APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY ARCHITECTURE IN

RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN

IX SEMESTER B.ARCH. DISSERTATION REPORT

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture
of the University of Calicut

SUBMITTED BY

MOHAMED ADEL
HIAREBC023

College of Architecture
CHITTILAPPILLY, THRISSUR

2017- 2022
 College of Architecture
CHITTILAPPILLY, THRISSUR

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Dissertation titled “APPLICATION OF
BIOMIMICRY ARCHITECTURE IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN”
submitted by Mr Mohamed Adel submitted as Semester IX subject in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor’s Degree
in Architecture of the University of Calicut is a bonafide work carried out
by him under my guidance and supervision.

GUIDE PRINCIPAL

EXAMINER 1 EXAMINER 2 CHAIRMAN

ii
 DECLARATION

I do hereby declare that

1. The Dissertation “APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY ARCHITECTURE

IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN” titled is the outcome of my own
research study done under the guidance of Asst.Prof (Ar.) Ann Thomas, during
the IX Semester of the B. Arch Degree course at IES College of Architecture,
Chittilappilly, Thrissur.
2. The work has not been submitted previously, in part or whole, elsewhere for the
award of any degree.
3. Whenever I have used materials (data, theoretical analysis, and text) from other
sources, I have given due credit by citing them in the text of the dissertation and
giving their details in the references.
4. I have duly acknowledged all the sources used by me in the preparation of this
dissertation.

Place: Irinjalakuda Thrissur

Date: 11-02-2022 MOHAMED ADEL

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Before I begin, I would like to express my gratefulness for all those who,
deliberately and directly helped me in this exploration. Any academic assignment
or adventure cannot be fulfilled without the suitable guidance of the preceptors.

I'm thankful to my professor Ar. Ann Thomas for her help and precious advice
during colorful stages of this discussion. Her guidance helped me to stay focused
on the important aspects of the discussion.

I want to thank my parents and friends who devoted so important of their time and
energy to me. Without their physical and moral support this discussion would not
have been a success story.

Incipiently, I'm thankful to the discussion faculty Ar. Ann Thomas who patiently
dealt with my failings from time to time and encouraged me throughout this
discussion

MOHAMED ADEL

iv
 ABSTRACT

Biomimicry, where the plan is motivated by plant life, fauna or whole biological
systems, has drawn in impressive interest in the fields of building plan and designing
as a creative new plan approach and furthermore as a possible method for moving
the fabricated climate to a more feasible worldview. It targets concentrating on the
regular cycles found in nature and utilizations it for the government assistance of
humanity.

This review looks to contextualize the different ways to deal with biomimicry and
structure the reason for a biological system-based plan. With thought to every one of
the degrees of biomimicry and their methodologies, through contextual investigations,
the examination gives a basic investigation of both the positive and negative
viewpoints and how the zero waste models can be accomplished to achieve a
regenerative assembled climate. This would empower us to reach past supportability
to a regenerative plan practice where the fabricated climate turns into an
indispensable part in the mix with and recovery of normal environments as the more
extensive human natural surroundings.

The review reasons that while this strategy could be applied at the creature level,
huge difficulties stay at the cycle and environment levels that would be needed to
survive assuming this methodology were to impact the improvement of future urban
communities. It is placed that a biomimetic way to deal with structural plan that
consolidates a comprehension of biological systems could turn into a vehicle for
establishing a constructed climate that goes past essentially supporting current
conditions to a helpful practice where the assembled climate turns into a fundamental
part in the mix with and recovery of normal environments.

