Introduction
Biomimicry is the act of copying from nature, and as such, product designs inspired by nature means in the design process, where designers referred to nature for solutions. It has been around for some time now as highlighted by the hook and loop fastener / Velcro, which was inspired by the bur plant and invented in 1948( Petur 2011). Globally, there a number of inventions inspired by nature, they included the flying squirrel wing-suit and the bullet train. Biomimicry is a field of study and research that studies precise ideas, processes and models of nature and takes inspiration from them to tackle challenges facing human kind. Biomimicry is derived from a combination of two words mainly‘ bios’ meaning life and‘ mimesis’ meaning‘ to mimic’. Internationally, there is a transformational wave in the discipline of architecture and design, which reminds us that we are part of the larger ecosystem of the earth. Therefore, this means that nature is an important component that allows us to solve some of our problems, and as such, should be conserved( Turner and Soar 2008). This study will take the nature as its mentor and as a model. It will mimic termite mounds, which are oriented to minimize sun exposure, and designed with chimneys for airflow.
The purpose of this research is to demonstrate a thread within the UAE and especially Abu Dhabi’ s development, which over time evolved different ideas about sustainability. Investments in design, construction, labor and materials always involved some cost benefit analysis of the built environment and its sustainability. This study thus takes a realistic approach of a case study analysis of an existing housing community( Emirati Housing, Yas Island) and its existing site( Raza 2014). It was divided into three stages: Understanding( the natural concept); Exploring( the relation between the natural concept and the redesigning of the project); Deciding( the restructuring of the project).
Methodology
The study focuses on the complex and dynamic interrelations between ecosystems, society, and economy at different spatial scale and developing place-based responses and solutions. Sustainability in this context considers the whole relationships of connections between natural and human communities as well as between nature and culture( Wheeler 2013). The study is based on sustainable architecture that describes an energy and ecologically conscious approach to the design of the built environment. The built environment is human-made spaces in which people live, work, and recreate on a day-to-day basis( Izzi Deen 1990).
The main aim of the study is to look into the sustainability aspects within the context and to recommend a suitable solution for“ Yas Island Housing Community” in Abu Dhabi. The focus is on the technical functionality of the natural concept and incorporating its structure, mechanism of its external and internal functions, and the environmental advantages it conveys in adapting to its surroundings, which will guide to mimic the natural concept by adapting and strategically planning a design that is a breathable and a living building in the case study setting.
Termite Mounds
Structure and Material Termite mounds are structured differently according to region, location, and weather. The location and the weather also determine the mounds shape.
400 ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari- Lecce, Italy