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED v4.1). The evaluation criteria are spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), Annual Average Lux (AAl), and Spatial Distributing Glare (sDG). An evaluation point system has been developed to evaluate alternatives using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on the feedback of 14 faculty of architecture members. Nine building skin alternatives developed succeeded to achieve notable improvement (from 16.69% to 33.73%) compared to the base cases. In general, the 1.0 m frame-depth alternatives achieved better results in improving daylighting performance than the 0.5 m frame-depth alternatives. The most effective parameter in improving daylighting performance was the rotation angle of the skin unit used, to be followed by the distance between the skin and the building façade, the solid-to-void ratio of the skin, the number of units constituting the skin system, and the horizontal bending distance of the skin unit, respectively.

: Recent research indicates that by employing adaptive architectural skins, energy consumption can be significantly reduced, as building skins are regarded as a boundary line between external and internal conditions and play the primary role in regulating energy consumption in buildings and preserving internal comfort. In architecture, smart materials with intrinsic properties that vary in response to different material-specific inputs or operating conditions are becoming widely researched. As they accumulate sensors and actuators that allow them to detect a stimulus, respond to it in a controlled manner, and return to their initial condition when the stimulus is removed . Accordingly, the main aim of this research is to investigate the viability of using smart materials in building skins in Egypt and how this will affect the energy consumption of buildings using a biomimetic approach. This approach suggests a compact, silent, lightweight dynamic building panel with simple actuation components. A performance comparison between the proposed shape morphing skin and a base case meeting room indicates that energy consumption can be reduced by 43%. These substantial results indicate that adaptive façades have the potential to improve building energy efficiency.

… In addition, SMA-dependent cladding systems can encourage responsive ventilation by means of opening and shutting depending upon the temperature variation. Bendable building …

A biomimetic adaptive façade applies natural principles to building design using shading devices that dynamically respond to environmental changes, enhancing daylight, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. While motorised systems offer precision through sensors and mechanical actuation, they consume energy and are complex. In contrast, passively actuated systems use smart materials that respond to environmental stimuli, offering simpler and more sustainable operation, but often lack responsiveness to dynamic conditions. This study explores a sequential approach by initially developing motorised shading concepts before transitioning to a passive actuation strategy. In the first phase, nine mechanically actuated shading device concepts were designed, inspired by the opening and closing behaviour of plant stomata, and evaluated on structural robustness, actuation efficiency, ease of installation, and visual integration. One concept was selected for further development. In the second phase, a biocomposite made of polylactic acid (PLA) and regenerated cellulose fibres was used for Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) to fabricate 3D-printed modules with passive, moisture-responsive actuation. The modules underwent environmental testing, demonstrating repeatable shape changes in response to heat and moisture. Moisture application increased the range of motion, and heating led to flap closure as water evaporated. Reinforcement and layering strategies were also explored to optimise movement and minimise unwanted deformation, highlighting the material’s potential for sustainable, responsive façade systems.

Bio-inspired and bio-based materials are increasingly recognized as powerful enablers of climate-responsive and low-carbon architecture. By learning from natural systems, such as adaptability, self-regulation, and resource efficiency, these materials offer promising solutions to the escalating environmental pressures faced by the built environment. However, their systematic integration into building design remains limited, particularly in tropical monsoon climates. To address this gap, this study applies the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to identify, prioritize, and map the interdependencies among ten bio-based and bio-inspired strategies for sustainable building design. The results highlight five dominant solutions: living building systems, bio-composite exterior cladding for weather resistance, mycelium-based insulation for humidity control, bio-based natural ventilation and passive cooling, and bio-inspired self-shading systems. The causal analysis reveals three key characteristics: (1) living building systems function as a central integrative nexus, (2) bio-composite cladding acts as a primary driver of durability and climate resilience, and (3) bio-based water filtration and local timber exhibit lower systemic leverage despite their environmental benefits. Theoretically, this study advances biomimetic design research by introducing a causal, system-level framework for understanding interactions among nature-inspired strategies. Practically, it provides architects, engineers, and policymakers with an evidence-based decision-support tool to prioritize climate-adapted, bio-inspired solutions, contributing to the development of resilient and regenerative architecture in rapidly changing climates.

