January 8, 2019 Comments Off on Biomimicry: how nature inspires new architectural feats Views: 2112 Urban Trekker

Since the dawn of civilizations the human architect have sought for inspiration in nature. This can be felt when seeing some of the old temples of the world. The ancient Greek and Roman architecture embeds natural symbolism in its structure.



As our technology has advanced, we have perfected biomimicry in architecture. See the great examples below. Seems like Asia favors biomimicry slightly more than other continents.

The Lotus Temple in India

Full view of the Lotus Temple, Photo: Vandelizer, CC BY 2.0

There is no idol to be worshiped and people of any faith, case, creed are welcome. Such is the sentiment of India’s mother temple. Each day, over 10,000 of people pay a visit to the Lotus Temple, which mimics exactly the sturcture of a lotus flower, in New Delhi. Read more here.

The Taipei 101 skyscraper

Taipei 101 seen from afar, Photo: Peellden, CC BY-SA 3.0



It’s a striking skyscraper in Taipei, Taipei 101 mimics a bamboo stalk. There is more to the symbolism of this building such as the fact it also imitates the traditional Asian pagoda. The tower has eight segments each containing eight floors. Eight is a lucky number in Chinese culture.

The Atomium in Brussels

Photo: Mike Cattell, CC BY 2.0

The Atomium is a landmark site of the Belgian capital and the capital of Europe. It was originally built for the purposes of the 1958 World’s Fair, and as a symbol of science. Today its premises serve as a museum.

The National Stadium of Bejing

Photo credit: Peter23, CC BY-SA 3.0

Unlike other architectural feats accomplished for the purposes of the Olympic Games, the National Stadium of Beijing built for the purposes of the 2008 Olympic Games, has not been abandoned. The “ bird nest” as its famously called is too compelling to face such destiny. See a gallery of abandoned Olympic venues from around the world here.

Abu Dhabi’s clamshell edifice

Photo: FritzDaCat, CC BY-SA 3.0

Made of steel and glass, the Aldar Headquarters of Abu Dhabi celebrates the maritime heritage of the United Arab Emirates. It’s one of the most compelling to see waterfront feats in the world. Its design also hints at diamond.

London’s 30 St Mary Axe



Full view of Gherkin in London

Famously called the Gherkin, this must-see feature of the London skyline is designed to mimic a Venus flower basket sea sponge.

The Helix Bridge of Singapore

Photo: William Cho, CC-BY-SA-2.0

The Helix Bridge spans across Singapore’s famous Marina Bay. It links different parts of the fanciful complex and imitates the double helix structure of a DNA molecule.

Singapore’s artificial trees



The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, Photo: Jan, CC BY-SA 2.0

When you don’t have enough land to plant real trees, you can create artificial ones. Singapore’s “super trees” are solar powered, towering 50 meters high and create a vast urban oasis at the heart of the island– the Marina Bay area. No need to mention how smart the super trees system is. It converts the sunlight to power nearby amenities.

We also thought to show you: Then & Now: The Sydney Opera House

Tags: Architecture, Asia, biomimicry, design, Europe