Towards a Platform of Investigative Tools for Biomimicry as a New Approach for Energy-Efficient Building Design Natasha Chayaamor-Heil, Nazila Hannachi-Belkadi

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Article Towards a Platform of Investigative Tools for Biomimicry as a New Approach for Energy-Efficient Building Design

Natasha Chayaamor-Heil * and Nazila Hannachi-Belkadi

MAP-Maacc, CNRS-MCC UMR 3495, ENSA PARIS-La-Villette, Paris (75), France; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +33-1-5372-8470

Academic Editor: Maibritt Pedersen Zari Received: 31 October 2016; Accepted: 20 February 2017; Published: 6 March 2017

Abstract: Major problems worldwide are environmental concern and energy shortage along with the high consumption of energy in buildings and the lack of sources. Buildings are the most intensive energy consumers, and account for 40% of worldwide energy use, which is much more than transportation. In next 25 years, CO2 emissions from buildings are projected to grow faster than in other sectors. Thus, architects must attempt to find solutions for managing buildings energy consumption. One of new innovative approaches is Biomimicry, which is defined as the applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs’ principles. Although biomimicry is considered to be a new approach for achieving sustainable architecture, but there is still not enough access for architects to make use of it, especially to implement biomimetic design strategy in architectural project. The main objective of this paper is to raise awareness of architects making use of biomimetic strategies with better accessible facility. We propose to create the tool setting relationship to formalize and bridge between biological and architectural knowledge, along with investigative tools to investigate the ability of reducing energy consumption by applying the biomimetic strategies on efficient-energy building design. This article hypothetically proposes an investigative tool based on Bayesian networks for testing the rapid result of choices from natural devices according to specific multi-criteria requirements in each case study.

Keywords: biomimicry; architectural design; energy efficiency; sustainability; data analysis; Bayesian network

1. Introduction The energy consumed through using buildings and producing building materials forms a significant portion of overall energy consumption in affluent societies today [1]. We are nowadays facing two major problems related to energy consumption. One is the depletion of energy resources and mineral raw material and another, the increase of various types of pollution that cause what is commonly called global warming [2]. Indeed, the release of the greenhouse effect results primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, whose reserves are falling dramatically, and are used in the building industry to ensure both comfort and performance of materials and systems composed. Depletion of mineral resources in the construction sector is, by volume, the consumer faces a waste accumulation of the problem that is growing and that today is increasingly difficult to manage [3]. Buildings, because their heating consumption in industrialized countries uses more than half of energy, is therefore the biggest polluter [4]. Saving energy in the building (in both its consumption and at its completion) would effectively contribute to the grip of the decrease of the problems cited. Energy flows through buildings need to be better structured and managed, and their occupants need to change existing patterns of

Buildings 2017, 7, 19; doi:10.3390/buildings7010019 www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings Buildings 2017, 7, 19 2 of 18 behavior [5]. There are several reasons why this prospect is challenging. The way buildings come into being is a complex and adversarial affair driven by economic considerations and the avoidance of risk, which favor incremental improvements of established designs. Many works are incurred in responding to these questions, either by improving the performance envelopes [6], HVAC systems [7], energy production [8], but also to promote reuse in architecture and well reduce the waste of natural resources [9]. We propose in this work to question biomimicry as a source of inspiration for architects and builders in order to provide the solutions that nature can find: by integrating its environment and optimizing energy and material necessary for its survival. Biomimicry could be used as a tool for energy-efficient building design aiming to achieve reducing energy consumption by innovative design and sustainable energy generation without negatively impacting the natural environment. By looking at the living world, there may be organisms or systems that can be mimicked to create and maintain clean energy generation or sustainable technologies [10]. Additionally, biomimicry provides the means to determine achievable goals for development based on physical reality. It also provides the method to achieve these goals, and at the same time it points to countless examples that can be emulated. Although there are many smart solutions inspired by natural phenomena, it is not always clear how analogies were abstracted from the biological process. Life’s principle could provide specific design ideas (strategies) and metric to measure whether the proposed design indeed meets nature sustainability principles [11]. However, some of the principles are general and their application in engineering design is neither clear nor straightforward. In addition, it is unclear how the life principles were revealed and how to search for new ones [12]. Thus, we propose to facilitate a tool for biomimetic design strategies to set objectives and metrics that can be used for deciding which of the biomimetic ideas should be further elaborated. In addition, we provide information as to what requirements (multi-criteria) are appropriate to explore the chosen biomimetic ideas. Finally, it will conclude with the tool setting relationship knowledge between biology and architecture, applied to biomimetic strategies and the design of energy-efficient buildings. This tool could provide to search suitable principles in nature in an applicable way for architects to meet specificity in each project implementation.

2. Overview of Energy-Efficient Building Design When we talk about energy conservation, it is customary to say that the design process is done in three phases [13]. Indeed, one of the key approaches to low-energy design is to invest in the building’s form and enclosure. The first is to reduce energy needs by carefully designing the building envelope so that the heating, cooling and lighting loads are reduced. The second is to offset the remaining needs for efficient systems and appliances, and the third aims to make the most of resources, which means free energy that are available in the occupation site. These three phases can be reduced considerably the energy consumption effectively for the new building without user’s impact (an understanding of building occupancy and activities can lead to building designs that can save energy, reduce cost and improve occupant comfort and workplace performance) [14]. Nevertheless, if we want to concern deeper it is necessary to consider the building throughout its life cycle, that means to reflect its operations and maintenances, refer to its demolition. These phases according to their support during the design process will require more or less energy. We must also add to the embodied energy necessary for its implementation, its rehabilitation and demolition. This is a global vision that provides an essential place in the energy criterion (of all kinds of uses) among other architectural criteria we must have. In view of the crisis of the source that the world is currently living [15], is another point to add. This aspect highlights the need to optimize the use of the material to see the establishment of a re-employment system. (If one want to look more of what all the nature has).

