When thinking about analogies between biological organisms and built environments, I think about how we should strive for the interconnectedness and interdependence that make natural beings successful. Our buildings should consider the flow between each element, how inputs and outputs can benefit its surroundings, and how overall systems can communicate for successful operation.
Some specific examples include. . .
Cell Structures
At the microscopic level, plant cells have a grid-like system with a series of cell walls that organize each cell’s interior operations. However, there is also a semi-permeable membrane within the wall that connects each cell and allows for a flow of material. Like cells, our buildings have walls (semi-permeable with walls, windows, ducts, and wiring) that create an internal structure that has both order and purpose, connecting each element/room/region with the necessary flows of people/air/electricity/light. This analogy can even extend to our built environment at the city level, with each cell as a building in a city grid.
Nervous Systems
The human nervous system (particularly in the brain) is made up of thousands of neurons that send/receive signals throughout the entire body. This biological system stewards communication and the flow of information to facilitate our daily function. In our buildings, we should strive for interconnected tissues that allow us to create/monitor/operate informed spaces that are able to respond to our needs. Adjusting for temperature, sunlight, energy demand, and people in real time can help us cultivate more sustainable, smart, and efficient built environments.
Photosynthesis
Just like plants use sunlight as fuel, our buildings should strive to use methods such as solar energy to use natural resources like light to create clean energy that also creates co-benefits. Although it may not be possible for our solar systems to produce oxygen for biproducts, we can think about ways that our energy/building systems generate outputs that are not only “net neutral” but also positive for the surrounding environment. This could manifest in a variety of adaptations from traditional solar, to using rainwater to power hydraulic systems, or other creative solutions that channel one element’s output as another’s input.