Key Words: Biomimicry in architecture, ecological solutions, regenerative built

environment, sustainable architecture

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE .................................................................................................................... ii
DECLARATION ................................................................................................................ iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ...................................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... v
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 10
1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY................................................................................................................ 10
1.1.1 BUILDINGS ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN INDIA IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FASTER THAN IN
OTHER REGIONS: ......................................................................................................................... 11
1.1.2 INDIA"S PROJECTED ENERGY DEMAND BY 2047................................................................ 11
1.2 NEED OF THE STUDY.................................................................................................................. 12
1.3 AIM ............................................................................................................................................ 12
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS .............................................................................................................. 12
1.5 OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................................ 12
1.6 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................ 12
1.7 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................... 13
2.1 INSPECTION OF BIOMIMICRY APPROACHES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ADDRESS CLIMATE-
RELATED ENERGY BUILDING CHALLENGES BY Austin, published in MDPI, 2020 ............................ 13
2.1.1 BUILDINGS IN COASTAL AREAS: ......................................................................................... 13
2.1.2 BUILDINGS SURROUNDED BY TROPICAL FOREST:.............................................................. 14
2.1.3 BUILDING IN ARID AREAS: .................................................................................................. 14
2.2 BIOMIMETIC: A NEW STRATEGY FOR A PASSIVE SUSTAINABLE VENTILATION SYSTEM DESIGN
IN HOT AND ARID REGIONS BY S.Khelil, published in International Journal of Environmental
Science and Technology .................................................................................................................. 16
2.3 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMIMICRY .............................................................................................. 17
2.3.1 LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY ..................................................................................................... 17
2.4 APLLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY .................................................................................................. 18
2.4.1 ECOSYSTEM LEVEL .............................................................................................................. 18
2.4.1.1 THE EDEN PROJECT.......................................................................................................... 18
2.4.2 ORGANISM LEVEL ............................................................................................................... 21
2.4.2.1 ST. MARY AXE .................................................................................................................. 21

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 2.4.3 BEHAVIOUR LEVEL .............................................................................................................. 23
2.4.3.1 COUNCIL HOUSE 2 ........................................................................................................... 23
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY........................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER 4 DATA COLLECTION ....................................................................................... 27
4.1 PASSIVE DESIGN: ....................................................................................................................... 27
4.1.1 WHY PASSIVE COOLING DESIGN: ....................................................................................... 27
4.1.2 PASSIVE DESIGN TECHNIQUES WHICH CAN BE INCORPORATED TO ACHIEVE THERMAL
COMFORT: ................................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 5 ANALYSIS AND INFERENCES ......................................................................... 29
CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................... 30
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 31

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 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Annual energy consumption at global scale ......................................................................... 11
Figure 2 Biological characteristics of a conch shell ............................................................................ 13
Figure 3 Water proof bird nest............................................................................................................ 14
Figure 4 Biomimicry inspiration ......................................................................................................... 17
Figure 5 Eden project .......................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 6 Construction site ................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 7 Artificial waterfalls and ETFE material for solar energy creation .......................................... 20
Figure 8 Eden project dome covering ................................................................................................. 20
Figure 9 Eden project concept drawings ............................................................................................. 21
Figure 10 St mary axe .......................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 11 Building inspiration ............................................................................................................. 22
Figure 12 : St mary axe concept drawings .......................................................................................... 23
Figure 13 Council house 2 ................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 14 Council house inspiration .................................................................................................... 24
Figure 15 Council house passive technique drawings ......................................................................... 25
Figure 16 Effect of windows ................................................................................................................ 28
Figure 17 Courtyard effects ................................................................................................................. 28

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 APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN
LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Site advantages and disadvantages........................................................................................ 18

Table 2 Site advantages and disadvantages........................................................................................ 22

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY

biomimicry is evolved from Greek words: bios-life; mimicry to imitate (Imitate the
characteristics of plants and animals) [1]

Biomimicry is a process of observing plants and animals of their evolution and

development. Thus, have been able to develop strategies to survive, optimize their
organization and functioning, and adapt their form to their function.

There are three levels of Bio-mimicry; the organism level, behavior level, and
ecosystem level. The first level is the organism level, here form of plants and is
mimicked. The second level is the behavior level, here function is mimicked. The third
level is the Eco-system level, here natural habitat of organism is mimicked [2].

The most recent twenty years have seen an extreme energy crisis in developing
countries particularly during summer season The energy utilization in structures is
very high, since it is accepted that the personal satisfaction will increase by their uses.

Climate is one of the vital elements determine upon the overall electricity intake
of any building. However, we tend to use lesser heating or cooling equipment and
thus, we consume lesser energy, if we live in comfortable climates. Equipment
like air conditioning systems is leading to dangerous effects to the environment
and hence to nature.

