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Structures in Nature as an Inspiration for Contemporary Architecture and Construction

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Biomimetic design represents an interdisciplinary framework that integrates principles of evolutionary biology, structural mechanics, materials science, and computational modeling to enhance the performance of architectural and structural systems. Natural structures exhibit hierarchical organization, optimized force distribution, and material-efficient geometries developed through evolutionary adaptation. This study presents a comparative analysis of ten representative biological systems and their engineering analogues, focusing on morphology, mechanical behavior, geometric efficiency, and structural functionality. Key biological models—including trabecular bone, plant vascular networks, hexagonal cellular structures, spider silk tensile systems, and hydrodynamically optimized aquatic forms—demonstrate universal principles of minimum material usage, high strength-to-weight ratios, and efficient load transfer. Using parametric modeling, topology optimization, and numerical simulations, these principles are systematically translated into lightweight structural configurations, adaptive façade concepts, and material-efficient construction strategies. The results confirm that biomimetic design provides a robust and transferable framework for the development of sustainable, energy-efficient, and high-performance building systems. Natural systems, shaped by evolutionary selection, offer fundamental structural strategies that can significantly improve the reliability, efficiency, and optimization of contemporary engineering structures.
Language: English
Subfield: Architecture
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7118916509
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