Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

BIOMIMICRY AS A DEFAULT DESIGN PROCESS BY ANGIE S. SOLIMAN

A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELORS OF INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREE, COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE, AND EDUCATION, AHLIA UNIVERSITY

JANUARY 2017 MANAMA, BAHRAIN

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

AHLIA UNIVERSITY

APPROVAL PAGE This project has been submitted to Ahlia University by ______________________________,

As a partial fulfilment for the degree of Bachelor of ________________________________,

And has been examined and approved by the examining committee:

Supervisor ________________________________________

Internal Examiner #1 _______________________________

Internal Examiner #2 _______________________________

Date:______________

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

“I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning.” -

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Steve Jobs

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process Ahlia University

ABSTRACT I NTERIOR D ESIGN A RTS , S CIENCE , AND EDUCATION B ACHELORS OF I NTERIOR D ESIGN

BIOMIMICRY AS A DEFAULT DESIGN PROCESS By Angie S. Soliman

In recent years and due to the planet changing around us, sustainability is becoming more and more popular in design and architecture communities; they are becoming more aware of the impact of interior and exterior manmade environments. Biomimicry, an applied science that focuses on emulating nature’s time-old solutions to problems, is one of the most prominent branches of sustainable designing in architecture; buildings are starting to interact with the planet rather than imposing on its balance. Yet, in interior design biomimicry is mainly used as a resource of lines, surfaces, shapes, and textures. The science behind Biomimicry is rarely used in the design process itself, which makes these designs themed and conceptualized after biomimicry, but not actually biomimetic. This research’s aim is to use a scientific approach in design that can be integrated as a default design process. It will also highlight the differences between aesthetic and utilitarian use of biomimicry, reviewing past and present biomimetic design components and techniques, as well as, state of the art technologies invested in the cause. It also directs itself towards finding biomimetic materials, methods, and resources that are available in the industry’s market. Ultimately, allowing these concepts and theories to be implemented in a multifun ctional residential project.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “Every accomplishment starts with an idea, but its support that moves those ideas forward; thank you, for helping these accomplishments happen.”

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

TABLE OF CONTENTS Approval Page _____________________________________________________________________ 1 Abstract __________________________________________________________________________ 3 Acknowledgements _________________________________________________________________ 4 Table of Figures ___________________________________________________________________ 6 Abbreviations and Other ____________________________________________________________ 7

Chapter One __________________________________________________________________ 8 1.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________________ 8 1.2 Literature Review _______________________________________________________________ 9 1.3 Research Methodology __________________________________________________________ 10 1.3.1 Study _____________________________________________________________________ 10 1.3.2 Observation ________________________________________________________________ 10 1.3.3 Survey ____________________________________________________________________ 10

Chapter Two _________________________________________________________________12 2.1 Appearance vs Function _________________________________________________________ 12 2.2 The Design Process _____________________________________________________________ 12 2.2.1 Approach __________________________________________________________________ 12 2.2.2 Information Levels___________________________________________________________ 14 2.2.3 Case Stdies _________________________________________________________________ 14 2.2.4 Survey ____________________________________________________________________ 14 2.2.5 Application ________________________________________________________________ 18 2.3 The Future ____________________________________________________________________ 18

Chapter Three _______________________________________________________________20 3.1 Site Details ____________________________________________________________________ 20 3.2 Location ______________________________________________________________________ 20 3.2.1 Orientation _________________________________________________________________ 20 3.2.2 Climate____________________________________________________________________ 21 3.3 Available Design Materials ______________________________________________________ 21 3.3.1 Site Plans __________________________________________________________________ 22 3.3.2 Site Images ________________________________________________________________ 24 3.4 Design Philosophy ______________________________________________________________ 26 3.5 Design Program _______________________________________________________________ 26 3.5.1 Diagram of Existing layout ____________________________________________________ 26 3.5.2 Initial Concept Application ____________________________________________________ 27 Summary ________________________________________________________________________ 28 Conclusion _______________________________________________________________________ 29 Bibliography _____________________________________________________________________ 30 Appendix ________________________________________________________________________ 32

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

TABLE OF FIGURES Figure Number

Figure Name

Page Number

1

La Porte Monumentale – Rene Binet

8

2

Nautilus, Concept Imagery

8

3 4

6

Approach Steps (Problem Based), Ashok K. Approach Steps (Solution Based), Ashok K.