2.1. Reduce Energy Needs Humans have always taken advantage of local conditions by offering a vernacular architecture, which for centuries has operated with means often-simple characteristics and natural resources of their environment. If we observe how these architectures are able to give their best characteristics for Buildings 2017, 7, 19 3 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 3 of 18 their environment. If we observe how these architectures are able to give their best characteristics for differentdifferent environmentsenvironments and and response response to to specific specific needs needs such such as as the the Tuareg Tuareg tent, tent, Inuit Inuit igloos igloos (Figure (Figure1 a)1a) andand troglodyte troglodyte Ethiopian Ethiopian church church [3]. [3]. Gradually, Gradually as technology, as technology is developed, is developed, the architectures the architectures become morebecome sophisticated more sophisticated to meet theto meet needs the and needs comforts and comforts of its users of its regardless users regardless of the performance of the performance of the envelopeof the envelope to environmental to environmental impact or impact approach or approach overall energy overall needs energy to go needs through to go the through awareness the ofawareness the essential of the elements essential to a elements good architectural to a good design. architectural Ventilation design. and Ventilation air heating and systems air heating have, forsystems some have, time [for3], solvedsome time, only [3] the solved comforts only of the requirements comforts of byrequirements increasing theirby increasing powers regardless their powers of theregardless service, of incurring the service, costs incurring to environmental costs to environmental impact. impact. BasedBased on on this this observation, observation, the French the new French energy new performance energy performance of new building of regulation—aka new building RT2012regulation [16—] todayaka RT2012 imposes [16] through today bioclimatic imposes needs through (as bioclimatica tool). This needs new regulation (as a tool). aims This to reach new lowregulation energy aims consumption to reach low for allenergy new buildingconsumption along for with all new bioclimatic building design along principles, with bioclimati whichc aimdesign at theprinciples, construction which of buildingsaim at the that construction are in harmony of buildings with the thatnatural are surroundings in harmony and with local the climate, natural ensuringsurroundings conditions and local of thermalclimate, comfortensuring inside conditions (Figure of1 thermalb). The stepscomfort to followinside (Figure to achieve 1b). thisThe goalsteps throughto follow a to bioclimatic achieve this design goal through of the project: a bioclimatic (1) The design building of the as project: a natural (1) solarThe building collector as in a winter:natural maximizingsolar collector the in glazed winter: surfaces maximizing facing souththe glazed to take surfaces advantage facing of freesouth solar to take gain andadvantage minimize of free the glasssolar surfacesgain and facing minimize north, the where glass heat surfaces losses facing are higher north, than where solar heat gain; losses (2) Theare buildinghigher than serving solar asgain a heat; (2) trap:The buildingoptimizing serving the compactness as a heat trap: of the optimizing project, to reduce the compactness the dissipating of the surface; project, (3) to The reduce building the servingdissipating as a surface heat storage:; (3) The increasing building serving the insulation as a heat thickness; storage: increasing (4) Dealing the with insulation thermal thickness bridges; by(4) providingDealing with an exterior thermal insulation, bridges orby by providing setting up an the exterior thermal in bridgesulation, breakers; or by (5) setting The building up the thermalserving asbridge a natural breakers cooling; (5) trap/storage:The building Sunserv protection,ing as a natural natural cooling ventilation; trap/storage: (6) Offering Sun protection, quality doors natural and windowsventilation (triple; (6) Offering glazing, quality thermally doors optimized) and windows and etc. (triple glazing, thermally optimized) and etc.

(a) (b)

Figure 1. (a) Igloo construction, with the compact of snow to insulate the interior where is warmed Figure 1. (a) Igloo construction, with the compact of snow to insulate the interior where is warmed by by body heat alone [17]; (b) Interlocking fields: Bioclimatic Design [18]. body heat alone [17]; (b) Interlocking fields: Bioclimatic Design [18].

2.2. Efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) 2.2. Efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) Once energy requirements are reduced through a bioclimatic design, a choice of Once energy requirements are reduced through a bioclimatic design, a choice of high-performance high-performance materials (insulation, glazing, etc.) and power systems (HVAC and lighting) will materials (insulation, glazing, etc.) and power systems (HVAC and lighting) will be lower and so it be lower and so it will economize over the long term (investment as consumption). Much of the will economize over the long term (investment as consumption). Much of the French building stock, French building stock, for example, is renewing its air by natural ventilation (opening windows, air for example, is renewing its air by natural ventilation (opening windows, air infiltration related to infiltration related to leaks, etc.). This ventilation mode generates significant heat loss and is not leaks, etc.). This ventilation mode generates significant heat loss and is not adapted to the requirements adapted to the requirements by reducing current energy consumption; this is often due to the by reducing current energy consumption; this is often due to the difficulty to master this type of difficulty to master this type of ventilation. Therefore, regulation RT 2012 [16] geared more toward ventilation. Therefore, regulation RT 2012 [16] geared more toward developers of active techniques developers of active techniques (VMC single stream or dual stream) to ensure efficient and (VMC single stream or dual stream) to ensure efficient and controlled ventilation but at what price? controlled ventilation but at what price? In the best case, a mixed choice is offered as is practiced in In the best case, a mixed choice is offered as is practiced in the building of the house in Alsace region the building of the house in Alsace region of France in which the proposed solution is a natural of France in which the proposed solution is a natural ventilation system assisted and controlled ventilation system assisted and controlled (VNAC) [16]. Depending on the climate, it is possible to (VNAC) [16]. Depending on the climate, it is possible to reduce considerably view to cancel the reduce considerably view to cancel the heating or cooling needs, just by proper design such as heating or cooling needs, just by proper design such as “PassiveHous” project [19] and super insulated “PassiveHous” project [19] and super insulated envelope and super tight, or alternative envelope and super tight, or alternative constructions “Earthship” Michael Raynolds California [20], constructions “Earthship” Michael Raynolds California [20], which in addition to excelling in the art Buildings 2017, 7, 19 4 of 18 which in addition to excelling in the art of reuse of materials has inspired systems integration of vernacular architecture as a greenhouse associated with high inertia heating and adiabatic cooling, to reduce strongly the need for active systems.