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1.1.1 BUILDINGS ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN INDIA IS EXPECTED TO
INCREASE FASTER THAN IN OTHER REGIONS:

Figure 1 Annual energy consumption at global scale

source: U.S. EnergyInformation Administration,

International Energy Outlook 2017 Reference case

It can be seen from the projection made from the chart is that among all the regions

in the world, India has the fastest growth in energy consumption in the building

sector. It is also seen that the energy consumption by the residential and commercial

building sector in India is expected to grow by 2.7% per year and this growth is

expected to happen between 2015 to 2040, which is more than twice comparing to

the global average growth rate [3].

1.1.2 INDIA"S PROJECTED ENERGY DEMAND BY 2047

The government's policy agency, niti aayog, estimates that energy demand from
India’s buildings will increase by more than 800 percent in 2047 compared to 2012.
Under the current standards, the country will face higher energy costs and
skyrocketing consumption for decades. At the same time, air pollution will worsen,
adding to the impact of climate change [3].

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1.2 NEED OF THE STUDY
This study provides information on the importance of the changes that biomimicry
design can create an economically effective passive design with maximum comfort
for users while minimizing the impact on the environment. As it requires basic
requirements as it uses natural resources. No additional energy needed.

1.3 AIM
To identify sustainable solution from biomimicry architecture to reduce or completely
remove the use of active design by replacing it with a nature inspired solution using
passive design.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• Can biomimicry be useful in reducing heat accumulation in building?
• What features provide passive design?

1.5 OBJECTIVES
• To understand principles of biomimicry through literature study
• To study the applications of biomimicry from literature case studies
• Analysis of literature studies to identify design solutions for heat reduction in
building.

1.6 SCOPE
The scope of this research is the study and explore on principles of biomimicry as an
energy efficient tool for heat reduction and promoting sustainable designs in
buildings.

1.7 LIMITATIONS
The study is limited to architecture and design. Due to limitation in time, it is limited
to large occupant public buildings as they consume more energy.

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 APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INSPECTION OF BIOMIMICRY APPROACHES AS AN

ALTERNATIVE TO ADDRESS CLIMATE-RELATED ENERGY
BUILDING CHALLENGES BY Austin, published in MDPI, 2020

The study was an effort to justify different natural strategies that can be mimicked
over different climatic conditions for sustainability and bring solutions to attain
efficiency [4]. The study analyzes the context in different climate as follows:

2.1.1 BUILDINGS IN COASTAL AREAS:

Problems faced:

• Buildings are located near coast. Erosion can be occurred by wind or water
flow.
• Presence of salt in the winds lead to formation of salinity, as a result rust
formed by the presence of air moisture.

Identification of Biomimicry and its Principles:

• The crouch shell faced similar erosion and wearing away of outer surface and
adapted to the surf.
Adapt by forming hump on spiral line creating a non-smooth surface. Thus,
help it from erosion and sedimentation.

Figure 2 Biological characteristics of a conch shell

[Source: mdpi.com]

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• To avoid buildings get damaged by salt in the air mimicking the effect of
butterfly wings help remove salt when surface gets wet.
Wings adapt to non-smooth surface making it repellent to water and wind thus
brings self-cleaning capabilities.

2.1.2 BUILDINGS SURROUNDED BY TROPICAL FOREST:

Problems faced:

• Reducing temperature do not bring Thermal comfort. Tropical region has high
presence of humidity thus perspiration evaporate slowly, decreasing body’s
ability to lose heat therefore moisture content of atmosphere is high.
Thus, cause discomfort.

Identification of Biomimicry and its Principles:

• Insect like wasp and leaf of plant Dryopteris marginata has the ability to
channel water rapidly and efficiently
Thus can be used as a façade component to channel air moisture

Figure 3 Water proof bird nest

[Source: asknature.org]

2.1.3 BUILDING IN ARID AREAS:

Problems faced:

• This area has high solar radiation during daytime and no shadows even from
nearby taller skyscrapers.
Topmost floors suffer more direct radiation due to presence of no water content
in surrounding air and soil.
During night time occupants still experience sweatiness due to surrounding hot
air as natural ventilation does not have much effect.

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Identification of Biomimicry and its Principles:

• Cactus plant has a continuous and efficient fog collection system, due to shape
it helps in fog collection, water droplets get absorbed by hair like fiber and
stored. Water harvesting and conservation is achieved by mimicking cactus.

