Biomimetics in Architecture

Petra Gruber is an architect with a strong interest in biology and interdisciplinary studies. She has worked in renowned architecture companies until the founding of her on venture transarch in 2008. Her work as university assistant at the Vienna University of Technology has led to extensive research in the field of biomimetics, summarised in the doctoral thesis that was the basis of this book. She is integrated in international scientific networks and currently involved in research projects, teaching, consultancy and publications in biomimetics.

• 1 Introduction 2 Background 2.1 Architecture 2.2 Bionics [Bionik] Biomimetics 2.3 Transfer and methods 3 Classical approaches to investigate overlaps between biology and architecture 3.1 Relationship between nature and architecture 3.2 "Natural construction" 3.3 Nature's design principles 3.4 Parallels, differences and synergies between design in nature and in architecture 3.5 Biomimetics in construction and architecture 4 New approaches and application of biology's life criteria on architecture 4.1 Life, biology 4.2 Architectural interpretation of life criteria 4.3 Comments and hitherto unexplored fields 4.4 A living architecture 5 Case studies 5.1 Adaptation and evolution of traditional architecture on Nias Island 5.2 Transformation Architecture 5.3 Lunar Exploration Architecture 5.4 Biomimetic Design Proposals 6 Discussion 6.1 Transfer strategies and methods 6.2 Suggestions 7 Appendix 7.1 Literature 7.2 Figures and Photography

"This profound and systematic approach makes the book stand out from many other, often semi-scientific publications on the same topic." Detail, November 2011