2.3. Production of Sustainable Energy In the best case, after we carefully design buildings with a high-performance envelope, efficient HVAC and lighting systems. It is customary to offer high efficiency power generation systems and promote those using renewable energy (solar panels, heat exchangers, natural wind). It has been proved that, apart from the proven performance systems such as photovoltaic for energy production, for example, its production and processing end of life is disastrous from the ecological point of view [21] do realize through literature and examples of built works we know today, to construct buildings those consume little or zero energy. However, we realize that also includes proposed solutions to achieve are not completely harmless and at the end the energy balance of the building, although efficient in terms of consumption, is not so neutral as that. Indeed, the choice of high performance insulation that is not bio-sourced, therefore difficult to recyclable, and for a heating system or production of active energy has an impact on the environment. Therefore, the question we can ask ourselves is: What can we do to promote the use of less harmful and more passive solutions for the environment without affecting the performance in terms of building consumption? Added to this, is the question of life cycle [22] building energy costs by embodied energy implemented to produce the materials and systems that make up these buildings, their maintenances and end of life treatment and the impact of users on final consumption. Indeed, we still have a lot of work to achieve before to get to our ideal: ‘Building Energetically Efficient and Ecologically’. We believe that to return back to ‘nature’ in ways similar to our ancestors, drawing from nature to meet our needs, could help us get closer to this ideal. Several attempts try to learn from nature that show us it is now possible to optimize the structure of the building, mechanical system and materials used to improve their energy performance ecologically. The following section will present the biomimicry and his contributions in the field that concerns us today.

3. Biomimicry (Biomimetic Design Strategy) Could Provide Guidelines for Improving Energy Efficiency of Buildings

3.1. Overview Biomimicry—Optimization Strategy from Nature The main force related to the way nature can inspire sustainable design. The term ‘inspire’ means enabling the designer to look for creative design solutions [23]. One source of inspiration comes from the shapes of organisms. The second level of inspiration relates to the manufacturing process that operates in those organisms. At the last level, inspired by the interactions of the species between each other and by the global functioning of natural eco-systems [24]. A conceptual model of biomimicry has further classified the design approaches, which range for a ‘direct’ approach that is a simple mimicking process to an ‘indirect’ which involves more diverse forms of analysis of nature [25]. The question for research is largely a ‘how’ question to use biomimicry in design. One of the major challenges of using biomimetic strategy today is to provide sustainable technologies. To imitate nature solution per se, without an intention to implement nature sustainability design principles, is not a guarantee for sustainability. Seeking nature’s guidance for sustainable models and measures is reasonable and has expanded in recent years. Biological processes operate within restricted living constraints without creating waste; in contrast they enrich and sustain the ecosystems. Nature forms and structures provide a wide range of properties with the minimal use of material or energy and nature systems demonstrate efficient flow of energy and material. Not only nature solutions are distant from technology, but they are also based on a different paradigm [26]. The different is well demonstrated the comparison between design solutions in biology and technology, by the assistance of the TRIZ [27], an acronym in Russian known in English as ‘Theory of inventive problem-solving’. TRIZ based analysis showed that there is only 12% similarity between the principles of solutions in biology and technology. While in technology Buildings 2017, 7, 19 5 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 5 of 18 usuallymaterials energy are being and materials used to solve are being problems, used to in solve biolo problems,gy solutions in biology are based solutions on information are based and on informationstructures [26], and structures (Figure 2). [26 ], Further (Figure 2 more,). Further biology more, biology system system usually usually follows follows the the principle principle of ofmultifunctional multifunctional design. design. Each Each component component has has several several functions, functions, offering offering an an elegant elegant and and cost effective design.design. TechnologicalTechnological systems systems not not always always follow follow this this principle; principle; in manyin many cases cases each each component component has onehas orone only or only few functions.few functions.

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 2.2. ((a)) TheThe typestypes ofof problem-solvingproblem-solving strategiesstrategies thatthat humanhuman technologytechnology employsemploys onon differentdifferent lengthlength scalesscales [[26].26]. Technology tendstends toto functionfunction byby manipulatingmanipulating energy andand substance;substance; (b) TypesTypes ofof effectseffects observed observed in in biology biology at different at different length length scales scales [26]. Natural[26]. Natural systems systems tend to tend function to function on account on ofaccount how they of how are structuredthey are structured and the wayand informationthe way information is managed. is managed.