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2.2 BIOMIMETIC: A NEW STRATEGY FOR A PASSIVE

SUSTAINABLE VENTILATION SYSTEM DESIGN IN HOT AND ARID
REGIONS BY S.Khelil, published in International Journal of Environmental
Science and Technology
The study aims to develop an innovative strategy based on biologically inspired
technologies for the design of a passive ventilation and cooling system through the
implementation of biomimetic principles for an existing typical urban residential
configuration [5].

It has been proved that the proposed technique improves interior quality and the
occupant comfort and provides an effective ventilation. The results show clearly that
the technique used for ventilation improves flow rates in the building and therefore
improve the ventilation behavior and the thermal comfort.

The proposed design is based mainly on the thermosiphon and induced flow, where
we found in the building an extensive tube system within the floors aiming to move
the air through it. A thermosiphon effect is created by the heat generated within the
building. This effect draws the air up through the chimneys that are situated on
rooftops and which are essential to create an induced flow [5].

The density of air decreases as the temperature increases causing warmer air to rise.
The results clearly show that the new system of ventilation improves the flow rates in
the building and therefore the ventilation behavior [5].

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2.3 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMIMICRY

Biomimicry is the research of copying and mimicking nature, in which it's been utilized
by designers to assist in fixing human problems. From centuries in the past designers
and architects looked into nature as a big source of inspiration. Biomimicry argues
that nature is the best, influencing and the assured origin of innovation for the
designers [6].

Figure 4 Biomimicry inspiration

[Source: thedesigntourist.com]

2.3.1 LEVELS OF BIOMIMICRY

There are 3 levels of biomimicry: the organism level, ecosystem level and behavior
level [2].

Mimicking a shape or a form from nature:

The first level is the organism level illustrates the mimicking of specified organism.
This might be mimicking of some organism or the mimicry of a component from the
entire organism.

Mimicking a function done by nature:

The second level is the mimicry of behavior level. This refers to imitating a particular
form of function or response or act which an organism does to live on or replicates
on each day foundation in terms of a larger context.

Mimicking of habitat or environment:

The third level of biomimicry is Ecosystem- is the mimicking of the entire habitat and
this level is viewed as the hardest level as it centers around a practically extremely
difficult issue to imitate [2].

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2.4 APLLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY

2.4.1 ECOSYSTEM LEVEL

The first level is Ecosystem- this refers to mimicking a specific ecosystem and how it
functions successfully as well as what elements and principles are required for it to
function successfully [7].

2.4.1.1 THE EDEN PROJECT

Project info:
Date of construction: 1998-2001
Project Type: Culture and Exhibition Halls
Area: 23,000 sq. m
Location: St. Austell, Cornwall, England
Architect: Grimshaw
Client: Eden Project Limited

Figure 5 Eden project

[Source: www.aerostockphoto.com]

Building is located in England and is the largest botanical garden in the world.
The pit covered area of approximately 22 hectares is different in elevation
from 30 to 70 meters and is of China clayey soil [8].

Figure 6 Construction site

[Source: www.designcurial.com]
Table 1 Site advantages and disadvantages

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Site advantages Site disadvantages
• It gets lots of sunlight • The pit is composed largely of
• It's reasonable accessibility clay
• Site does now no longer have the
essential vitamins to assist
growth of plant life.
• Before the designers
may want to start building
the greenhouses, they
want to increase a level
of nutrient wealthy soil.

Key Design Strategies:

The Eden Project makes use of a lot of design techniques to assist it entirely its aim
of sustainability.
The building became to be the world's biggest plant enclosure. This concerned with
in the making of a design scheme that would span for exceptional distances without
the usage of single inner support.

• The building should be as light weight as possible. a lighter building could

place much less load at the soil and permit for smaller footings and much less
ground impact.
• The enclosure should be ecologically pleasant supporting it for use as an
educational demonstration of sustainability.
• The many greenhouses complicated in Cornwall is a sequence of synthetic
biomes with domes modelled after cleaning soap bubbles, honeycomb and
pollen grains [8].

