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Towards biomimetic architecture

Nature Materials volume 3, pages 277–279 (2004)Cite this article

Building shapes are making exciting departures from the rectilinear boxes that have dominated in architectural history, leading people to draw similes with the natural world. But there is the potential for architects to learn more deeply from nature, and use biomimetic materials and technologies in improved buildings for the future.

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Figure 1: Animal analogies arise for different reasons.

© Grant Smith/VIEW

Figure 2: The Kunsthaus in Graz, Austria, completed in 2003, was designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier.

© Monika Nikolic/Artur/VIEW

Figure 3: Thanks to developments in the materials and fabrication techniques used by the construction industry, buildings are increasingly able to depart from basic rectilinear shapes.

© Atelier One

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  1. Hugh Aldersey-Williams: Hugh Aldersey-Williams is a writer, and curated the 2003 Zoomorphic exhibition of contemporary architecture at the V & A Museum, London

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  1. Spratt's Green house, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6TX

    Hugh Aldersey-Williams

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  1. Hugh Aldersey-Williams
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Aldersey-Williams, H. Towards biomimetic architecture. Nature Mater 3, 277–279 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1119

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