Natural organisms which employ inherent material properties to enable a passive dynamic response offer inspiration for adaptive bioclimatic architecture. This approach allows a move away from the technological intensity of conventional “smart” building systems towards a more autonomous and robust materially embedded sensitivity and climatic responsiveness. The actuation mechanisms of natural responsive systems can be replicated to produce artificial moisture-sensitive (hygromorphic) composites with the response driven by hygroexpansion of wood. The work presented here builds on previous research on lab-scale material development, to investigate in detail the applicability of wood-based hygromorphic materials for large-scale external applications. The suitability of different material production techniques and viability of potential applications is established through a detailed programme of experimentation and the first one-year-long durability study of hygromorphic wood composites in full weathering conditions. These results provide the basis for the design of an optimised responsive cladding system. The opportunities and challenges presented by building integration and architectural functionalisation of responsive wood composites are discussed based on a hierarchy of application typologies including functional devices and components, performance-oriented adaptive systems, the value of aesthetic and spatial experience and place-specific contextual integration. The design of the first full-scale building application of hygromorphic wood composites is presented.

Abstract Contemporary smart building systems typically aim to reduce building energy use by means of technologically enabled climate-responsiveness; however, these technologies lack the efficiency and elegance of naturally responsive mechanisms employing the inherent properties of available materials, such as the moisture-induced opening and closing of conifer cones. This mechanism can be replicated to produce low-tech low-cost hygromorphic (moisture-sensitive) materials with the response driven by shrinkage and swelling wood. This paper explores the possibility of adaptive building systems based on incorporation of hygromorphic materials and argues that they present opportunities for architecture that is passively attuned to the variable natural rhythms of the internal and external environments, and that addresses a wide range of sustainability considerations.

Smart surfaces and materials can play a significant role in intelligent, adaptive and responsive envelopes because of these intrinsic properties. The environmental question and energy efficiency in which the construction sector is involved, is in a process that can not be interrupted and that puts researchers and designers in front of a scientific and design challenge in which it is necessary to contribute to find different ways of study and experimentation on new materials and constructive languages, ranging from the application, to the structural, design and molecular, to mention the main ones. The development of technologies is helping architects of the “biomimetic current” to recreate complex structures that can be found in nature, using innovative construction methods and materials. In this paper, some existing biomimetic design strategies applied for nature emulation are presented with the aim to understand the contribution of biomimetic materials to the design culture. Case studies show the diversity of possible applications of natural phenomena in architecture with the aim to provide user-friendly tools that can facilitate the generation of more in-depth insights, opening new perspectives for new possible technical solutions and showing the potential of nature adaptations to environmental conditions at different climate.

In this paper, the authors present research into adaptive architectural envelopes that adapt to environmental changes using active materials, as a result of application of biomimetic principles from plants to architecture. Buildings use large amounts of energy in order to maintain their internal comfort, because conventional buildings are designed to provide a static design solution. Most of the current solutions for facades are not designed for optimum adaptation to contextual issues and needs, while biological solutions to adaptation are often complex, multi-functional and highly responsive. We focus on plant adaptations to the environment, as, due to their immobility, they have developed special means of protection against weather changing conditions. Furthermore, recent developments in new technologies are allowing the possibility to transfer these plant adaptation strategies to technical implementation. These technologies include: multi-material 3D printing, advances in materials science and new capabilities in simulation software. Unlike traditional mechanical activation used for dynamic systems in kinetic facades, adaptive architectural envelopes require no complex electronics, sensors, or actuators. The paper proposes a research of the relationship that can be developed between active materials and environmental issues in order to propose innovative and low-tech design strategies to achieve living envelopes according to plant adaptation principles.