To explore biomimetic strategies, which challenge this position, we use technology to aid To explore biomimetic strategies, which challenge this position, we use technology to aid designs, designs, which are inspired and work with nature rather than being controlled by technology. which are inspired and work with nature rather than being controlled by technology.Biomimicry has much Biomimicry has much to contribute especially during the concept generation stage with well to contribute especially during the concept generation stage with well understanding of performance understanding of performance optimization in nature. An appropriate sustainability tool for the optimization in nature. An appropriate sustainability tool for the concept design stage maybe derived concept design stage maybe derived from the nature itself, where nature sustainability design from the nature itself, where nature sustainability design principles are identified and gathered as principles are identified and gathered as a tool such as database. We will speak further in Section 5, a tool such as database. We will speak further in Section5, the research aim/methodology section, as to the research aim/methodology section, as to how we can facilitate biomimicry as a sustainable tool to how we can facilitate biomimicry as a sustainable tool to manage energy consumption in the buildings. manage energy consumption in the buildings. 3.2. Biomimetic Problem-Solving Design Strategies: Comparison between Nature and Architecture 3.2. Biomimetic Problem-Solving Design Strategies: Comparison between Nature and Architecture If we look at all design solutions based from nature and compare with problem-solving contradictionIf we look in architectural at all design design, solutions one based can find from many nature commonalities and compare between with the problem two domains.-solving Forcontradiction examples, thein architectural main purposes design, for windows one can are find to many allow lightcommonalities in and to let between you see the out two and thisdomains. often comesFor examples, at the expense the main of theirpurposes ability for to windows prevent heat are transfer.to allow The light contradiction in and to let is you what see if theout buildingand this requiresoften comes more at light the insideexpense and of at their the sameability time to prevent the building heat musttransfer. be able The to contradiction control heat gain,is what how if canthe webuilding solve requires this contradiction more light within inside theand same at the design same concept?time the building Once we must look atbe theable perfect to control solution heat gain, how can we solve this contradiction within the same design concept? Once we look at the in nature, in general we recognize that plants have many techniques for light harvesting, but what perfect solution in nature, in general we recognize that plants have many techniques for light about one that can also control heat gain. One such example is Fenestraria aurantiaca (also known as harvesting, but what about one that can also control heat gain. One such example is Fenestraria window plant) [28]. Window plants have a similar working principle to fiber optics, it can be found in aurantiaca (also known as window plant) [28]. Window plants have a similar working principle to the deserts of South Africa, they are nearly buried in the sand [29]. The tip of every leaf is transparent: fiber optics, it can be found in the deserts of South Africa, they are nearly buried in the sand [29]. The Light enters here and can travel down the leaf [29]. The plant shown in Figure3a has only a small tip of every leaf is transparent: Light enters here and can travel down the leaf [29]. The plant shown part of it exposed to the light. The plant absorbs light through an opening at the top, hence the name in Figure 3a has only a small part of it exposed to the light. The plant absorbs light through an ‘window plant’. Fenestraria aurantiaca has specialized adaptations to deal with heat, light and aridity. opening at the top, hence the name ‘window plant’. Fenestraria aurantiaca has specialized The window at the top of the plant is actually a light transparent membrane, light can protrude through adaptations to deal with heat, light and aridity. The window at the top of the plant is actually a light this membrane to reach the lower region of the leave. The mechanisms from Fenestraria aurantiaca not transparent membrane, light can protrude through this membrane to reach the lower region of the only inspire cooling and light collections, but could also provide a feasible solution for architecture leave. The mechanisms from Fenestraria aurantiaca not only inspire cooling and light collections, design. The concept of the window plant can be adapted for building in deserts and very hot regions but could also provide a feasible solution for architecture design. The concept of the window plant (Figure3b). The light collection combined with cooling effect could open new doors to building design. can be adapted for building in deserts and very hot regions (Figure 3b). The light collection The concept of light collectors has been in existence for a long time and is constantly optimized. combined with cooling effect could open new doors to building design. The concept of light The fact that architectural design itself could provide light collection and cooling, without the need of collectors has been in existence for a long time and is constantly optimized. The fact that additional systems, could result in sustainable building design. architectural design itself could provide light collection and cooling, without the need of additional systems, could result in sustainable building design. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 6 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 6 of 18

(a) (b)

