The following are some analogies between biological organisms and buildings:
1. Building’s façade as organism’s skin
Skin provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal, and physical injury and hazardous substances. A façade has a similar function to protect the occupants from rain and wind and extremes of humidity and temperature.
2. Structural components (column, beam, truss) as the skeleton system
The skeletal system works as a support structure for human body. It gives the body its shape, allows movement and provides protection for organs. Structural elements in building transfer loads from the slab, to the foundation and finally to the soil beneath a structure.
3. Plumbing system as vessels
Plumbing system in a building uses pressure to carry freshwater throughout the building to the kitchen sink, toilet, etc. Also, it takes wastewater out of the building. Vessels in human body transport nutrients to organs and to transport wastes away from organs in the blood.
4. HVAC system as respiratory system
The respiratory system allows humans to breathe. They bring oxygen into the body and send carbon dioxide out. Similarly, HVAC system help maintains good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort.
Biology is a recursive source of architectural inspiration due to the tight relationship between form and function. The following are some bioinspired building designs:
1. Eye-Inspired Architecture: The L’Hemisfèric,Spain
2. Bird's Nest - Inspired Architecture: Beijing National Stadium, China
