Biological Support and Envelope Structures and their Counterparts in Buildings

Abstract

In this chapter, biology stands in the foreground. The examples from biology are, however, categorized according to their structural characteristics, and in each case technical prototypes will be indicated that are analogous to the biological structures. In a few of the examples, the study of natural forms and structures influenced and inspired the development of certain technologies. With others the influence can be assumed but unable to be verified by sources; the connection can be found then by the juxtaposition of the analogous structures. Some aspects have already been covered in earlier sections, namely tensegrity and tensairity structures, panel structures, fold structures, and aspects of bee honeycombs. With the exception of the latter, these will not be touched upon again. Some has likewise already been spoken about the earthen and ``ceramic'' nests of certain animals.