BIOINSPIRED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE

International research suggests that the built environment may be responsible for at least a third of global green house gas (GHG) emissions and that measures should be implemented to mitigate these. It is also the built environment, as the principle habitat of humans that will need to adapt to climate change impacts to keep people comfortable and safe. Architects and designers may need to explore new ideas that are reflective of a shift in both climate and in expectations of the built environment. This paper explores the potential of biomimicry, where organisms or ecosystems are mimicked in human design. The question is posed: in what way is mimicking the living world useful in the design of buildings that are able to either mitigate green house gas emissions or adapt to climate change impacts?

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