Biological beings and buildings are complex structures that, at their core, rely on the harmonious functioning of several complex systems. Some analogies that can be draw between biological systems and building systems are:
Respiratory and HVAC
The clear connection between these two is that they both deal with air flow and circulation. The respiratory system is responsible for breathing and delivering oxygen to the body. HVAC helps maintain internal thermal comfort and ensures the building doesn’t get too stuffy or breezy. Both systems also have methods of filtering out air particles before they enter and can be damaged by pollutants, like smoke.
Integumentary and Enclosure
The integumentary system is the body’s outer layer, including skin, hair, nails, and glands. Much like a building’s enclosure system, the integumentary system is the first line of defense, physical barrier, and moderator to the external environment. A strong integumentary system is needed to maintain the stability of the body’s internal functions, just as a strong enclosure system is needed to maintain stability of a building’s internal environment.