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Figure 7 Artificial waterfalls and ETFE material for solar energy

creation

[source: www.gettyimages.in]

Functioning of building:
To construct an efficient dome shape, technique was to study nature. He gained his
Inspiration from searching on the honeycomb of bees or even the multifaceted eyes
of a fly. These creatures used their environment maximum efficiently to create a
strong, and mild-weight, solution. In addition, a geodesic dome-like shape could be
capable of agree to the extending and contracting contours of the clayey soil. This
weight (667 tons) is dispersed uniformly evenly the complete dome shape in order
that the dome most effective require load round its base, leaving plenty of room for
the vegetation inside.

Figure 8 Eden project dome covering

[source: www.gettyimages.in]

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Construction technique:

The edges of the dome situated on a strong

base necklace, an underground concrete
wall along the perimeter of the dome shape.

The geodesic hexagonal bubbles inflated

with air is made of Ethylene
Tetrafluoroethylene. ETFE foil is an ideal
protecting for a greenhouse due to the fact
that it is strong, see through and lightweight.
It has a higher insulator than glass, and it's
far a lot better block the weathering
conditions of sunlight [8]. Figure 9 Eden project concept drawings

[source: designcurial.com]

2.4.2 ORGANISM LEVEL

The second level is Organism- this refers to mimicking a specified organism. This
could be the entire organism or a portion of the organism [7].

2.4.2.1 ST. MARY AXE

Project info:
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date of construction: 2004
Area:5666m2
Client: Swiss Re-Insurance Co.
Architect: Foster and Partners

Figure 10 St mary axe

[source: 30stmaryaxe.info]

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Earlier nicknamed The Gherkin and the Swiss Re Tower, the one-like form of 30 St.
Mary Axe stretches a hundred and eighty meters tall, holds forty floors, and its steel
exoskeleton don's stripes of military color, diamond-form pre-fabricated glass panels.

Key Design Strategies:

Norman Foster designed an aerodynamic form to permit wind movement across the
structure and its facade, will redirect the wind to the ground [9].

• Flexible service, large specification user-friendly column wide workplace areas

with most number one area adjoining to natural day light.
• Create an aerodynamic form due to presence of high-speed wind
• Good structural and visible interconnectivity among floors.
• Reduced electricity intake through use of natural air flow where ever suitable,
low facade heat absorb and good building management systems.

Table 2 Site advantages and disadvantages

Site advantages Site disadvantages

• Located in commercial area • Presence of heavy traffic

• Presence of efficient natural • Large energy is consumed in that
lighting region as a result pollution is very
high
• Presence of high-speed wind

Figure 11 Building inspiration

re-thinkingthefuture.com

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Construction technique:

This unique sponge hosts a lattice-like

exoskeleton that looks glassy and sparkling
in its underwater surroundings. The
numerous tiers of fibrous latticework help to
disperse stresses at the organism in different
ways and its spherical form help in slowing
forces because of heavy water currents, each
of which is implemented to Foster's design of Figure 12 : St mary axe concept drawings
the tower.
[source: re-thinkingthefuture.com]

Functioning of building:

The exoskeleton of 30 St. Mary Axe mimics the hexagonal patterned framework of
the Euplectella. Opening home windows allow natural daylight and clean air to
penetrate the form. The structure's curves permit wind to effortlessly move round its
form. Rectangular structures deflect wind down, blasting everyone at street level on
a windy day. Also vents at road level harvest wind via sucking it in and using stack
effect the air movement is created to upper flows. The hot air in the upper floors is
removed using turbine ventilators. This reduces the ac payment about 50% [9].

2.4.3 BEHAVIOUR LEVEL

The second level is Behavior- this refers to mimicking a specific type of behavior or
act that the organism does to survive or replicates on a daily basis in relation to a
larger context [7].
.

2.4.3.1 COUNCIL HOUSE 2

Project info:
Architects: Designinc Figure 13 Council house 2
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Category: Office building [source: walkingmelbourne.com]

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Design strategies:

CH2 has been designed to save energy and water as well as enhance the health of
the inhabitants through the better quality of the interior climate of the structure [10].
The project's collaborative, eight-month design method resulted in lots of useful and
surprising design outcomes, such as:
• A vaulted precast substantial floor structure that incorporates structure, cooling,
lighting and ventilation.

• Facade designs evolved from natural components that work well with outside
conditions

• A better working surroundings that gives entry to nature and pleasant indoor
surroundings.

