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Biomimicry in Architecture
When searching for genuinely sustainable building design and technology - designs that go beyond conventional sustainability to be truly restorative - we often find that nature got there first. Over 3.5 billion years of natural history have evolved innumerable examples of forms, systems, and processes that can be applied to modern green design. For architects, urban designers and product designers, this new edition of Biomimicry in Architecture looks to the natural world to achieve radical increases in resource efficiency. Packed with case studies predicting future trends, this edition also contains updated and expanded chapters on structures, materials, waste, water, thermal control and energy, as well as an all-new chapter on light. An amazing sourcebook of extraordinary design solutions, Biomimicry in Architecture is a must-read for anyone preparing for the challenges of building a sustainable and restorative future.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 12, 2023
The book was published 2011 and reprinted several times. I read the edition 2014 so my review might be different if I had read the 2019 version. I read the book for the first time in 2015 and for the second time in 2023. I decided to write the review on the second reading.
Pawlyn seems informed and scientifically / biologically approved. The examples shown in the book are inspiring and aspriring, nature has already the possibilities of structure, function, collaboration and symbiosis.
When I received the book as a present I was still at the beginning of my career as an architect. Today I have worked in the field of sustainable design for 3 years and I look at the book differently. Pawlyn provides amazing examples from nature and certain architects that have implemented biomimicry in thier design process. There are concepts that nature has solved amazingly efficient, more efficient than human constructions can ever be. But the jump in scale, from a little leaf or a branch to human sized structures change how certain mechanism or symbiosis can work. In the conclusion Pawlyn recommends to work together with biologists early on so certain concepts of nature can inspire the building shape/function. The reality doesn't provide such options in the planing and building process.
Even though I appreciate the inspiring ideas and case studies, I have not yet experienced the opportunity to work in a matter, where biomimicry was possible. May it be building regulations, building costs (for the client) or even availability of materials in a desired shape; building is not scientific but a assembly of products.
In my country (Switzerland) there is a research organisation that has dedicated itself to to research of building materials and building technologies and they reached impressing achievements from 3D printing and light-weight materials that can be recycled entirely. But to implement these new materials into the building sector the prices need to go down as soon as possible.
I read a book from Carolyn Steel about food. She wrote something eye-opening: The cost of sustainable and more expensive grown food and the cost of cheaply produced food are the same. If we are not ready to pay the price for a better product now we will have to pay the price later while dealing with the consequence of cheaply grown food and their environmental impact.
To think sustainble it means to think as a whole and not just in one part of the life cycle. If we can bring the industry and the society to help developping affordable new building materials there will be opportunities to practise biomimicry in architecture. The book visualised the possibilties by nature and maybe also in architecture. For this impact it has given me I will be forever grateful, additionally the book is very dear to me on an emotional way.
Pawlyn seems informed and scientifically / biologically approved. The examples shown in the book are inspiring and aspriring, nature has already the possibilities of structure, function, collaboration and symbiosis.
When I received the book as a present I was still at the beginning of my career as an architect. Today I have worked in the field of sustainable design for 3 years and I look at the book differently. Pawlyn provides amazing examples from nature and certain architects that have implemented biomimicry in thier design process. There are concepts that nature has solved amazingly efficient, more efficient than human constructions can ever be. But the jump in scale, from a little leaf or a branch to human sized structures change how certain mechanism or symbiosis can work. In the conclusion Pawlyn recommends to work together with biologists early on so certain concepts of nature can inspire the building shape/function. The reality doesn't provide such options in the planing and building process.
Even though I appreciate the inspiring ideas and case studies, I have not yet experienced the opportunity to work in a matter, where biomimicry was possible. May it be building regulations, building costs (for the client) or even availability of materials in a desired shape; building is not scientific but a assembly of products.
In my country (Switzerland) there is a research organisation that has dedicated itself to to research of building materials and building technologies and they reached impressing achievements from 3D printing and light-weight materials that can be recycled entirely. But to implement these new materials into the building sector the prices need to go down as soon as possible.
I read a book from Carolyn Steel about food. She wrote something eye-opening: The cost of sustainable and more expensive grown food and the cost of cheaply produced food are the same. If we are not ready to pay the price for a better product now we will have to pay the price later while dealing with the consequence of cheaply grown food and their environmental impact.
To think sustainble it means to think as a whole and not just in one part of the life cycle. If we can bring the industry and the society to help developping affordable new building materials there will be opportunities to practise biomimicry in architecture. The book visualised the possibilties by nature and maybe also in architecture. For this impact it has given me I will be forever grateful, additionally the book is very dear to me on an emotional way.
November 7, 2021
Biomimicry in Architecture by Michael Pawlyn is an informative read for anybody interested in biomimicry, whether or not you are an architect. The book investigates the benefits of biologically inspired design and possible effects that this approach could have on the modern building industry.
The first chapter of the book focusses on design examples from the natural world. The author gives examples of real world structures that have been inspired by biology and highlights organisms that could be further investigated. This includes sections on the growth patterns of plants and the structure of materials such as shell and bone.
The second chapter switches the focus to materials. Pawlyn outlines the issues with current materials and potential alternatives. He explores the hierarchical structure of natural materials and examines how advances in additive manufacturing could bridge the gap.
The hidden gem of this book lies in the research Pawlyn has referenced in his writing. The annotated bibliography at the back of the book contains books and articles on topics ranging from bio-inspired glue and growth patterns in trees to the efficiency of fuel cells and how to achieve a zero waste economy. I have found that after reading the book I have compiled an extensive reading list for further study.
The first chapter of the book focusses on design examples from the natural world. The author gives examples of real world structures that have been inspired by biology and highlights organisms that could be further investigated. This includes sections on the growth patterns of plants and the structure of materials such as shell and bone.
The second chapter switches the focus to materials. Pawlyn outlines the issues with current materials and potential alternatives. He explores the hierarchical structure of natural materials and examines how advances in additive manufacturing could bridge the gap.
The hidden gem of this book lies in the research Pawlyn has referenced in his writing. The annotated bibliography at the back of the book contains books and articles on topics ranging from bio-inspired glue and growth patterns in trees to the efficiency of fuel cells and how to achieve a zero waste economy. I have found that after reading the book I have compiled an extensive reading list for further study.
February 27, 2021
Interesantísimo, un libro que todo arquitecto debe de leer. Explica muy bien los conceptos y las emulaciones en la arquitectura. Tiene mucha bibliografía y es un libro que considero de gran apoyo para biomímetistas.
April 12, 2020
A tour the force on the future of Architecture.
What are we waiting for to start designing and building like this?
Seminal and Necessary ..
What are we waiting for to start designing and building like this?
Seminal and Necessary ..
May 17, 2020
Astonishing
July 6, 2020
Absolutely Incredible! Do yourself a favor and take a look at the vibrant future.
January 22, 2023
science journal further reading, i didn’t expect to enjoy a textbook this much tbh
October 12, 2025
It’s absolutely worth reading. It opened new perspectives and ways of thinking for me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews