Involves applying biological mechanisms to solve engineering problems
Decades ago, early focus was primarily on improving the building’s 31 ………………..
The Vangarda Tower Project
Designed to withstand severe storms in Mendoza
Inspired by the structure of a deep-sea 32 ………………..
Allowed architects to reduce the amount of 33 ……………….. used in construction
Outer layer features small openings to allow natural 34 ………………..
Also provides excellent shelter for local 35 ………………..
Responsive Building Materials
The Thorne Institute is creating flexible facades
New materials mimic the behavior of a 36 ………………..
Outer panels open up when it is 37 ……………….. outside to release warmth
Closes up rapidly to protect against heavy 38 ………………..
Future Developments
Researching ways to generate electricity using constant movement from the 39 ………………..
Main barrier to widespread use is the high 40 ………………..
Keys
31 appearance
32 sponge
33 concrete
34 wind
35 bats
36 pinecone
37 dry
38 rainfall
39 tides
40 cost
Transcripts
Part 4: You will hear a lecture about the use of biomimicry in modern architecture.
LECTURER: Good morning, everyone. Today, we are continuing our lecture series on modern structural design by exploring the fascinating world of biomimicry. Now, by definition, biomimicry in architecture involves observing biological organisms and natural processes, and then applying those mechanisms to solve complex engineering problems.
Let’s start with a brief overview. When architects first started borrowing ideas from the natural world decades ago, the applications were mostly superficial. You would see columns carved to look like ancient trees or intricate floral patterns painted on walls. So, in the beginning, the early focus was primarily on improving a building’s appearance. It wasn’t really about structural efficiency or energy savings at that point; it was just about making things look beautiful.
However, modern biomimicry has moved far beyond simple decoration. To illustrate this, let’s examine a recent project called the Vangarda Tower, located in Mendoza. The architects faced a huge challenge: they needed to build a tall, stable tower in an area known for severe storms. They didn’t want to look at traditional engineering models. Instead, they studied marine life, specifically finding inspiration in the intricate lattice structure of a deep-sea sponge. These fascinating aquatic organisms can withstand extreme ocean currents thanks to their highly porous skeletons.
By copying this geometric pattern, the engineering team achieved something quite remarkable. Usually, a skyscraper of this massive size demands massive amounts of heavy materials to stay upright. But this unique biological design allowed architects to significantly reduce the amount of concrete used in the construction. This not only made the entire building weigh considerably less, but it also made the project much more environmentally friendly.
Furthermore, the exterior of the Vangarda Tower is quite unique. The outer layer is completely covered in thousands of small, strategically placed openings. At first glance, you might assume these gaps are just for letting in sunshine. However, they are actually precisely angled to capture natural wind, drawing it deep into the building to cool the interior spaces naturally without relying on heavy air conditioning. And, interestingly enough, there was a wonderful, unintended benefit to this design. The small ledges created by these exterior openings offer a perfect resting place. It turns out, they provide excellent shelter for local bats, bringing a bit of wildlife right back into the city center.
Moving on from that, let’s talk about responsive building materials. Buildings are traditionally static entities, meaning they don’t change or physically adapt to the weather outside. But nature, of course, is constantly adapting. Currently, researchers at the Thorne Institute are working hard on developing flexible building facades. These entirely new materials are designed to carefully mimic the physical behavior of a pinecone.
If you have ever picked up a pinecone from the forest floor, you know that its hard scales naturally shift depending on weather patterns. The researchers created smart panels that do exactly the same thing. When the climate outside is very dry, these outer panels automatically open up to release trapped warmth and allow the building to breathe. Conversely, if a sudden storm rolls in, the system detects the moisture and immediately closes tight. This rapid, automated response is absolutely essential to protect the interior walls against heavy rainfall.
Finally, let’s briefly touch on future developments. We are seeing some incredible proposals for buildings that actually generate their own power. While most people are familiar with capturing sunshine for solar energy, new marine research facilities are looking elsewhere. They are testing deep foundation pillars that can capture kinetic energy, specifically researching new ways to generate electricity using the constant, predictable movement from the tides.
Despite all these advancements, biomimicry is still not the standard practice in modern construction. Why is that exactly? Well, it is certainly not due to a lack of imagination or engineering talent. The reality is much more practical. The main barrier stopping the widespread use of these technologies is simply the high cost. Researching complex biological systems and developing entirely new manufacturing methods requires a massive financial investment upfront. However, as these specialized materials become easier to mass-produce, we can hope to see greener cities in the near future. Alright, let’s move on.