Termite mound functioning and its application:

In a termite mound, the cool breeze is brought into the bottom of the mound through
channels and the 'coolth' is stored using wet soil. As the air warms in the mound, it
streams upwards and out of the hill through vents. The termite hills can keep a
steady temperature inside, permitting the termites an optimal temperature for living
and laying eggs, in spite of the huge varieties in temperature outside.

Figure 14 Council house inspiration

[source: melbourne.vic.gov.au]

100 000 liters of water are extracted and cleaned from the sewers beneath the
building and used to condition the air. This is suggestive of how certain termite
species utilize the area of spring water as an evaporative cooling instrument.
African Barossa termites make tunnels several meters deep to arrive at the water
table, with the goal that its cooling impact can be utilized in intensive hotness to
keep the hill inside a one-degree temperature change range.

Functioning of building:

Some of the cleaned water is passed through shower towers on the outside of the
building. This cools the water especially around evening time. The water going
through the shower towers likewise cools nearby air which is then used to ventilate
the Commercial building on the ground floor. The water proceeds to the basement

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where it goes through a framework that stores the 'coolth' by utilizing alternate
materials. The water is then utilized in a shut circle in chilled radiates that give
cooling to the structure inside [10].

Figure 15 Council house passive technique drawings

[source: architizer.com]

The plan follows a model that advances a more interactive job between the city and
nature, wherein all events rely upon one another.
The City of Melbourne means to accomplish no release of energy for the district by
2020. A significant commitment to this system is the decrease in energy utilization
of business structures by half.
Similarly essential to its natural highlights is that it gives 100 percent outside air
to all inhabitants with one complete air change each half hour.

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CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

STAGE 1 SYNOPSIS ABSTRACT

• Relevance of
biomimicry in
response to thermal
comfort in
architecture.
• Identifying aim,
objective, relevance,
scope, limitation.

STAGE 2 PRIMARY STUDY LITERATURE STUDY

STAGE 3 SECONDARY STUDY DATA COLLECTION

STAGE 4 ANALYSIS COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS

• Comparative analysis
of biomimicry
buildings.
• Type of technique
used in thermal
comforting.

STAGE 5 CONCLUSION • Biomimicry

architecture in future
large occupant
buildings.
• Suggestions for future
designing.

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CHAPTER 4 DATA COLLECTION

4.1 PASSIVE DESIGN:

Passive design sustainable architecture components are factors which are
completely connected to or a part of the structure layout which includes structure
orientation, double skin envelope, sun-shading device, huge overhang etc.. The
active design sustainable architecture features are elements that bring in different
results and actively react to the environment which includes the solar panel,
photovoltaic, rainwater harvesting, roof spray, garden, etc [11].

4.1.1 WHY PASSIVE COOLING DESIGN:

• Active methods produce greenhouse gases such as co2
• Active solar energy is expensive and more equipment is need for installation
• Passive meets the minimum requirement

❖ Takes advantage of the local climate and site conditions to maximize comfort and
health within a structure while minimizing energy use.
❖ The key elements are building location and orientation, layout, window design,
insulation (including Windows), thermal mass, shading, and ventilation, all of
these elements work together to maximize air quality and movement.
❖ Use of sun and wind to cool, heat, ventilate, and light spaces, the use of energy-
heavy mechanical systems can be reduced.

4.1.2 PASSIVE DESIGN TECHNIQUES WHICH CAN BE INCORPORATED TO

ACHIEVE THERMAL COMFORT:

Orientation:
Building should be oriented so that windward wall is perpendicular to the summer
wind. Building should be based a sun orientation at the site. The sun at the low angle
during winters and during summer, its path is at high angle. The alteration in path
affects solar radiation penetration pattern during different seasons and consequently,
heat gain and loss in a building.

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Impact of building layout:

The orientation of the room is the path faced by its outside walls/ elevation. Building
orientation impacts the indoor weather in aspects,
Solar radiation and its effects on wall and room facing different direction.
Ventilation issues related to the flow of prevailing winds in terms of the structure
orientation.

Colour of the building:

Light colours especially white reflects the solar radiation and reduce the heat gane of
the building and its indoor temperature. White structures are ideal from the indoor
weather factor in hot climates however increase the glare in the streets.

