Exploring Envelope Design Through a Biomimetic Approach for Enhanced Thermal Comfort

Abstract

This research explores how biomimicry can transform building envelopes to create comfortable indoor climates, particularly in India’s hot, dry regions. With rising temperatures and dense urbanization, conventional buildings heavily reliant on air conditioning are unsustainable. Biomimicry, inspired by nature’s designs, offers an alternative to enhance adaptability, resilience, and energy efficiency in climate-responsive buildings. The study bridges the gap between conventional envelope design and climate adaptability by examining biomimetic principles for indoor temperature regulation. The methodology categorizes case studies based on biomimicry type, envelope design, and climate zones. Case studies, both international and Indian, are assessed using three parameters: biomimicry (biomimicry form/process), envelope design (materials, construction techniques, technologies, and design strategies), and thermal comfort (comfort strategies and thermal performance). Findings reveal that nature-inspired designs, such as adaptive shading and passive cooling, improve thermal comfort while reducing dependence on artificial climate control. Static biomimetic envelopes rely on envelope design (25–40%), thermal strategies (20%), and biomimicry (10%) for performance. In dynamic biomimetic envelopes, envelope design remains dominant (37–40%), while thermal strategies (25%) and biomimicry (12%) further enhance efficiency (vide my dissertation findings). Despite challenges like limited resources and awareness, biomimicry presents a promising path for sustainable architecture in India. This research concludes that integrating biomimetic principles into building envelopes fosters sustainable, adaptable, and comfortable spaces. By learning from nature, architects can design buildings that harmonize with the environment, promoting human comfort and environmental well-being while reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.