Figure 3. (a) Fenestraria aurantiaca [28]; (b) a. Abstracted from the build-concept of the stone plant Figure 3. (a) Fenestraria aurantiaca [28]; (b) a. Abstracted from the build-concept of the stone plant Frithia pulchra (Adapted from Tributsch 1995): b. Concept sketch for a desert building [28]. Frithia pulchra (Adapted from Tributsch 1995): b. Concept sketch for a desert building [28]. By using a biomimetic design strategy, as an architect, to be able to automatically know which specificBy using plant a biomimetic to look at, to design understand strategy, theas mechanism an architect, behind to be nature’s able to perfect automatically design and know to choos whiche specificwhat plant to transfer, to look are at, tonot understand easy tasks. E theither mechanism an architect behind who has nature’s long– perfectyears experiences design and working to choose in whatthe to biomimetic transfer, are field not or easy one tasks. that have Either an an access architect to collaborate who has long–yearswith biologists, experiences botanists working and share in the biomimeticproblem-solution field or design one that commonality have an access between to collaborate the two with domains. biologists, The botanists major concern and share of problem-solutiondiscouragement design for commonalityarchitects to go between for biomimetic the two domains. strategy The is because major concern of the of lack discouragement of biological for architectsknowledge to and go for the biomimetic lack of accessibility strategy to is reach because to the of thecorrect lack biological of biological information. knowledge and the lack of accessibility to reach to the correct biological information. 3.3. Biomimicry and Energy Efficient Building Design 3.3. BiomimicryFor the and design Energy concept Efficient of an Building energy- Designefficient building, building envelope is the first to count on theFor consumption the design concept change, of which an energy-efficient will allow us building, to reduce building energy envelope needs by is careful the first design to count of the on the consumptionbuilding envelope. change, Recently, which will integrate allow biomimetic us to reduce desi energygn in needs building by careful envelope design is one of theof the building most envelope.development Recently, tool integrate for energy biomimetic management design in building the building. envelope Nowadays, is one of building the most envelopes development are tool forassociated energy managementwith a wide range in the of building. innovative Nowadays, technologies building that envelopessignificantly are influence, associated in with particular a wide rangecases, of innovative have a functional technologies role in that providing significantly a satisfactory influence, indoor in particular climate for cases, the occupants have a functional [30]. role Technology might be one of the main driving forces to transfer natures’ principles to in providing a satisfactory indoor climate for the occupants [30]. architectural designs. Architecture with aspects of nature has been there longs years from the Technology might be one of the main driving forces to transfer natures’ principles to architectural traditional architectures until the modern ones. However, Biomimetic architectures have been designs. Architecture with aspects of nature has been there longs years from the traditional architectures developed just recently, started from the original concept of Biology + technology [31] intentionally until the modern ones. However, Biomimetic architectures have been developed just recently, started creates more efficient artificial design. Nowadays, with global problems, biomimetic design is fromdeveloping the original to concept integrate of Biology towards + more technology sustainable [31] intentionally concept. To createsreduce moreenery efficient consumption artificial in design.building Nowadays,s is not allwith about global re-construction problems,biomimetic the whole building design is itself developing with the to most integrate innovative towards and moreadvanced sustainable technological concept. To design reduce possibl enerye, consumptionas biomimetic in architecture buildings isfrequently not all about is misinterpretated. re-construction the wholeThis is where building the itselfinitial withthought the of most the optimisation’s innovative and principle advanced from nature technological should be design aware possible,of. If we as biomimeticwant to imitate architecture an efficient frequently design is from misinterpretated. nature, we must This not is forget where to the also initial learn thought to imitate of the the optimisation’sprocess of principle how nature from nature achieves should it. This be aware process of. If is we the want lesson to imitate to reveal an efficient all the design secret from of nature,high we-performance must not forget design to alsooptimisation learn to imitate from nature the process that can of make how nature us differ achieves from an it. architectural This process is theperspective. lesson to revealThere is all an the important secret of distinction high-performance to be made design betwee optimisationn ‘biomimicry’ from and nature‘biomorphism’ that can makeas us the differ architects from an frequently architectural use perspective. nature as a There source is foran important unconventional distinction forms to and be made for symbolic between ‘biomimicry’association. and Nature ‘biomorphism’ is the ultimate as the in architects performance frequently-orientated use design nature so as it a is source no wonder for unconventional that attention formsshould and forfinally symbolic be paid association. to its processes. Nature Rather is the than ultimate just symbolic in performance-orientated or form, biomimetic design architecture so it is no wondershould be that concerned attention more should on aspects finally of be how paid we to process its processes. our design Rather and thanwhat just if our symbolic design could or form, be biomimetica positive architecture impact to the should environment be concerned as a whole more on[32] aspects. of how we process our design and what if our designAlthough could nature be a positive is the perfectimpact design to the environment model for us as to a learn whole and [32 ]. develop in our man-made design, to mimic the process of nature is not a trivial task. There are various obstacles to the Although nature is the perfect design model for us to learn and develop in our man-made design, employment of biomimicry methodology in design. One barrier of particular note is the lack of a to mimic the process of nature is not a trivial task. There are various obstacles to the employment clearly defined approach to biomimicry, especially if the goal is to increase the sustainability and of biomimicry methodology in design. One barrier of particular note is the lack of a clearly defined energy consumption. Drawing on the principles of biomimicry in energy-efficient building design approach to biomimicry, especially if the goal is to increase the sustainability and energy consumption. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 7 of 18

Drawing on the principles of biomimicry in energy-efficient building design offers such a path. In order to understand both the urgency and the benefits of using a biomimetic approach to energy-efficient buildingBuildings design, 2017, 7 it, 19 is first necessary to explore the energy efficiency or effectiveness of7 biologicalof 18 organism and systems at consuming energy. The incentive is that by creating more energy efficient systemoffers and such technologies, a path. In order and to begin understand more both efficient the urgency at energy and the consumption benefits of using ourselves, a biomimetic we would requireapproach less power, to energy and- inefficient turn lessbuilding fossil design, fuel isit is burnt first necessary and therefore to explore less the GHGs energy are efficiency emitted or into the atmosphereeffectiveness [33]. The of objectivebiological is organism to employ and biomimicry systems at consuming in the further energy. improvements The incentive and is developments that by creating more energy efficient system and technologies, and begin more efficient at energy on existing means of producing, generating or capturing energy to reduce human dependence on consumption ourselves, we would require less power, and in turn less fossil fuel is burnt and fossil fueltherefore that stillless GHGs dominate are emitted our energy into the consumption. atmosphere [33]. Various The objective biomimetic is to employ technologies biomimic andry productsin have beenthe further developed improvements for the purposes and developments of improving on energy existing efficiency. means of There producing, are numerous generating examples or of livingcapturing organisms energy and to systems reduce that human are highly dependence energy oneffective fossil fuel and that that still could dominate yield an our understanding energy of howconsumption. humans could Various build biomimetic and carry technologies out their activitiesand products without have been a dependence developed for on the fossil purposes fuels [34]. of improving energy efficiency. There are numerous examples of living organisms and systems that 4. Theare Analytical highly energy Study effective of Bioclimatic and that could and yield Biomimetic an understanding Design Strategiesof how humans to Reduce could build Energy and Consumptioncarry out intheir the activities Building without a dependence on fossil fuels [34].