Effect of wall thickness:

Wall thickness will increase the capacity of material to take in and conserve heat
energy. A lot of heat is requried to change the temperature of materials like concrete,
stone, or brick have high thermal mass. Appropriate use of thermal mass can make
to comfort.
Thermal mass works in wall converted to thermal battery. During day it absorbs heats
and releases it by night time to when its cold, maintaining the space comfortable.
Producing a warmer house at night and cooler house during the day in summer.
Effect on window:
The impact of window orientation at the indoor temperature is decided by the air flow
and the degree and efficiency of window shading.
Windows facing the west and eastern façade will allow penetration of solar radiaton
and directly heat the building interior.
Wind direction has influence on the ventilation of the interior, window should be
provided on both leeward and windward side of the building.

Figure 16 Effect of windows

[Source: archimonarch.com]

Courtyars and verandas:

Should be located on the north facing façade where they
will be exposed to more sun and less wind during the
cool dry season.
Courtyard orientation: 45° from the prevailing wind
maximizes wind flow in to the courtyard and enhances
cross ventilation in the building.
Due to incident solar radiation in the courtyard, the air
gets warmer and rises. Cool air from the ground level
flows through the louvered openings of rooms
surroundings a courtyard, thus producing air flow. Figure 17 Courtyard effects

[Source: archi-monarch.com]

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 APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN

CHAPTER 5 ANALYSIS AND INFERENCES

EXAMPLES EDEN PROJECT ST MARY AXE COUNCIL HOUSE, 2

INSPIRATION Bubbles, honey comb, pollen: Mimics the form of Venus Ventilation like Termite
structure Flower mounds

LEVELS OF Organism and Ecosystem Organism and Behavior Behavior

BIOMIMICRY level

MATERIAL USED • Hexagonal panels made • Aluminum coated • Vaulted concrete

from a thermoplastic air tube steel ceilings,
cushion ETFE- Ethylene • Glass and • Wester timber
tetrafluoroethylene recycled material structures and window
• Steel space framing • Flat triangular systems
and diamond • water harvesting and
shaped glass recycling systems, and
panels energy production
units.
• • Glass framed by
timber on N, S, and E
facade.

APPLICATION OF • Hexagonal space • Utilized the • Reduced energy

BIOMIMICRY framing used as natural form of intake through
IN DESIGN structure so no internal the sponge as use of natural
support over large span structural design ventilation every
in bubble and honey thus manage time suitable.
comb shape wind load. • Biomimicry
• Use of water shower, • The building applications to
water falls to mimic disperses the the building's
climatic condition wind load through facade to
its shape and moderate
provides external climates
ventilation and at the north and
natural light to all south.
the levels. •

•
PASSIVE COOLING • The humidity of the • vents at road • Passive cooling
TECHNIQUE USED biomes is aided through level harvest wind techniques
sprays mist below the by sucking it in developed from
bushes and a waterfall and swirling air the East gate
that contributes to the upwards. Centre to design
motion of air. • The building lighting,
• During the hot summer disperses the temperature,
time season, the new wind load through water usage, and
pumped clean air into its shape and energy storage.
the bottom and the top of provides • Backwater
the domes, opened for ventilation and generated by the
ventilation. natural light to all building is treated
• Solar power is used to the levels. on-site and
pump air into the panels reused for
ETFE and offer water •to temperature
the center. cooling, heating
• and irrigation.

PROBLEMS SOLVED • Bubble to take site's • A unique • HVAC is

shape, geodesic structural designed with
hexagonal structure technique to a techniques taken
(lightweight and long revolutionary from a termite
span). form. mound.
• EIFE sheets; 1% weight • An aerodynamic
of glass and translucent form, lowering
for greenhouse effect. effects of wind.

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 APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN

CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION

This study analyzed the characteristics of passive design techniques introduced to

maintain thermal comfort in an energy efficient building.

Courtyard orientations, width of openings, type of shading devices, roof form plays
an important role in achieving comfort in passive design. Also help in controlling the
overuse of electricity and pollutions emitted from hvac devices.

Thus, a solution can be obtained by using biomimicry as natural techniques and

natural solution is incorporated while designing thus no negative impact to
surrounding. Thus, biomimicry can be used as integrative component to bring thermal
comfort and create complete unity between the buildings, the users, and the
environment.

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 APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE DESIGN

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