A Biomimicry Model for Design of Building Facades

Farzin Moghaddam, Maryam

Abstract

It is increasingly recognised that the built environment and subsequently buildings are
significant contributors to many drivers of global environmental degradation, including
climate change, loss of biodiversity, and reductions in the ability of ecosystems to provide
the services that humanity relies upon. Façade is an essential component in forming a
building's performance profile and accordingly contributes to the sustainability of the built
environment. This study perceives the façade beyond a mere architectural element; it is a
pillar that bridges architectural design with ecological responsibility.
This thesis advocates for a future where the building facade undergoes comprehensive
and innovative development to align with ecologically responsible principles. This leads to
the argument that if principles that guide natural systems, referred to as biomimicry, are
applied to the façade, the façade would be much more energy efficient, integrated,
responsive, and adaptive to human needs. Following this argument, the current study aims
to develop a conceptual model that integrates biomimicry (derived from ecology) principles
into the design of building façades.
To address this aim, this investigation adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-method
approach that follows a case study strategy. Using a mixed-method approach assists in
improving both the validity and reliability of the current research. Data are collected
sequentially using questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. For analysing
quantitative data, statistical analysis tools are used, and qualitative data are analysed
through content analysis. Furthermore, multi-criteria analysis is used to validate the
applicability of the developed biomimicry façade model.
The developed biomimicry façade model features 26 criteria categorised into 4 groups of
intent to regulate, sense, respond, and learn. The criteria are first evaluated by groups of
experts to determine how they perceive the proposed model. Then, case study buildings
are compared to the criteria to discover how the façade performance of case studies
compares to the biomimicry façade model. The findings bridge the gap between the
professional perception of the possible application of ecology principles in the design and
construction of the façade and the actual practices of façade performance.
The survey results reveal a consensus on the importance of intent to regulate and learn
related criteria between architects and developers. However, variations exist regarding
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evaluation of sense and respond criteria, suggesting room for collaboration between these
two groups. The top ten criteria predominantly pertain to the intent to regulate, outlining
the importance of managing light, heat, and air, followed by the respond criteria,
emphasising context and harvesting natural energy, and criteria related to integration in
both the sense and learn groups.
The evaluation of case studies based on biomimicry facade criteria reveals a strong
emphasis on regulating natural light, preventing overheating, and ensuring fresh air
provision, which indicate a commitment to environmentally responsive facades. However,
there are areas for improvement in aspects like saving heat and generating heating or
cooling energy, which were assessed to be important according to survey results but show
limited application in the examined case studies. In the sense group, the discrepancy
between survey rankings and case study applications highlights challenges in integrating
sensor technology into real-world projects. While complying with the context and
harnessing natural energy sources are deemed crucial, the underutilisation of energy
recycling criteria suggests untapped potential for more sustainable facades.
This research shifts the role of facades from defensive enclosures to integral components
of the natural ecosystem and contributes to influencing theories related to contextual
architecture and cultural sustainability. In terms of education, it fosters critical thinking
and problem-solving skills in architectural students. In practice, the model promotes
ecologically responsible and innovative design outcomes, offering a holistic approach to
evaluating facades' performance based on ecological principles. It aligns with
sustainability requirements in building codes and serves as an educational tool, inspiring
future architects to explore nature-inspired solutions.

Citation

Farzin Moghaddam, M. (2023). A Biomimicry Model for Design of Building Facades. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 20, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 30, 2025
• Award Date: Sep 29, 2023