As4. The we haveAnalytical referred Study to of inBioclimatic the first and chapter, Biomimetic humans Design have Strategies always to takenReduce advantageEnergy of local conditionsConsumption to construct in the theirBuilding shelter to suit their needs and architecture with aspects of nature. This has beenAs we true have over referred the longsto in theyears first from chapter the, humanstraditional have architectures always taken untiladvantage the modern of local ones. The evolvingcondition sustainabilitys to construct approachtheir shelter to to building suit their aims needs to and use architecture energy and with resource aspects efficiently, of nature. This and to use environmentallyhas been true friendly over the outputs. longs years It can from be achieved the traditional by looking architectures at the relationship until the modern between ones. architecture The and natureevolving from sustainability the past approach until present to building (e.g., aims vernacular to use energy architecture, and resource efficiently bioclimatic, and architecture). to use Usingenvironmental successful traditionally friendly design outputs. principles It can be achieved that respond by looking to human at the needs relationship and environmental between architecture and nature from the past until present (e.g., vernacular architecture, bioclimatic conditions combined with advance modern science and technologies where natural strategies can be architecture). Using successful traditional design principles that respond to human needs and appliedenvironmental directly to theconditions design combine constructiond with andadvance its processmodern (biomimicry).science and technologies This approach where natural may lead to functionalstrategies design can solutions be applied that directly interact to with the design the environment, construction whereand its technology process (biomimicry). becomes an This integral part ofappr theoach environment may lead as to well functional [35]. This design includes solutions evaluating that interact the with main the similarities environment, and where the driving forces thattechnology affect becomes nature and an integral the architectural part of the environment design process as well [36 ].[35]. We This introduce includes an evaluating analytic the study for two examples:main similarities one shows and the bioclimatic driving forces design that affect in comparison nature and withthe arc biomimetichitectural design design process in objective [36]. to reduceWe energy introduce consumption an analytic focusingstudy for two on techniqueexamples: one and shows strategies bioclimatic applied. design in comparison with biomimetic design in objective to reduce energy consumption focusing on technique and strategies 4.1. Bioclimaticapplied. Architecture Approach: The Cooling and Heating Design-Strategy Bioclimatic4.1. Bioclimatic architecture Architecture isApproach defined: The as Cooling an architecture, and Heating whichDesign-Strategy has a connection with nature; it is about a buildingBioclimatic that architecture takes into is account defined theas an climate architecture, and environmentalwhich has a connection conditions with nature; to favor it is thermal comfortabout inside a building [37]. This that architecturetakes into account seeks the perfect climate cohesionand environmental between conditions design and to favor natural thermal elements (such ascomfort the sun, inside wind, [37]. rainThis andarchitecture vegetation), seeks perfect leading cohesion us to an between optimization design and of resources.natural elements Bioclimatic designs(such take as intothe sun, account wind, climaterain and vegetation), and environmental leading us conditionsto an optimization to help of resources. achieve optimalBioclimatic thermal comfortdesigns inside. take It dealsinto account with design climate and and environmentalarchitectural elements,conditions to avoiding help achieve complete optimal dependence thermal on comfort inside. It deals with design and architectural elements, avoiding complete dependence on mechanical systems, which are regarded as support. A good example of this is using natural ventilation mechanical systems, which are regarded as support. A good example of this is using natural or mixedventilation mode ventilationor mixed mode (Figure ventilation4). (Figure 4).

(a) (b)

Figure 4. (a) The cooling strategy, reduce calorie intake and promote refreshment; (b) The heating strategy promotes free heat gains and reduces thermal experts, while allowing sufficient air renewal [37]. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 8 of 18

Figure 4. (a) The cooling strategy, reduce calorie intake and promote refreshment; (b) The heating strategy promotes free heat gains and reduces thermal experts, while allowing sufficient air renewal [37].

The purpose of Bioclimatic design is to reduce the energy consumption rate required to operate Buildings 2017, 7, 19 8 of 18 a building while enhancing the quality and comfort of the indoor environment for occupants. For example, to provide comfort during the summer requires a cooling strategy: protection from direct solar gainThe purpose and glare, of Bioclimatic minimizing design heat is to gain, reduce dissipating the energy consumption solar heat gain rate required and cooling to operate naturally. Comforta building in the while winter enhancing requires the a qualityheating and strategy: comfort Utilizing of the indoor solar gain, environment storing forit in occupants. thermal mass, For example, to provide comfort during the summer requires a cooling strategy: protection from retaining heat through insulation and transmitting it throughout the building. direct solar gain and glare, minimizing heat gain, dissipating solar heat gain and cooling naturally. Designing with nature means accounting for multi-seasonal considerations, for example, Comfort in the winter requires a heating strategy: Utilizing solar gain, storing it in thermal mass, reducingretaining heating heat through needs insulation with maximum and transmitting sunlight it throughout from Southern the building. oriented windows. If these techniquesDesigning have withworked nature for means generations accounting in thes for multi-seasonale communities considerations, designed for for their example, geographic reducing region, thenheating clearly needs modern with maximumdesign could sunlight benefit from from Southern careful oriented integration windows. of these If these traditional techniques principles. have It is entirelyworked possible for generations to design in these modern communities bioclimatic designed housing for their and geographic architecture, region, using then clearlynatural modern ventilation, passivedesign solar could design,benefit from sustainable careful integration materials, of andthese many traditional other principles. traditional It is siteentirely-specific possible techniques. to Bioclimaticdesign modern architecture bioclimatic deals housing exclusively and architecture, with traditional using natural building ventilation, design accounting passive solar to design, climate and environmentalsustainable materials, conditions, and manybut it otherworks traditional at different site-specific scales to techniques. the concept Bioclimatic of biomimicry, architecture in which naturedeals is exclusively the mentor with for traditional the concept building of the design design accounting and its process to climate as and shown environmental with the analysis conditions, study of but it works at different scales to the concept of biomimicry, in which nature is the mentor for the the termite mound and the penguin feather. concept of the design and its process as shown with the analysis study of the termite mound and the penguin feather. 4.1.1. The Architecture of Termite Mound: Auto Cooling-Heating System with Ventilation and Air Exchange4.1.1. The Management Architecture of Termite Mound: Auto Cooling-Heating System with Ventilation and Air Exchange Management The remarkable architecture of termite mound teaches us many lessons how to construct a high performanceThe remarkable building, architecture it keeps the of termitetemperature mound almost teaches usconstant many lessons at all time. how to What construct ever a the high climate outsideperformance would building,be, inside it keeps the mound the temperature is always almost stably constant 87 F° at[38]. all time.Termite What mound ever the is climate an efficiency outside would be, inside the mound is always stably 87 F◦ [38]. Termite mound is an efficiency ventilation device. If the termites were the same size as us, their mound would have been the size of ventilation device. If the termites were the same size as us, their mound would have been the size of Empire state building. They teach architects to design super-efficient skyscrapers. Inside the mound Empire state building. They teach architects to design super-efficient skyscrapers. Inside the mound is is an an extensive extensive system system of tunnels of tunnels and conduits and that conduits serves thatas a ventilation serves as system a ventilation for the underground system for the undergroundnest. In order nest. to get In good order ventilation, to get good the ventilation, termites will the construct termites several will construct shafts leading several down shafts to the leading downcellar to located the cellar beneath located the nest.beneath The moundthe nest. is builtThe mound above the is subterraneanbuilt above the nest. subterranean The nest itself nest. is The nesta spheroidal itself is a structure spheroidal consisting structure of numerous consisting gallery of numerous chambers. Thegallery termites chambers. create channels The termites inside create channelsthrough inside the wall through that it canthe breath.wall that We it learn can breath. from the We termites learn tofrom improve the termites our design to improve that the walls our design thatshould the walls work should as membranes work as to membranes breath rather to than breath barriers rather [38]. than barriers [38]. TheThe Eastgate Eastgate Centre, Centre, Harare, Mick Mick Pearce Pearce has has optimized optimized the theventilation ventilation of the of building, the building, the the architectarchitect found found inspiration inspiration in termites’termites’ mounds mounds (Figure (Figure5). Their5). Their structure structure responds responds to external to external air air movements and humidity in order to keep the interior cool. Although the result shows 90% reduction movements and humidity in order to keep the interior cool. Although the result shows 90% of energy required for air-conditioning compared to building of the same size. Remarkably, these reduction of energy required for air-conditioning compared to building of the same size. designs are still based upon an erroneous conception of how termite mounds actually work. If we Remarkably,could arise fromthese this designs better understanding are still based in theupon structure an erroneous and function conception of termite of mounds, how termite we could mounds actuallycreate a work. new outline If we for could biomimetic arise from design this concept better in theunderstanding future. in the structure and function of termite mounds, we could create a new outline for biomimetic design concept in the future.

