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| Jeffrey L.
Zucker, LEED AIA |
| Matthew B.
Ackerman, LEED AIA |
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What
Is "Biomimicry"?
Biomimicry is
a word which has been derived from the
combination of the roots bios, meaning life, and mimesis meaning to
imitate, and is defined as the science that studies nature’s best ideas
and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems.
For example, studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell is one way
that nature inspires innovation.
In architecture, biomimicry can take many forms. In an arid climate for
example, a building might try to collect and store as much water as
possible, like a cactus. In a climate that changes throughout the
year, a building might need to “dress” itself for the season, like some
animals, which grow a thick coat of fur for the winter and then shed it
in the summer. In a cold climate, a building might attempt to
collect the sunshine in the winter, like the clear, glass-like fibers
of a polar bear’s fur.
 We at Catalyst Architecture have the good fortune to
reside in Prescott Arizona, where we have a mixed bag of seasonal
conditions to deal with. On the one hand, we have a fairly benign
climate here: not too horribly hot in the summer, not to terribly cold
in the winter. On the other hand, it occasionally tops 100 degrees on a
hot summer day, or can dip below 10 degrees on a cold winter
night. And, because we are in an arid climate, as well as at a
mile high elevation, we frequently have temperature swings of as much
as 60 degrees within the span of 24 hours. Oh, and, did I mention
that we don’t have much precipitation?
Our challenge, then, is to look at the native flora and fauna, and see
how they have adapted over the millennia. So, just how does a cactus store water, or shade
itself? How do insect colonies keep themselves cool? And,
how do plants cope during a drought?
How can we learn from the success of the great multitude of species
that have flourished here for ages? How can we learn to not only survive, but
thrive? These are questions that we at Catalyst
Architecture have been addressing for years, from the first passive
solar buildings that we built in the 1970’s, to the most recent
LEED-Gold certified James
Learning Center at the Highlands Center For
Natural History. Each commission is a new challenge in our
efforts
to integrate with the environment. Each project is a lesson to
be built upon for the next. Each building is an opportunity to
employ the wisdom of biomimicry.
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Month: |
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Solar Focusing Technology Boosts
Efficiency 
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BRAC Greywater Recycling Systems Save Money and the Environment |
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Insulation — a Quick, Easy Way to Earn Tax
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NAU Building Earns 2nd LEED-
Platinum Rating in Arizona
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CATALYST
ARCHITECTURE
is an award winning, full-service architectural design
firm located in Prescott, Arizona. We specialize in educational,
commercial, master planning and custom residential work, with an
emphasis on high- performance design, and caring client relationships.
At CATALYST, our
mission is to creatively transform the space and budget needs of our
clients, with the opportunities and ecology of the site, into
functional and sustainable solutions that move the spirit.
 Comments
or feedback? Email us.
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