Biomimetic Approach for Thermal Performance Optimization in Sustainable Architecture. Case study: Office Buildings in Hot Climate Countries

Biomimicry is an applied science that mainly depends on deriving inspiration from various natural solutions to human problems for making practical applications through the study and examination of natural phenomena, designs, systems, and processes. Historically, designers have dealt with nature as an essential source of innovation and inspiration. In future architecture, biomimicry will be applied to achieve sustainable design. Thus, the paper assumes that biomimicry is an environmental solution for optimizing the thermal performance of office buildings through the building’s skin. The purpose of this paper specifically is to determine and clarify the effective indicators of applying biomimicry to the skins of office buildings in hot climate countries. This will be accomplished by discussing the general concept of biomimicry and its definitions, approaches, and levels. Then, selected examples of biomimetic skin of office buildings in hot climate countries will be shown, analyzed, and compared to determine the most effective biomimetic indicators that will be suggested to be applied to the office building skin. As a result, the effective use of biomimicry as a tool for sustainable design leads to optimizing building thermal performance, optimum thermal comfort for users, and increased productivity for employers in office buildings. Based on indicators, biomimicry as a creative approach to achieving sustainable design will support architects, students, and scholars in achieving sustainable office building design.