One analogy between biological organisms and buildings is a building’s HVAC system and its similarity to the circulatory system in humans. The circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing waste products like carbon dioxide. Similarly, HVAC systems in buildings distribute air to maintain temperature and air quality, and the building’s ductwork acts like the blood vessels, while the fans act like a heart and pump the air throughout the building.
Another analogy between biological organisms and buildings is a building’s automation systems and its similarities to the nervous system is found in the human body. The nervous system processes sensory inputs, helps coordinate responses, and maintains homeostasis for the human body. Building automation systems use automatic centralized control systems to monitor and maintain a building’s HVAC, lighting, alarms, and security, and other interrelated systems. Buildings with this system in place can thus respond intelligently to environmental and occupant needs just like how our nervous system responds to our needs due to desires or outside influence.