Overview of the present state of research in the field of biomimetics in architecture
Shows the innovative potential of this relatively young scientific field
Case studies on vernacular architecture to space exploration
The purpose of investigating the areas common to architecture and biology is not to draw borders or make further distinctions, or even to declare architecture alive, but to clarify what is currently happening in the overlapping fields, and to investigate the emerging discipline of biomimetics in architecture" [Architekturbionik].
An overview of the present state of research in the relatively young scientific field of biomimetics shows the potential of this approach. The new discipline aims at innovation by making use of the subtle systems and solutions in nature which have evolved over millions of years. Approaches taken to transfer nature's principles to architecture have provided successful developments.
The new approach presented in this book transfers the abstract concept of life onto the built environment. Strategic search for life's criteria in architecture delivers a new view of architectural achievements and makes visible the innovative potential, although that has not yet been exploited. A selection of case studies illustrates the diversity of possible starting points: from vernacular architecture to space exploration