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 5. 5. (a(a) )The The architecture architecture of of termite termite mound mound [38 [38];]; (b) ( Theb) The Eastgate Eastgate Centre, Centre, Harare Harare [39]. [39]. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 9 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 9 of 18 4.2. Passive Mechanism for Thermal Comfort: Double Wall and Biomimetic Insulation (Penguin Feather) 4.2. PassiveAppropriate Mechanism design for Thermal of building Comfort: insulation Double Wall can and facilitate Biomimetic heat Insulation retention (Penguin during Feather) winters and preventAppropriate ingress of design heat during of building summers. insulation One canof the facilitate finest examples heat retention of insulators during winters for heat and retention prevent is ingressthe feather of heat of the during Gentoo summers. Penguins One (Pygos of thecelis finest papua) examples from Antarctica of insulators [40] for (Figure heat retention6). According is the to featherthe anatomy of the Gentoo of the Penguins penguins, (Pygoscelis maximum papua) insulation from Antarctica is achieved [40] (Figuredue to6 ). the According closely to packed the anatomyarrangement of the of penguins, the feather maximum on the body insulation of the is penguin, achieved it due minimize to the closely very well packed the arrangementheat lost. Thus, of thecreating feather a onthermal the body model of thebased penguin, on the penguin’s it minimize feather very wellfollows the this heat main lost. Thus,principle. creating The bi aomimetic thermal modelmaterial based based on on the the penguin’s arrangement feather of the follows penguin this mainfeather principle. is tested on The the biomimetic main façade material instead based of the ondouble the arrangement wall in building of the simulation penguin feather [41]. The is tested comparison on the main of results façade between instead ofbuilding the double with wall double in buildingwall façade simulation and with [41 biomimetic]. The comparison façade material of results sh betweenows that building through withthe biomimetic double wall material, façade andvery withminimum biomimetic heat loss façade occurs material from showsthe building that through fabric thein winter biomimetic but in material, summer verythe building minimum is heatmore lossairtight. occurs In from terms the of building comfort fabricduring in winters, winter but the inbiomimetic summer the façade building material is more is able airtight. to produce In terms more of comfortcomfortable during conditions winters, the than biomimetic the double façade wall materialsystem. isThis able is to because produce of more the insulation comfortable quality conditions of the thanfaçade the material double wall that system. retains This the isheat because in the of interiors. the insulation Comparing quality energy of the façade-efficiency material with that the retainsenergy therequired heat in thefor interiors. heating, Comparingbiomimetic energy-efficiency façade material with requires the energy only half required of the for heating heating, consumption biomimetic façadecompared material to the requires double only wall half façade. of the Whereas heating during consumption summers, compared the double to the wall double system wall is façade. able to Whereasdeliver during more comfortable summers, the conditions double wall than system the building is able to withdeliver biomimetic more comfortable façade material. conditions This than is thebecause building thewith double biomimetic wall can façadedelay the material. ingress This of the is becauseheat in the the interiors double wall due can to air delay gap the in the ingress façade. of theHence, heat inthe the biomimetic interiors duefaçade to airmaterial gap in is the more façade. efficient Hence, during the winter biomimetic period façade [41]. materialThis analysis is more will efficientbe used during as an example winter period of penguin [41]. feather This analysis as biomimetic will be usedstrategy as an to exampletest multi of-criteria penguin requirements feather as biomimeticand result strategywith the to investigating test multi-criteria tool in requirements Section 5. and result with the investigating tool in Section5.

(a) (b)

Figure 6. (a) Feather structure of penguin [41]; (b) Feather distribution on penguin [41]. Figure 6. (a) Feather structure of penguin [41]; (b) Feather distribution on penguin [41].

