By: Mahdi Jalili Mehrabani, November 2023

Architecture has undergone a notable transformation, redefining its objectives and emphasizing collaboration with various disciplines in the past 50 years. The reevaluation of construction methods forms a fundamental endeavor in the quest for sustainable and ecologically conscious architectural solutions. Architects and designers have to explore nature-based design from various perspectives.

It becomes apparent that an alteration within the framework of ‘modernism’ ideology is imperative, thereby signifying the emergence of a conceptual construct that is suitably identified as ‘Bio-Modernism[1]’ (BioM). I define BioM as ‘form follows function’ (Bradley, 2010) through the imitation of the structural attributes exhibited by natural organisms and relying on circular economy concept.

With ever-increasing pressure on resources and the reality of climate change dawning on us, it has never been more urgent to rethink how to design systems and approaches. Bio-Modern Architecture (BioMA) is a concept that draws on the principles and insights derived from the disciplines of biomimicry, circular economics, closed-loop systems and environmental sciences.

BioMA emphasizes the effective use of natural resources and the incorporation of closed-loop system strategies within architectural practice. It is based on circular economy principles, recycling, reusing, refurbishing, repairing, repurposing, and resource management (Verbrugghe, et al., 2023), often drawing inspiration from the structural and functional attributes observed in the natural world. In this way, BioMA contributes significantly to the realization of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals on sustainability and mitigating ‘Planetary Boundary’ overshoots (Rawoth, 2017).

 BioMA aligned with the principles of the ‘Circular Economy' (CE), extends its mission beyond merely constructing stable and long-lasting buildings. It establishes significant linkages with the core tenets of the CE through the integration of strategies inherent to biomimicry, the production of environmentally sustainable products, the implementation of eco-design methodologies, and the deliberate use of ‘Closed-Loop System’ (CLS) approaches _ serves as the ‘backbone’ (Verbrugghe, et al., 2023) of CE.

The CE  ‘unlike the linear economy’ (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, 2018) can be defined as a regenerative system in which resource input, waste, emissions, and energy leaks are minimized through the ‘slowing, closing, and narrowing of material and energy loops’ (Geissdoerfer, et al., 2017).

The novelty of BioMA combined with a lack of methodological clarity and a consistent definition, creates challenges in comprehending the full scope and impact of applying Biomimicry in Architecture (BiA). Figure 3 provides an illustrative comparison of publications on biomimicry and BiA indexed in Scopus from 1998 to 2022 (Verbrugghe, et al., 2023).

Figure 3: Publications (Scopus) on the topic of biomimicry using the keywords ‘biomimicry in architecture’ and ‘biomimicry’, from 1997 to 2022.

 (Verbrugghe, et al., 2023)

Architects practicing in the ‘regenerative design’ (Lyle, 1996) process as system thinkers within BioMA, must consider the interconnections of various elements and seek inspiration from nature to create buildings that not only minimize harm but actively contribute to the well-being of the surrounding environment. By applying appropriate closed-loop system strategies, designers will minimize waste generation, facilitate the recycling of construction and demolishing, and use energy-efficient technologies incorporating renewable energy sources.

Many architects draw inspiration from the structural configurations of plants. For example, the Wuhan Energy Flower building (Fig 4) draws inspiration from the 'Calla Lily' (Fig 5). These flowers are known for their remarkable shape and the structural design of their broad leaves, which serve a dual purpose to capture sunlight efficiently for photosynthesis, and also play a role in attracting pollinators to the plant (StadiumFlowers, 2020).

The Wuhan Energy Flower Building in China because of its remarkable features, including zero carbon emissions, the use of wind and solar energy to meet its power requirements, and a Lily-shaped roof design, could be considered the world's most sustainable building that use circular economy principles, closed-loop system processes, and biomimetic approaches in designing all architectural components. The unique roof provides shade to office buildings during summers, and also incorporates solar panels that harness energy from sunlight. Rainwater is collected in the flower's bowl and repurposed for various water needs within the building. The vertical pistil rising from the flower, houses wind turbines (StadiumFlowers, 2020).

According to L¨udeke-Freund et al., companies face a fundamental challenge in integrating CE principles into implementations, which necessitates the process of rethinking of the supply chains. In applying ideas of biomimicry and CE within the field of architecture, several potential challenges will appear. These include:

1. Resistance arises from cultural and aesthetic preferences inherent to the field of architecture.
2. Established architectural norms and the reluctance to embrace innovative concepts may function as impediments to the uptake of biomimicry and CE.
3. Limited availability of technological products compatible with biomimicry and CE.
4. Adhering to architectural regulations and standards can cause challenges related to compatibility.
5. Bringing a level of complexity into the realm of architectural design through integrating biomimicry and circular economy principles in architecture.
6. Significant financial investments may be required by the application of CE and biomimetic tactics.

Habitat 2020 represents a ‘future-forward’ example (Yoneda, 2008) of biomimetic architecture designed in 2006, blending advanced technological concepts with fundamental cellular processes to craft dynamic "living" structures that emulate the behaviors of natural organisms. The exterior façade of the building was supposed to be likened to the surface of a leaf, incorporating numerous cellular membranes pivotal for gaseous exchange and transpiration (Figure 6).  The realization of the building never materialized, primarily owing to a) technical hurdles, b) financial limitations, and c) a change in the leadership priorities of the country (Google's AI, 2023)

To address these concerns and challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed.

 First, there should be a shift in societal mindset towards valuing sustainability, ignoring the cultural issues and values in an architectural context, and embracing novel approaches. 

Second, a strategic emphasis on sustainable development and the incorporation of environmentally-driven strategies should be prioritized to navigate these obstacles effectively.