13 13

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Levels of Biomimicry (Table)

14

6

Mycelium Brick Tower

14

7

Brick layout

15

8

Entropy carpet design

15

9

Entropy i2

16

10

Residential Areas (Pie Chart)

16

11

Property Type (Pie Chart)

16

12

Age of Properties (Pie Chart)

17

13

Occupation Period (Pie Chart)

17

14

The Site’s North Façade

20

15

Average Climate Readings

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16

GFP

22

17

FFP

23

18

Site Images

24-25

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Layout Diagram

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

ABBREVIATIONS AND OTHER ESID _________________________________ Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design FFP__________________________________________________________ First Floor Plan GFP _______________________________________________________ Ground Floor Plan GSFT _________________________________________ Green, Sustainable, and Fair Trade I/O _________________________________________________________ Input and Output

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

CHAPTER ONE 1.1

INTRODUCTION The word ‘Biomimicry’ is derived from two other words; Biology and Mimicry (Imita-

tion). Which makes the term self-explanatory; the purpose of Biomimicry science is to look outside the literal box of our indoors to the outdoors allowing us to observe Mother Nature and see how it troubleshoots, eventually leading to organisms ranging from microscopic to gigantic to coexist environmentally and with one another. Although humans have been seeking inspiration from nature since the start of civilizations, the whole concept of Biomimicry has been around since the 1900s. Otto Herbert Schmitt (1913 – 1998) produced the term. While in 1904, Rene Binet published his book Esquisses Décoratives; which contained architectural illustrations based on Ernst Haeckel’s Art from Nature, which con-

F IGURE 1: L A P ORTE M ONUMENTALE – R ENÉ B INET

tained illustrations inspired by biological and morphological beings (microscopic biomineral creatures). One of Rene’s illustrations was the La Porte Monumentale, a massive structure influenced by Art Nouveau and Heckel’s illustrations (Figure 1). Fast forwarding to the present, Biomimetic structures started taking more than its shapes from nature, for example, in Scott Johnson’s book Performative Skyscraper: Tall Building Design Now, he highlights and discusses how towers in the 21st century are designed with certain algorithms that enable the optimization of function and performance while having curvilinear and biomimetic forms; Therefore, enabling the buildings to not only look like living organisms but also to function like them. When it comes to Interior Design, rather than Architecture, most designs imitate what nature looks like and not the functionality; while on the other hand, some design concepts have biomimetic functions. It is rare that these concepts are applied in the architectural mainstream due to their futuristic aspects and lack of technological development.

F IGURE 2: N AUTILUS , CONCEPT IMAGERY

One of these concepts is Nautilus House, by architect Javier Senosiain (Arquitectura Organica, Mexico); which has the looks of a Biomimetic, but not the function (Figure 2). 8

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process For a design to be truly biomimetic there has to be a research of the targeted space and its surroundings, as well as, a scientific method behind tackling the challenges that overcome the design process. The conceptualizing of a design has to have biology in it. Due to the condition of our planet and the tireless causes trying to save and sustain Mother Nature, a default biomimetic design process that shapes buildings into coexisting with nature and by turn shaping society into coexisting with it, is becoming more of a necessity than a good idea. 1.2

