Approaches to Investigate Biology and Architecture Overlaps

Approaches to Investigate Biology and Architecture Overlaps

Contemporary Architectural approaches:

1 Conventional

2 Eco-Efficiency (Green- Sustainable)

3 Restorative design

4 Cradle to cradle

5 Bio-inspired design

6 Ecological design

7 Reconciliatory design

8 Regenerative development

Diversity of Biological Architecture Classical Approach:

1.    Paolo Portoghesi has compiled a vast collection of analogies in "Nature and architecture", using a grid of archetypal elements of architecture with examples from all ages.(Portoghesi, P.: Nature and Architecture, 2000)

2.    The examination of "Natural Constructions" carried out during the 1960s in Germany by Frei Otto and his group takes a more technical approach. The structural functioning of natural role models is the most important feature investigated.

3.    Strategic investigation of the overlaps of architecture and biology has also been carried out by the Russian Juri Lebedew, culminating in the only publication on "Architekturbionik" in 1971, which is a comprehensive collection of natural constructions of his time. (Lebedew, J.S.: Architektur und Bionik, 1983)

4.    In 2003, Werner Nachtigall published his book "Baubionik" that focuses on construction, orders the field in terms of technology, and offers a collection of role models. (Nachtigall, W.: Baubionik, 2005) "Vorbild Natur" discusses general design principles, focusing on product development. ( Nachtigall, W.: Vorbild Natur, 1997)

5.    The Design and Nature conference series by the Wessex Institute of Technology provides a forum for a diversity of approaches to this generic topic. ( Brebbia, C.A. (Ed.): Design in Nature series, launched in 2002)

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