The relationship between nature, art and architecture is not a recent trend, but a historical constant that is acquiring new relevance today. This symbiosis, called biomimicry, is the discipline that studies natural models to apply them to human design and develop aesthetic and functional solutions that interact with the environment. Next, we explore five iconic examples of architecture and industrial design inspired by nature.
1. The breathing building: Bullitt Center in Seattle, United States (2013)
This six-story office building, designed by the architecture firm Miller Hull Partnership, is one of the most significant examples of contemporary sustainable architecture. Its architectural approach incorporates principles of biomimicry and nature- inspired design: the Bullitt Center‘s structure and systems function in an interconnected way like an organism, generating more energy than it consumes through solar panels, capturing and reusing rainwater, and regulating the internal temperature with natural ventilation and dynamic light and shade controls.
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2. Ventilation like that of a termite mound: Eastgate Centre, Zimbabwe (1996)
Taking inspiration from termite mounds to design a building’s ventilation system? The Eastgate Centre, located in Harare, Zimbabwe and designed by architect Mick Pearce, is distinguished by its unique ventilation system, similar to that used by termite mounds. Its structure allows for a stable internal temperature despite extreme external variations, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption.
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3. Imitating sponges: 30 St Mary Axe, United Kingdom (2004)
One of the most recognisable buildings in the City skyline, popularly known as The Gherkin, adopts an aerodynamic shape reminiscent of sponges and marine structures. Designed by Norman Foster, its curved profile reduces wind resistance and optimises the building’s structural behaviour, in addition to incorporating spiral vertical courtyards that promote natural ventilation and improve energy efficiency.
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4. Inspired by soap bubbles: Beijing National Aquatics Centre, China (2008)
Popularly known as the Water Cube, this aquatic centre, designed by the Australian studio PTW Architects for the 2008 Olympic Games, draws inspiration from the geometry of soap bubbles. Its facade reproduces the pattern of natural foam from a structure based on the Weaire-Phelan geometry, capable of dividing space in an extremely efficient way. The translucent membranes allow light to pass through and contribute to thermal insulation, creating a building that combines mathematics, physics and nature.
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5. Like the beak of a kingfisher: Shinkansen Series 500 bullet train, Japan (1997)
The Japanese bullet train demonstrates how nature is also present in industrial design. Engineer Eiji Nakatsu redesigned the train’s nose, taking inspiration from the beak of the kingfisher, a bird capable of diving into the water with hardly any splashing. The result was a reduction in noise when exiting the tunnels and an improvement in energy efficiency.
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