LITERATURE REVIEW Different

types of biomimicry or bio-inspired design outlines are talked about

by analysts and experts in the field of Sustainable Architecture (Reed, 2006, Berkebile, 2007). The across the board and down to earth utilization of biomimicry as an architectural planning

technique remains to a great extent unrealized, as exhibited by the

small number of constructed contextual analysis made (Faludi, 2005). Biomimicry can be characterized as copying or taking motivation and inspiration from nature's structures and procedures to solve issues for societies (Benyus, 1997). Janine Benyus, a scientist and pioneer of the developing concept of biomimicry gives an established foundation to this developing concept by expressing the belligerence for the need to copy nature to guarantee a more feasible future for this planet (Benyus, 1997). Benyus, along with other pioneers of biomimicry, emphasizes on the fact that although, organic forms are an obvious element of Mother Nature, copying those forms without their functions is not the point. On the contrary, Benyus mentioned that a complete study and emulation of nature needs at least three levels of imitation: ecosystem imitation, process emulation, and form inspiration (Benyus, 2008, p. 40). According to Benyus, founder and head of The Biomimicry Institute, “Nature is imaginative by necessity, and has already solved many of the problems we are grappling with today”. Rasha El-Zeiny (2012), argued that a design does not have to possess the physical features of organisms in order to be biomimetic, she said: “It is necessary for designers and architects to understand that biomimicry does not necessarily influence the appearance and style of a design. It could, but it does not have to, architects and designers should engage nature more deeply than merely mimicking natural form. They must move beyond the formalistic characteristics of nature and encourage people to develop a deeper and more responsive understanding of the nature.” 9

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process It is also mentioned by Al Zeiny that there are two ways to approach a biomimetic design process: a problem based approach and a solution based approach. 1.3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The

aim of this research is to first identify the main characteristics of a bio-

mimetic design and find suitable approaches to it. Secondly, draft a step by step designing process depending on the problem or required design according to the Levels of Biomimicry. Third of all, prepare the necessary steps and information to apply the research’s findings in a residential project. The following research methods were used in conducting this document:  A study on Biomimicry and Biomimetic designs.  A non-participant observation of different types of biomimetic ors and products.  A survey on different residential interiors in general, and their on the occupants and the environment in particular.

interieffects

1.3.1 DESK STUDY A study was conducted on Biomimicry and Biomimetic designs since the early 1900s to present time, focusing on the evolution of the scientific approach in Architecture and Interior Architecture. Through this study, a structured design process has been produced and will be further elaborated on. 1.3.2 OBSERVATION An observation was conducted through extensive research on different biomimetic interiors designed in recent years, and in different parts of the globe. After observation, it has been concluded that not all bio-inspired interiors function biomimeticaly; some of the designs that have the correct functional structure are conceptualized and not implemented. While others, do not have the appeal to be mainstreamed into different societies or in different locations. 1.3.3 SURVEY A questionnaire was handed out to 170 homeowners living in three different countries which inquiries into several types of residential interiors from multiple angles including ventilation types, lighting types, the spaces’ impact on occupants, materials and finishes, etc.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process The survey also gauges how engaged the occupants of those residential lots are in ecofriendly habits and their level of knowledge on Biomimicry and Biomimetic designs. It also provides insight on what would drive them to change their homes to ESID. The survey had questions intended for both Quantitative and Qualitative information sources, the findings of this survey shall be elaborated on further into this research.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

CHAPTER TWO In

this chapter, I will first elaborate on the difference between biomimetic appearance and function followed by an explanation of the design process behind creating a functional biomimetic design and the framework behind it. 1.2

APPEARANCE VS. FUNCTION

To identify the difference between the aesthetic aspects of Biomimicry from the functional ones, we need to go to the core of the original design process. When a designer looks at the surrounding nature he/she goes through a normal design process of conceptualizing and planning based on the pure intention of making the space imitate nature by looking like it. The designer then captures lines/shapes to incorporate in his/her layout and circulation as well as making the space airy and sunny by having large windows, the designer finally chooses a natural color palette and natural materials for the décor. That would also apply if the design is sustainable. In order for the design to have the functionality of a biomimetic design it does not have to look like it, in fact it is more optional in some areas than a necessity. Only the design process will change that drastically, a designer has to have a background on the biomimetic information levels and know how to incorporate them in his/her process, as Dr. Julian Vincent mentioned in his 2003 radio interview “biomimetics has to have some biology in it.” For example, the first level of biomimetic information is the Organism Features; through that level a designer can look at how certain organisms adapt and evolve (e.g.: when looking in to how Cold Blooded reptiles are able to cool themselves in hot climates, a simple observation would lead to creating a grid work of pipes under a pool deck with the water circulating in and out of the pool can cool the deck.) 2.2

