Searching Biomimicry in the Vernacular Architecture

Abstract

Nature has encountered many problems throughout its existence and has adapted to new conditions by renewing itself according to these problems. Human, who is a part of nature, used tree cavities and caves for shelter at first, and then he built his own shelter with the materials ensured by nature. With the opportunities provided by the scientific and technological developments started in the 1750s, human began to see himself as an entity independent of and even dominating nature, and put aside the effort to be in harmony with nature. After the 1750s, the excessive energy need that emerged due to the changing production and consumption habits was provided by fossil fuels, and as a result, global warming and environmental problems occurred. However, despite being a part of nature, it has been understood that people who spend long hours, days and even years in mechanically ventilated, artificially illuminated spaces that are designed to be disconnected from nature over time had physical and mental problems. Contemporary designers have tended to seek new solutions against the negative effects of built environment designed in contrast with nature due to having technological opportunities. These pursuits have directed the designers to nature, nature has started to be seen as a teacher, and guide again as it was in the past. This time, to use the opportunities offered by technology and science to understand nature, not against nature, and to develop designs inspired by nature, biomimicry has emerged as an option. Within the scope of this study, the traces of biomimicry philosophy, especially at the ecosystem level, were sought in vernacular architecture, along with the contemporary uses of biomimicry. Considering the similarities between vernacular architecture and biomimicry principles, the use of these two approaches together in future designs has been suggested as an alternative for the solution of today’s problems. © 2023 Peter Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften.