Sustainable spaces with psychological connotation: Historical architecture as reference book for biomimetic models with biophilic qualities

Abstract

Biomimicry is a growing area of interest in architecture due to the potentials it offers for innovative architectural solutions and for more sustainable, regenerative built environment. Yet, a growing body of research identified various deficiencies to the employment of this approach in architecture. Of particular note is that: first, some biomimetic technologies are not inherently more sustainable or Nature-friendly than conventional equivalents; second, they lack any spatial expression of Nature and are visually ill integrated into it. In a trial to redeem these deficiencies, this paper suggests a framework for more sustainable strategy that combines this approach with the relative approach of "Biophilia", with reference to examples from historical architecture. Using pioneering strategies and applications from different historical styles, the paper shows that the combination of these two approaches may lead to enhanced outcomes in terms of sustainability as well as human psychology and well-being. In doing so, architects may go beyond simply mimicking Nature to synthesizing architecture in tune with it and bringing in bio-inspired solutions that is more responsive to human needs and well being.