THE DESIGN PROCESS

To further elaborate on the process behind designing a truly biomimetic interior, a detailing of the process is required. A Problem Solving Approach method is needed along with a sufficient knowledge of Biomimicry Information Levels represents the two columns of this design process; the Application of this Process is derived from them. And to further enhance the gain of this study a survey was conducted on a sample of homeowners to find out about their most common design problems as well as other issues that are related to this research. The application of this design process was based on the following: 2.2.1 APPROACH According to Al Zeiny, “Approaches to biomimicry as a design process typically fall into two categories: Problem- based approach (Top –Down Approach) and Solutionbased approach (Bottom-Top Approach).” 12

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process 2.2.1.a PROBLEM BASED APPROACH In this approach designers define the problems and biologists search for the solutions of those problems in nature. Once the solutions are found the designers will then apply the principals extracted from those solutions (Figure 3). On a smaller scale, a designer can conduct their own research through readily available resources (e.g.: AskNature.org) and take inspiration to find solutions. A biologist can be part of the design team to provide consultations.

Problem Definition Reframe the problem Biological Solution Search Define Biological Solution Principal Extraction Principal Application

F IGURE 3: A PPROACH STEPS , A SHOK K.

The pattern of this approach is nonlinear and dynamic; output from later steps can influence earlier steps and provide feedback therefore refining the research (Ashok K. Goel, 2012). Also this approach could lead to the transition of Interior Architecture design from non-sustainable to a more diverse and efficient design (McDonough 2002).

2.2.1.b SOLUTION BASED APPROACH This approach depends on people having background knowledge of biological and ecological advancements and research; design problems are not the forefront here (Figure 4).

Identify Biological Solution Define Biological Solution Principal Extraction Reframe Solution

The anticipated advantage of this approach is that while searching for solutions, new solutions to problems still to be identified can surface and new technologies may emerge, therefore changing the whole spectrum of problem solving.

Problem Search Define Problem Principal Application

F IGURE 4: A PPROACH STEPS , A SHOK K.

The potential for true change in the way biology and problem solving work together is foreseen in this approach (Vincent et. 2005). When it comes to Interior Architecture’s point of view there is a disadvantage, biologists and scientists have to possess a previous knowledge of problems that affect Interior Architecture.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process 2.2.2 INFORMATION LEVELS According to Al Zeiny “The information embedded in each organism can be found in many levels, which is summarized in Table 1, possible features that can be concluded from an organism and its biomimicry are analyzed using three levels.” (Figure 5) “Levels of Biomimicry” “Organism features”

“Organism-Community Relationship”

“Organism-Environment Relationship”

“Aspects Of the Levels” “Features of the Organism itself (e.g.: shape, color, organization and hierarchy of parts and systems, stability, growth, mutation, behavior, motion, etc.)” “The Organism’s relationship to its community of similar organisms, as well as other creatures that it may deal with (e.g.: survival, interaction, management and coordination, communication, risk management, etc.)” “How an organism fits in its biome and environment (e.g.: adjustment to change, response to climate, response to context, adaptation to ecosystem, waste management, I/O management, etc.)”

Figure 5: Levels of Biomimicry

Each level is about a design layer of an organism. The first level is Organism Features which is the design layer of the organism as a unit. The second level is how the organism is designed to react and communicate with its community. The third and broadest level is how the organism’s design reacts to their environment and its contexts.

2.2.3 CASE STUDIES To gain a broader understanding of Biomimicry applications, a research of case studies was conducted. The following case studies are on products relevant to Interior Architecture; they focus on the general aspects of the products. 2.3.1 MYCELIUM BRICKS A 12m tower (10,000 bricks) was designed by architect David Benjamin; who proudly said that it’s a hybrid of ancient and modern. The tower is located in MoMA PS1 art gallery, New York. (Figure 6) The bricks of this tower are made out of MyceF IGURE 6: M YCELIUM B RICK T OWER lium; Mycelium is the vegetative part of a mushroom, so this tower has no carbon footprint, thus making it highly sustainable. The bricks are made in molds by adding corn stalks and parts of mushrooms and then left for five days to grow. The result is a stur-

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process dy yet lightweight brick. The bricks are then assembled using a custom algorithm and agricultural waste as mortar. (Figure 7)

This tower’s bricks and glue were made out of materials native to New York State, but the ingredients can vary depending on climate and location to adapt to the environment.

