Nature has always given us sustainable solutions, be it through design proportions including the Fibonacci series or other evolutionary constructs that surround us in the natural world. Nature has been an inspiration for architecture long before such translation received the nomenclature of ‘Biomimicry’. Laugier’s Primitive Hut proposed the most essential elements of architecture or what humans would call a ‘dwelling’ one that supported a ‘back-to-nature’ philosophy during times of Baroque opulence. The Tower of Babel is believed to have derived inspiration from the anthill and the Pyramids of Giza from the angle of sunbeams that fall on the earth. However truthful we may consider the origin of these stories, such forms and their logic have stood the test of time.
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Derivations from natural forms
Proportion and spatial systems derived from natural forms were also used by ancient Greeks and Romans and later on referenced in the works of architects like Auguste Choisy, Andrea Palladio, Le Corbusier who have passed on the inspiration from one generation of designers to another. With the Vitruvian man, natural symmetry was believed to be the centre of human existence and the key to survival in billions of years of evolution. More recently, designers have also used advanced information technology in the form of genetic algorithms to generate form and function in architecture. How then can one not turn to nature for answers to questions posed during the creative process?
Ideology
The idea of Biomimicry in architecture, which literally means mimicking nature, has evolved over time and begs the question – what meaning does it hold today? Recent lockdowns where most human activities seized to function, have given us a stark picture contrasting between the natural beautiful world we can live in as compared to the damage we cause in the name of necessity every day. As we live in a world that is faced by excessive use of natural resources, climate change and the destruction of natural ecosystems; it is pertinent that our first architectural response should be to ‘Bio-preserve’ – safe guard existing natural habitats, understand their long term preservation and create as minimal an intrusion as required. A second response could be ‘Bio-regenerate’- set up systems through design and architecture for nature to integrate with the built environment, evolve, grow, die and regenerate responsibly. These ideas are critical to the need of the hour where any intervention we make as designers should be sustainable and resonant with the best and long term interest of the natural world.
Reversing the impact
In order to reverse the impact of climate change, it is imperative that we extend the scope of sustainability in architectural discourse to include a development’s ability to regenerate environmental positives – oxygen, water, pollination, food, biodiversity and other such key health parameters that are rapidly diminishing today. Such developments would need be become the norm for our cities to become healthy organisms. Our buildings that have long contributed to the problem can become an active part of the solution and architects can become key agents of change. Regeneration of our environment is now our only choice for a sustainable and healthy future. The natural world must exist in order for it to provide solutions to future generations. Climate change is nature fighting back for its existence – something we all need to take very seriously and urgently as responsible creators of our present and future.