Building design is a product of multiple factors, such as concept and aesthetics, building materials and technologies, environmental conditions, and daylight requirements of the inner spaces. Biomimicry is an innovative approach that is used for the design of adaptable kinetic façade systems that can emulate the behavior of living organisms and provide an optimal solution to reduce heat gain and visual discomfort. This research is focused on the evaluation of the daylight performance of the south-facing architectural studios of the university building and the further proposal of a parametric shading system that emulates nature-based behavior. The study proposes multiple scenarios of kinetic façade behavior based on different degrees of openness and location of the shading elements. Computational simulations are used to evaluate visual comfort and find the solution that increases the use of natural light and provides visual comfort in the studios. The study considers the range of activities performed by architecture students, such as modeling, drawing, reading, writing, and computer use. As a result, several scenarios are selected, providing façade design that varies depending on the season and classroom.

… façade pattern by referring DNA structure and photosynthetic behaviour to mimic biomimicry … condition; without a façade, with a static facade, and with a kinetic façade. DIVA software …

… This study proposes a biomimetic shading skin design inspired by the Saguaro Cactus, … receive adequate daylighting. The results underscore the superiority of biomimetic shading skin …

Climate change, increase in CO2 production and energy consumption are major global issues and the building, environmental and construction sector is contributing to the increasing concern day by day. Due to increasing demands to satisfy environmental, social, and economic requirements, designing efficient and sustainable buildings has become increasingly complex. Today, the tendency towards sustainability has created new design approaches regarding adaptable kinetic building envelopes, amongst all, biomimetic design principles have gained interest. As opposed to traditional methods, the implemented biomimetic design approach in this research can assist in finding solutions for complex real-life problems regarding the adaptability of kinetic facades to achieve robustness, tractability, low solution cost and better rapport with reality. Design frameworks introduced to this day either do not incorporate bio-inspired concepts or are not able to map potential trade-offs in the performance of multi-functional biomimetic adaptable skins, effectively. Therefore, a flexible and expandable framework is necessary to go beyond project-based frameworks applied to case specific conditions. To design for performance, this research proposes a framework and aims to integrate different biomimetic approaches to assist designers and researchers in two steps to design and evaluate kinetic facades in different phases of development.

This simulation study explores the potential of a novel façade design with integrated control system comprising a dynamic photovoltaic (PV) facade integrated with dimming lighting control to enhance the work environment in office buildings and achieve energy-efficient solutions. Parametric modeling using the Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino software 7, coupled with energy simulation through the Honeybee environmental plug-in for the EnergyPlus program, are used in the methodology. The integrated control strategy was simulated to study in a single office space, utilizing the Daysim engine to assess indoor daylight quality and focusing on Daylight Factor (DF) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP). Additionally, two artificial lighting control systems were examined for potential integration with the dynamic PV facade to minimize lighting load. The study employs the Galapagos evolutionary solver function embedded within Grasshopper to identify optimum solutions. The dynamic PV façade achieves substantial reductions in overall energy consumption, cutting it by 73% in June, 54% in July, 54.5% in August, and 52.55% in September. The results demonstrate substantial reductions in total energy consumption, with notable savings in heating and cooling due to the dynamic facade’s ability to balance and control solar radiation during working hours. Moreover, the dynamic PV facade contributes to electricity generation, demonstrating its potential to improve visual comfort, decrease energy consumption, and generate electric energy through rotational adjustments and varying transparency levels.

Recent developments in theory and technology in performance based design show an interest towards generative systems. In this paper a morphogenetic approach will be introduced that looks at Goethean morphology and leaf venation patterns. To instrumentalize this approach an algorithm will be introduced to generate various leaf venation patterns on complex mesh surfaces. As a case study, the paper tests the applicability of such system as performative algorithms for building envelopes. The role of simulation is to generate self-organizing forms and provide a framework for design development. The overall approach is to consider performance as a direct input to guide the computation of form at an early design stage.