F IGURE 7: B RICK L AYOUT

E.g.: in areas where rice is abundant, rice hulls can be used instead of corn stalks. The whole idea behind this structure is that we can grow our building materials locally, no matter where we live, thus reducing our carbon footprint drastically.

Personal Remarks: This technology is years from being mainstream thus making it a far dream that forces designers to look for other alternatives when considering a project. A designer can’t simply order and have it delivered on site, just yet.

2.3.1 ENTROPY, BY INTERFACE FLOR Entropy, by Interface FLOR (Innovative Flooring Manufacturers) is a carpet that comes in tiles. What makes it special is the biomimetic aspect behind it. Researchers David Oakey Designs and the company Interface FLOR, LLC looked to nature for a problem’s solution. David Oakey of David Oakey Designs explained the inspiration behind Entropy; wherever we go on the planet be it beach, desert, forest or rocky terrains, the floor Mother Nature laid out is never the same. No rock, pebble, grain, or leaf is replicated. Each is unique in shape, texture, color, and orientation. This is the idea behind Entropy; each tile is unique in design and texture. (Figure 8)

F IGURE 8: E NTROPY CARPET D ESIGN

The purpose of their unique carpet tiles is to prevent easy wear, if damaged; only a tile can be replaced and not the whole spread. Broad loom carpets are made out of petroleum extracts and known carcinogens and since the 1980s billions of pounds of waste is caused by carpets alone. In the 1990s Interface FLOR began to research a way to avoid participating in that. Entropy (which is defined as organized chaos) was created so that no specific layout or orientation is needed; they vary in textures and hues of the same value, just like nature’s flooring. The tiles can be placed randomly and still give the sense of a unified aesthetic. 15

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process Since their concept was organized chaos; different weave patterns and different hues of the same color scheme, Entropy has significantly reduced manufacturing waste, because it needs to be the opposite of “a perfect carpet”. Also, the random pattern of Entropy helps mask production anomalies and stains, which prolongs the cycle of the carpet. An average installation of broadloom carpeting produces 14% waste versus only 1.5% waste for an average Entropy i2 non-directional installation.

Personal Remarks: Interface Flor’s Entropy is a product that has been in the market since 2001; which makes it a more valid component to a Biomimetic Design than Mycelium bricks.

F IGURE 9: E NTROPY I 2

2.2.4 SURVEY: This survey was conducted on a sample of 170 home of this survey are anonymous and from different regions, in and Egypt as well as Kingdom of Bahrain. Information relating home types as well as structures’ age was gathered to get a the sample. 

owners*. The partakers particular Saudi Arabia resident’s locations and better understanding of

The types of residential areas the participants live in:

F IGURE 10: R ESIDENTIAL A REAS



Home owners’ property type:

F IGURE 11: PROPERTY T YPES

16 *The project intended for this Design Process is residential (see next chapter)

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process 

Property’s age:

F IGURE 12: A GE OF PROPERTIES



How long they’ve occupied the property:

F IGURE 13: O CCUPATION PERIOD

The survey’s questions then moved on to inquiring about their most comfortable spaces, least comfortable spaces, and the reasons behind it through a series of questions as follows: I. II. III. IV.

Which part of your home are you the MOST comfortable in? Why do you think you're comfortable there? Which part of your home are you the LEAST comfortable in? Why do you think you're uncomfortable there?

The majority answers that were picked out from the multiple choice questions provided were: I. II. III. IV.

72.2% chose “Bedroom” as the space they are most comfortable in. The most popular reasons behind their comfort in that space are: Natural Lighting – Space – Design. 55.6% chose “Kitchen” as the space they are least comfortable in. The most popular reasons behind their discomfort in that space are: Temperature – Space – Natural Lighting.

