A Methodology for Computational Architectural Design Based on Biological Principles

Abstract

Biomimicry, where nature is emulated as a basis for design, is a growing area of research in the fields of architecture and engineering. The widespread and practical application of biomimicry as a design approach remains however largely unrealized. A growing body of international research identifies various obstacles to the employment of biomimicry as an architectural design method. One barrier of particular note is the lack of a clear definition and methodology of the various approaches to biomimicry that designers can initially employ. This paper attempts to link biological principles with computational design in order to present a design methodology that aids interested architects within the preliminary design phase.