Biomimetic building skins: an adaptive approach

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd This paper provides an overview of the design of biomimetic building skins. Many types of smart and responsive building envelopes have been developed, but their improvement to achieve adaptability remains unclear and unstructured. Studies on biomimicry have formulated strategies but have failed to identify or review their technical and functional aspects in terms of architecture. Therefore, this study aims to understand biomimetic building skin designs by investigating its mechanisms, functions and materials through an adaptive approach. This study describes these biomimetic designs through theories, concepts, issues, approaches, methodologies, materials from nature, developed materials and systems in architectural applications. The study also employs a systematic quantitative research to enhance the integration of biology and architecture. This research is based on an evidence review focusing on selected studies and exploration results in accordance with systematic methods and critical analyses, such as classification and comparison, to identify patterns and trends. This study provides further insights into the relationship between biological systems and building skins. It also contributes to the development of adaptive building skins based on functional aspects to overcome technical challenges and promote innovation and sustainable architectural systems.