Other highlighted issues that arise from the participants’ answers were that when asked, 11% have suffered from illnesses/allergies brought on by the residence and its surroundings, having to rely on ACs and heaters all time, and using a lot of artificial lighting throughout the day. To measure the participants’ awareness of Sustainability a series of questions were asked and these we the findings: I.

86% do not recycle or own any sustainability systems in their homes. 17

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process II. III.

5.6% of the participants believe their homes are sustainable. 38.9% expressed their interest in learning more about sustainability.

The questions then moved to learn more about their material, lighting, and ventilation choices: I. II. III. IV. V.

66.7% rely on artificial ventilation (HVAC). 38.9% use LED lighting. 50% do not have any type of insulation installed (Thermal – Acoustic). For finishes 55.6% used Ceramic tiles for flooring and 83.3% used paint for walls. As for furniture 66.7% use Synthetic Wood furniture.

And to conclude the questions, the participants were tested for their familiarity with Biomimicry and what would make influence their decisions on having a bio-inspired home: I. II. III.

66.7% are very interested in learning more about Sustainability and Biomimicry. 72.2% would consider the change to a bio-inspired home if an experienced designer offered them the option. The most popular reasons behind their acceptance of bio-inspired homes are: Availability in local market – an attractive yet relatable design – reasonable pricing.

The findings of this survey will be incorporated with the design process to be implemented in the practical part of this research; the results of this survey will act as a guide to common problems and challenges for the designing of the residential project.

2.2.5 APPLICATION After sufficient research into Biomimicry and its implementations in Interior Architecture as well as taking into mind the survey’s results, a framework has been developed to apply the findings to a residential project that already faces its own problems and challenges. Applying the suggested framework to a project will test the hypothesis and allow for further development as well as discovering the gap in the knowledge.

2.3

THE FUTURE

Biomimicry for Interior Architecture is still in its infancy for now. Even though new bio-inspired materials and technologies are being discovered daily and more and more options are available to designers, projects that use this knowledge and this technology are very few and far apart. Biomimicry is expected to be applied more frequently in Architecture and design, especially as a Sustainable Design tool when it 18

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process comes to natural light, energy usage and the carbon footprint of new buildings. Architecture and Design are two of the many fields that are malleable enough to allow for The New to replace The Old.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

CHAPTER THREE In

this chapter will be the details on the selected residential project, also a preliminary research on all characteristics of the site that relate to the purpose of this research. 3.1

SITE DETAILS

After having multiple choices of potential locations, a site has been chosen that meets the criteria of this research. o

o

o o o o

3.2

The site chosen for this project is a two story residential in the town of King Marriott, right outside Alexandria, Egypt. The original structure is 15 years old, the latest expansion done was 4 years prior to the site visit. Total area of the lot is 2,464 sqm Total built area is 332 sqm The site is Privately Owned and is categorized as Residential. The site is in fair proximity to a Metro station, Highway, Lake Marriott, and Town Center.

LOCATION

F IGURE 14: T HE SITE ’ S N ORTH FACADE

The general characteristics of the site’s location o o o

This area of King Marriott, Alexandria is closer to Sea Level than the surrounding towns and the city. The soil in King Marriott is light and easily carried by gusts, while there is a rock and stone layer under the dirt. The wind blows from the North West most of the year (direction of sea front).

3.2.1 ORIENTATION Entrance to site is on the South East. The building is located on the South Western side of the site. Boundary wall is on the north and east of the building, with the North Western façade with minimal exposure, followed by the South western façade with more than enough. The building has a main floor which has a reception, formal dining, three bathrooms, three bedrooms, kitchen, informal dining, Livingroom, sun room, and a pool deck.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process Guest house is a second story apartment that is unfinished, has the same space (if not layout) as the below floor and is accessed from inside the house.

