Building Systems & Biological Analogies

Your Name

Marcella Li

Created
Jan 17, 2022 1:59 AM
Linked Student

There are endless ways to draw analogies between buildings and biological systems. When thinking of function, the structural elements of a building are much like the bones or exoskeleton of living creatures or plants. Building facades can be compared to skin, functioning as a barrier between the outside elements and the parts inside that need to be protected. When thinking of form/aesthetic, the appearance of the facade is much like how animals (e.g. colorful birds of paradise) develop certain aesthetics to appeal to other animals, blend into their environment, or scare off predators. With further advancement in building technology, sensors that regulate temperature, humidity, etc. are similar to the natural sensors in animals that help them regulate their body temperatures.