Biomimicry and Parametricism in Architecture - A Dissertation by Palak Verma, SPA New Delhi

Biomimicry and Parametricism in Architecture

"How can architecture draw inspiration from the symbiosis between computational design and the biological world?"

Abstract

Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. From centuries, architects and designers have been searching for answers from nature to their complex questions about different kinds of structures, and they have mimicked a lot of forms from nature to create better and more efficient structures for different architectural purposes. Computers have long been developing as a very sophisticated and accurate tool for simulation and computing. Without computers, these various complex ways and forms of structures could not be mimicked. Thus using computers has risen as the way of mimicking and taking inspiration from nature by which designers can imitate different nature’s models despite its complexity.

This dissertation represents an investigation into biomimicry and includes analyses of case studies wherein the development of a design method based on biomimetic principles has been done by using various parametric tools and computational strategies.

The findings and conclusions reiterate the hypothesis that combining biomimicry with parametricism reduces the complexity of both design and construction in a manner that reduces the number of instructions, documentation, and visualisation necessary to produce architectural works.

Keywords: Biomimicry, parametricism, inspiration, efficiency, innovation

CONCLUSION

The biological world has many levels from which man can take inspiration. One interpretation could be a simple execution of a form or a phenomenon found in nature, such as studying the functional gradation of porosity in the skin of a seashell to make lightweight concrete structures. Another way could be to take a material found in nature and use it how nature intended to use, such as making a skin out of chitosan and pectin, which responds to the environment and eventually returns to it by biodegradation. And these too, are just a few of the many ways of how biomimicry works.

But what does parametricism have to do with this? Indeed, biomimicry does not have to take the support of a parametric tool to be incorporated into a design. But can nature exist without rules? From the branching of a tree to the functioning of an atom, the biological world works on set rules and patterns, which are discernible amongst the seemingly chaotic world.

Thus, to truly take inspiration from nature for sustainable and efficient design, parametricism is the way. Be it a ventilation model seen in a termite mound or an entire ecosystem of natural processes parametricism is the tool which helps in translating these concepts into a design on a human scale in a manner which retains the original sustainability and efficiency while also introducing innovation.