3.2.2 CLIMATE Average Per Year (Source: BING Weather) The weather in Northern Egypt is one Avg. High Temp 24.9 c of the many reasons Avg. Low Temp 15.8 c why this location was Avg. Rain Fall 195.94 mm chosen; the weather is a borderline dry desert Avg. Rainy Days 46.92 days/Year climate, yet the NorthAvg. Sunny Days 137.79 Days/Year ern winds blowing from the Mediterranean gives Avg. Humidity 67.92% it a less severe climate F IGURE 15: A VG . CLIMATE R EADINGS from the other desert areas; variable rainy winters and moderately hot summers. The area experiences violent storms, rain and sometimes sleet and Hail during winters.

3.3

AVAILABLE DESIGN MATERIAL

A site survey was commissioned to map the full layout of the interior spaces; walls columns and openings were mapped yet the furniture and original furniture plan is not necessary. Over the next few pages, all the material gathered from that site survey will be presented. 3.3.1 SITE PLANS The building has a main floor which has a reception, formal dining, three bathrooms, three bedrooms, kitchen, informal dining, Livingroom, sun room, and a pool deck (Figure 16). Guest house is a second story apartment that is unfinished, has the same space (if not layout) as the below floor and is accessed from inside the house (Figure 17).

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

Figure 16: GFP

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

Figure 17: FFP

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process 3.3.2 SITE PHOTOS These photos have been taken as a reference for various aspects during the design stage. A plan of a second possible structure (available of the site) is listed here for the possibility of further use.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

F IGURE 18: S ITE IMAGES

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process 3.3

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The aim is to design different function interiors that are as realistically biomimetic as possible. By researching and finding different sustainable materials, technologies, and components, merging them with studies of site, climate, and terrain, and approaching all of them through a biophillic point of view, the aspiration is to design an interior environment that may look like a standard design yet it interacts with its occupants and surroundings more positively. Biomimicry is a rarely tapped design resource that has more to give that what is demanded, so by replacing the normal thought methodology of a design process with a Biomimetic one, the result should be completely different. This research holds a strong position on having a more substantial and scientific approach to drafting a design. By acquiring solutions for problems from outdoor wilderness, eliminating wasted spaces and using raw standards for beauty, this would enable a connecting path between the human species and what we all call Mother Nature, also by minimizing society's negative impact on the planet.

3.4

DESIGN PROGRAM

The visualized Design Program for this residential project will be expected to merge itself with the researched Design Process to achieve the anticipated outcome. 3.4.1 DIAGRAM OF EXISTING LAYOUT The following diagram will illustrate the existing layout of the interior in this project.

F IGURE 19: L AYOUT D IAGRAM

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process 3.5.2

INITIAL CONCEPT APPLICATION

As a preliminary conceptualization and configuration of the layout to further suit the project’s purposes, some of the wasted spaces (unnecessary or rarely used) will be reassigned to serve as a multifunctional residential. A multifunctional residential in a personal opinion is a residential that serves more than a shelter for the occupants; it should serve their lifestyle needs and serve for a psychological comfort. Doing so would also aid in reaching the intended result, which is a bio inspired design. The design program includes many aspects that will be further researched during application yet at the moment one of those aspects was outlined during this research; reinstating new functions to wasted spaces. For example: I.

Turning the Formal Dining area into a Study room: o

II.

Add a GYM Room in the Sunroom area: o

III.

A home office (Study) comprises of at least a desk, file storage, and seating.

A workout area (or home gym) contains between one to four machines, space for exercises that don’t require machines, and storage for equipment/gear.

Turning the Guest Apartment into a Home Business: o

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A workshop area, office/ filing area, and a bathroom are the minimum requirements of a Home Business space.

Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

SUMMARY To summarize what this research has shed light on; Interior Architecture is evolving year after year and more aiding technologies are brought into the limelight just as frequently, and yet Sustainability stays in the shadows and Biomimicry even more so. Literature has been reviewed and research has been conducted to understand the parameters of Bio Inspired design; a certain research in particular was used as a building block for this research conducted by Rasha Al Zeiny on Biomimicry as a Problem Solving Methodology. A survey’s results were analyzed to gain more knowledge on what problems a homeowner might face as well as their challenges; so that the findings may be used in a practical project intended to test the Design Process. So through the attempt to build the mentioned design process and the intention to test it in theory, this document can be used to build on for further improvements wither by the researcher or others who wish to continue building a default design process based on Biomimicry.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

CONCLUSION This document highlights the research methodology to gain an understanding of how Biomimicry is applied to design; it also previews the project chosen for this design process to be applied to. It remains vague whether or not this design process will show fruition, yet data from the references on the matter shows promise. There were limitations in this research due to the unavailability of some resources, such as not having a Biologist partake in the process and its design. Due to budgeting limitations, field researches were hard to conduct as well.

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Biomimicry as a Default Design Process

BIBLIOGRAPHY WEBSITES BBC News Online Magazine, Making houses out of mushrooms, Golda Arthur, 30 August 2014. www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28712940 The Biomimicry Institute website, online information resource, ‘What is Biomimicry?’, 2016. www.biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry Biomimicry Applications, blog, ALicia, September 2013. biomimicryapplications.wordpress.com Architizer, online information resource, Architecture Inspired by Nature: Biomimicry from Art Nouveau to Neo-Futurism, Gabrielle Golinda, Opinion, 20 Feb 2015. www.architizer.com/blog/biomimicry-binet-som Biology to Design, blog, Bionics ≠ Biomimetics ≠ Biomimicry, Alena Loguina, 8 May 2012. biologytodesign.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/design-biology-linguistics Data is Nature, Blog, René Binet – Esquisses Décoratives & the Protozoic Façade of Porte Monumentale, Paul Prudence, 25 May 2013. www.dataisnature.com/?p=1789 Design Ruls, online information resource, Nautilus House: Unique Shell Shaped House by Arquitectura Organica. www.designrulz.com/architecture/2012/10/nautilus-house-unique-shell-shaped-design-byarquitectura-organica INTERVIEW: Architect David Benjamin on Building the World’s First Mushroom Tower at PS1, David Benjamin, by Jill Fehrenbacher, 13 October 2016 www.inhabitat.com/interview-architect-david-benjamin-on-building-the-worlds-firstmushroom-tower-at-ps1

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PUBLICATIONS Rasha Mahmoud Ali El-Zeiny, Biomimicry as a Problem Solving Methodology in Interior Architecture, ASEAN Conference on Environment-Behavior Studies, Bangkok, Thailand, 16-18 July 2012 Benyus, J. Biomimicry - Innovation Inspired by Nature. New York, Harper Collins Publishers, 1997. Berkebile, B. Master Speaker Address. Proceedings of Living Future Conference. Seattle, WA, 2007. Faludi, J. Biomimicry for Green Design (A How To). World Changing, 2005. Reed, B. Shifting our Mental Model - “Sustainability” to Regeneration. Rethinking Sustainable Construction 2006: Next Generation Green Buildings. Sarasota, Florida. 2006. Vincent, J. F. V., Bogatyrev, Pahl, A.-K., N. R. & Bowyer. Putting Biology into TRIZ: A Database of Biological Effects; Creativity and Innovation Management. 14, 66-72. 2005.

OTHER A project of the Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, Biomimicry Case Study: Entropy®: NonDirectional Carpet Tiles, 24 June 2010 Radio interview originally broadcasted on New Zealand Public Radio, Hosted by Alison Parr, Julian Vincent (co-Director of the Centre for Biomimetics at the University of Reading in England) is interviewed, 2003

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APPENDIX Includes important definitions and acronyms

“DEFINITIONS 

Biomimicry*

/ˌbaɪəʊˈmɪmɪkrɪ/ Noun o

The mimicking of life using imitation biological systems.



biomimetics*

[bahy-oh-mi-met-iks] Noun, ( used with a singular verb) o

The study and development of synthetic systems that mimic the formation, function, or structure of biologically produced substances and materials and biological mechanisms and processes.



Biomimetic*

/ˌbaɪəʊmɪˈmɛtɪk/ Adjective o

(Of a human-made product) imitating nature or a natural process.”

*Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition

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