Urban freshwater ecosystems have many critical functions, such as providing water to all living things and supporting biodiversity. Factors such as water pollution, increased water consumption, habitat loss, climate change, and drought threaten the health of urban freshwater ecosystems. Looking for solutions to these challenges, this article aims to recycle water and return it to its life cycle using a climate-sensitive water collection strategy. The model focuses on the biomimetic method as a basic strategy. In this regard, the concept of water-harvesting has been examined in detail by conducting a deep literature review, including architecture and engineering disciplines. With all these data obtained, a synthesis/integration study was carried out by developing a model proposal based on adaptive building façade elements to solve the water problems experienced in cities. The model proposal, which is directly related to the titles of “Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)” and “Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)”, which are among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aims to provide different perspectives on the disciplines with its superficial and functional features. In this context, it is anticipated that the article will become an indispensable resource for other researchers working on the subject.

… This research is bioinspired by the leaf-rolling mechanism … to propose a kinetic façade module responsive to changes in … façades without electrical power or any mechanical device. …

The present chapter addresses the design and construction of a self-sufficient kinetic module for facades, inspired by Mimosa pudica, conceived as a lighting and ventilation control system. The methodology employed was based on the “Biomimetic Design Spiral,” structured in four stages: biological abstraction, subsystem development, functional integration, and prototype assembly. The module articulates three subsystems: (1) mechanical, composed of movable panels operated by servomotors; (2) electronic, based on temperature and light sensors connected to a programmable board; and (3) photovoltaic, consisting of solar cells and an energy storage battery. The results demonstrate the relevance of translating natural principles into dynamic, autonomous, and replicable architectural solutions that respond to environmental stimuli without depending on external energy. This proposal constitutes an innovative alternative in the field of biomimetic and sustainable kinetic facades.

… In response, the leaf cleverly folds along its vein structure, strategically reducing the surface … ’s façade, it engenders a structural marvel that transcends mere functionality. Such a façade …

Biomimicry architecture provides innovative solutions to contemporary environmental challenges by drawing inspiration from nature’s strategies to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency in the built environment. Plants, with their remarkable ability to adapt to changes in light, temperature, and humidity, serve as a central model for biomimetic design due to their potential to optimize energy use and improve building performance. By leveraging these natural principles, biomimetic architecture can significantly reduce carbon emissions and create eco-friendly structures that respond dynamically to environmental conditions. This approach not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable development but also fosters harmony between human-made environments and the natural world. This study offers a comprehensive review of biomimetic technologies, focusing on their role in improving energy efficiency and building performance. Also, it examines a range of global case studies that have successfully implemented biomimicry, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness across diverse environmental and architectural contexts. Based on these insights, this research proposes a novel design inspired by the moonflower plant, which adapts to its environment by responding to external stimuli. The proposed design applies these adaptive strategies to architectural solutions, enabling buildings to optimize performance by dynamically interacting with environmental conditions such as light and temperature. By analyzing biomimetic principles and their applications, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable architecture. It highlights the potential of biomimicry to balance environmental sustainability with economic growth, offering valuable insights for architects, designers, and policymakers seeking to create greener, more efficient built environments.

In recent decades, the value of architecture become more due to its importance for reducing detrimental effects on the environment and natural capital. To minimize the building's impact on the environment, architectural designs should be highly incorporated into the environment rather than behaving as a separate element focused on a single issue. To address this problem, different methods and design approaches have been introduced. However, exploring the natural solutions for survival can provide invaluable data which can address the human-caused problems. Throughout decades, nature has been survived and evolved. Biological solutions due to their adaptability and multi-functionality are great source of inspiration. This article with help of content analysis method aims to review the concept of biomimetic design in architecture. And proposes plant-inspired solutions for envelope design which can play significant role on buildings’ energy efficiency. Thus, the plant-inspired concepts to be integrated on adaptive envelopes were studied. And a framework for concept generation introduced. Furthermore, a case study on an existing building envelope in the Mediterranean climate region presented and two plant-inspired techniques proposed and conceptually applied.

