Architecture enthusiasts and workers worldwide are starting to adopt nature as their model for human-made structures. Many of these concepts lie within biomimicry, ecomimicry, and regenerative design. Discovering how to apply these concepts to architectural design principles may be the key to reducing building emissions.

What are these concepts in architecture?

These terms echo similar ideals but have distinct qualities:

  • Regenerative design: drafts buildings to create the resources they need to run.

  • Biomimicry: makes buildings that mimic natural processes to lower resource use.

  • Ecomimicry: employs biomimicry in sustainable ways.

Nature inspires each. However, the ideas work best symbiotically. Otherwise, they could ignore essential concepts for long-term sustainability. For example, a regenerative office could use solar power but generate countless pounds of waste. Alternatively, jets are an example of biomimicry because they simulate birds. Yet, the aviation industry is one of the most polluting on the planet. This is where ecomimicry comes in to bring balance. Buildings using damaging methods and materials to recreate nature must find alternatives.

The Living Future organisation has guidelines for crafting a self-sustaining structure that doesn’t adversely impact the world around it. This framework’s presence demonstrates an interest in natural architecture. Industry experts and individuals want it to sustain future generations. The Regenerative Architecture Index is another rising benchmark for delivering holistic recommendations in the field.

How do these concepts influence urban development?

The United Nations predicts the world will warm by 3.2 degrees Celsius by 2100. Part of this is because of outdated building practices and rapidly expanding urbanisation. Incorporating regenerative principles is more important than erecting buildings as fast as possible.

Priorities include controlling erosion, improving biodiversity, and correlating water use. These must happen while tearing up earth and extracting resources to make a structure. Such concepts force global designers to reshape their priorities and focus on environmental quality despite high demand. Biomimicry, regenerative design, and ecomimicry will play a pivotal role in sustainable design by:

  • Restoring ecological systems.

  • Building climate resilience.

  • Boosting energy efficiency.

  • Lowering resource consumption.

  • Creating closed-loop systems.

  • Engaging communities in natural concepts.

Ecomimicry will eventually seep into more architects’ workflows. When this happens, it will influence urban development, focusing designers on nature-based solutions. These may include green roofs or permeable surfaces, and promoting social and environmental justice. Ecomimicry does this by creating equitable homes and urban designs.

The concept also influences urban development by prioritizing recycled and ethically sourced materials. There are many ways to replicate the insulating qualities of animal hides in buildings. However, the biomimetic strategy could include nonrenewable resources. Instead, choose reclaimed or recycled options like wood, brick, and metal.

How can nature's influences benefit society?

Cities benefit from regenerative design and ecomimicry because they expose urbanites to nature. Over 100 million Americans lack park access, and land degradation negatively impacts 3.2 billion people worldwide. This lowers the number of natural areas people have access to. It also encourages toxic urban sprawl.

Nature deprivation leads to mental health concerns and resource scarcity. Therefore, embracing ecomimicry and regenerative aspects in buildings brings nature closer to home. The Fab Tree Hab is a living structure supported by growing trees, always exposing residents to the world.

These are several other examples of environment-inspired buildings across the world:

  • Zurich: the Biomimetic Office Building looked to bird skulls and cuttlebone to control energy management.

  • Taipei: Tao Zhu Yin Yuan used DNA structures to craft a carbon-sequestering tower.

  • Harare: Eastgate Centre referenced termite mounds for improved HVAC solutions.

  • Singapore: the Singapore Arts Centre made facades like durians for natural shade.

Regenerative architecture promotes ecosystem health by forcing builders to consider concepts like soil and water health. This leads to improved public and ecosystem health. The concepts also benefit society by defending urban regions against natural disasters and severe weather. Flora can absorb and redirect water from floods. Sturdy, treated wood can control spreading fires. Deep-rooted plants are natural buffers against high winds. Surviving the changing climate requires organic solutions.

Are there challenges architectural professionals need to overcome?

How can experts overcome industry obstacles to incorporate more nature?

Knowledge-sharing

Architects are not wildlife conservationists, agriculturalists, or marine biologists. Knowing what wildlife features could inspire ecomimicry and regenerative architecture requires additional education. The complexity of natural systems creates a knowledge gap in this sector. However, collaborating with nonprofit organisations and seeking continuing education geared toward builders and designers will mend oversights.

Public resistance

Communities may also resist change. If buildings look and behave differently, they may not understand how to interact with them in eco-friendly ways. It may lead to complications with policy if there is not enough public buy-in. Citizens and other sectors will need to adjust to new zoning laws and building codes if they adapt ecomimicry and regenerative features. Fixing this requires educating the masses to ensure appropriate building interactivity.

Scalability

Scaling is also a hurdle. Regenerative techniques and ecomimicry methods are not widely practiced. Experts are still researching strategies. Larger urban projects may have delays as they learn ecomimicry integration as they grow. Corporations may question if this is financially and socially responsible when 1.2 million square kilometres of new built urban environments will enter the globe by 2030.

Facilitating growth and urban migrations is necessary. Combating this requires resource management, innovative technologies, and novel communication technologies. These will prevent waste, increase project productivity, and keep assets available for further building.

Embracing nature’s processes

Nature must be the guide for global designers and architects. Its processes will make buildings sustainable through smart resource management and enhanced health for all life. It has persisted for longer than humans can perceive because it is strong. If experts weave this into architecture, then humanity can live alongside the Earth considerately.