… design of multi-regulation bio-envelope shows that the existence of a simple and organized methodology smoothens the way to generate design concept of a biomimetic envelope that …

Building skins should host multiple functions for increased performance. Addressing this, their design can benefit by learning from nature to achieve multifunctionality, where multifunctional strategies have evolved over years. However, existing frameworks to develop biomimetic adaptive building skins (Bio-ABS) have limited capabilities transferring multifunctionality from nature into designs. This study shows that through investigating the principles of hierarchy and heterogeneity, multifunctionality in nature can be transferred into biomimetic strategies. We aim at mapping the existing knowledge in biological adaptations from the perspective of multifunctionality and developing a framework achieving multifunctionality in Bio-ABS. The framework is demonstrated through the case study of Echinocactus grusonii implemented as a Bio-ABS on a digital base-case building. The methods include the Bio-ABS case study demonstrating the framework and simulating the performance of the case study and base-case building to comparatively analyze the results. The outcomes are a framework to develop multifunctional Bio-ABS and simulation results on the performance improvement Bio-ABS offer. The performance comparison between the Bio-ABS and base-case building show that there is a decrease in the discomfort hours by a maximum of 23.18%. In conclusion, translating heterogeneity and hierarchy principles in nature into engineered designs is a key aspect to achieve multifunctionality in Bio-ABS offering improved strategies in performance over conventional buildings.

Abstract Building envelopes represent the interface between indoor and outdoor environmental factors. In recent years, attention to climate adaptive building envelopes has increased. However, some types of adaptive envelopes don’t always offer low-tech solutions, but require energy for their activation and high operating and maintenance costs. Nature has always proposed a large database of adaptation strategies that are often complex, multi-functional, and responsive. Transferring the functional principles of natural organisms and their associated adaptive modalities to technologies is the challenge of the biomimetic discipline (from Greek bios, life, and mimesis, imitation) applied to the field of architecture. In this article, various examples of biomimetic architecture that illustrate the relationships between biology, architecture, and technology, were considered. Various analyses of the operating principles of natural organisms are carried out, particularly with regard to self-adapting materials, in order to transfer them to the building envelope, and to propose technological solutions capable of passively adapting to external climatic conditions. Among all natural organisms, plants are prefereble to animals because, like buildings, they remain stationary in a specific location. Despite this, plants have developed different adaptation mechanisms to survive in certain environments. Buildings with biomimetic adaptive envelopes, characterized by passive and low-tech solutions inspired by plants, help limit energy consumption, and improve not only the indoor microclimate but also the outdoor environment. In line with the ecological transition, this work highlights the importance of biomimetic as a strategy to orient the new paradigms of built space design towards innovative and sustainable models of low-tech solutions.

Abstract Biomimicry is a science that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature's time-tested 3.8 billion years of patterns and strategies. The paper is concerned with embodying the biomimetic strategies to building envelopes which shall offer a high potential to reduce the energy demand, save material and thus improve the sustainability of buildings, through accessing current practices process of natural ventilation biomimicry in buildings for a potential application in building envelope for environmental adaptation which could help for the emergence of a new generation of biomimetic building envelopes aiming at promoting biomimicry in Egypt by showing the benefits that could be harvested.

The term biomimicry comes from the Greek words “bios”, meaning life, and “mimesis”, meaning to imitate. Since the biomimetic approach has resulted in many successful examples over the years, a literature review shows how successfully biomimetic architecture could respond to mitigating climate change by examining the biomimicry approach for building envelope adaptation. To demonstrate the significance of biomimicry in fulfilling an adaptive building envelope, the paper will begin by explaining the biomimicry approach and building envelope adaptation methods. Additionally, it showcases some successful architectural examples that were able to enhance energy efficiency, highlighting how those examples were able to combat climate change through observing their adaptive strategies found in nature and the application of those strategies to buildings to enhance energy efficiency and contribute to resilience and sustainability. A hypothetical framework that follows the biomimetic principles for adaptive building envelope theories will also be proposed. The proposed framework will be applied to an office building in a hot and dry area, inspired by the adaptive strategies of cacti. Finally, to assess the efficiency of the suggested framework in achieving climate change mitigation, the paper will conclude by evaluating the outcomes through software simulation, measuring its potential in maintaining adaptive strategies within the building envelope, and how it affects the building’s overall energy performance.