Comparison of results show that the building with biomimetic façade cladding material, inspiredComparison by the ofstructure results showof the that penguin the building feather, with is better biomimetic comfort façade during cladding winter material,. The biomimetic inspired byfaçade the structure produce of more the penguin efficient feather, winter isheating better comfortthan summer during cooling. winter. Biomimetic The biomimetic design façade is not produce always morethe best efficient solution winter for heating the thermal than summer comfort cooling. unless Biomimeticwe are awar designe of specific is not always criterion. the In best the solution case of forbiomimetic the thermal façade, comfort it is unless certain we that are awareappropriate of specific emulation criterion. from In thenature case has of biomimeticenables construction façade, it isof certaineffective that materials appropriate that emulation can address from nature the energy has enables issues construction of a building, of effective but materials it is specifically that can addressrecommended the energy only issues for he ofavy a building, construction but it in is extreme specifically cold recommended weather because only of for its heavy superior construction insulation inquality extreme and cold fabric weather performance. because of its superior insulation quality and fabric performance. BiomimeticBiomimetic design design could couldbe be a a favorite favoritein in the the right right place place where where nature nature is is the the mentor mentor for for the the conceptconcept of of the the design, design, using using efficient efficient overall overall structural structural forms, forms, functions functions and and how how to to manufacture manufacture materialsmaterials to to employ employ the the design design toto maximummaximum effecteffect [[42].42]. After the analytic study, study, although nature nature is is a apotential potential source source of inspiration for creating energy-efficientenergy-efficient structurestructure butbut it it depends depends on on multi-criteria multi-criteria requirementsrequirements such such as climate as climate classification, classification, environmental environmental factors, material factors, used, material type of used, construction type of andconstruction etc. The and value etc. and The relevance value and ofrelevance using nature of using as nature a model as a inmodel the in context the context of the of designthe design of energy-efficientof energy-efficient buildings buildings is proven, is proven, difficulty, difficulty, and size, and nevertheless size, neverth persists,eless persists, to the architects, to the architects, who do notwho familiar do not with familiar biological with biological process, unlessprocess, in unless a research in a perspectiveresearch perspective or prospecting. or prospecting. This state This of state of affairs is due to ignorance and/or the fact that much of the architects relegate biomimicry to a Buildings 2017, 7, 19 10 of 18 affairs is due to ignorance and/or the fact that much of the architects relegate biomimicry to a level of research “utopian” perspective view. The question at this point of our work is that to say, how can we do to that architects go a little more “spontaneously” and/or more “naturally” to this type of approach? This would facilitate the one hand, their initiation Biomimetics demonstrating and Buildings 2017, 7, 19 10 of 18 making available its interest by examples from the architecture (and in terms of what they know) and, secondly,level the of inspiration research “utopian or exploitation” perspective of view. biomimicry The question in their at this work. point To of achieveour work thisis that goal, to say, we suggest to formalizerhow can the we biologicaldo to that architects and architecture go a little more knowledge, “spontaneously within” and a/or virtual more “naturally platform” to (computing)this collaboratingtype of betweenapproach? biologistsThis would facilitate and architects, the one hand, where their biologistsinitiation Biomimetics feed biological demonstrating information and into making available its interest by examples from the architecture (and in terms of what they know) the database and facilitate by investigative tools to bridge with architectural design concept. In this and, secondly, the inspiration or exploitation of biomimicry in their work. To achieve this goal, we article, asuggest decision to support formalizer tool the based biological on Bayesian and architecture networks knowledge, is hypothetically within a virtual chosen platform for testing the rapid result,(computing) between collaborating the choice between of natural biologists devices and impact architects, on various where criterions biologists feed in specific biological case study, which weinformation describe into the the operating database modeand facilitate in the by following investigative section. tools to bridge with architectural design concept. In this article, a decision support tool based on Bayesian networks is hypothetically chosen 5. A Platformfor testing and the Investigative rapid result, between Tool for the Integrating choice of natural Biomimetic devices impact Strategies on various in Serving criterions in Energy-Efficientspecific case Building study, which Design we describe the operating mode in the following section. The5. goal A Platform of this and study Investigative is to create Tool a toolfor Integrating to search Biomimetic for and bridge Strategies the relationshipin Serving between natural devices andEnergy architecture.-Efficient Building We propose Designto create a platform to formalize the knowledge between biology and architectureThe goal along of this with study investigating is to create a tools tool tothat search assist for architectsand bridge whatthe relationship biomimetic between strategies to choose andnatur toal explore devices further and architecture. according We to proposemulti-criteria to create requirements a platform to (e.g., formalize type of the operation, knowledge structure, between biology and architecture along with investigating tools that assist architects what scale, climate classification, time, comfort summer or winter, etc.). Furthermore, the platform of the biomimetic strategies to choose and to explore further according to multi-criteria requirements (e.g., tool willtype help of to operation, save time structure, during scale, initial climate stage classification, of exchanging time, comfort knowledge summer between or winter biologists, etc.). and architects,Furthermore, as the tool the can platform help to offind the toolthe linkwill help between to save the time two during domains initial according stage of exchanging to their common design conceptsknowledge and between phenomena biologists interacting and architects, with as the their tool environmental can help to find conditionsthe link between [43]. the While two the role of biologistsdomains is to according feed the to database their common on biological design concepts knowledge and phenomena and the interactingrole of architects with their is to feed environmental conditions [43]. While the role of biologists is to feed the database on biological the architectural design knowledge in parallel (Figure7). After formalizing the relationship of the knowledge and the role of architects is to feed the architectural design knowledge in parallel (Figure two domains,7). After multi-criteria formalizing the choice relationship assistance of theand two decision-making domains, multi- toolcriteria could choice be assistanceintroduced and according to specificitydecision in- eachmaking project. tool could In thisbe introduced article, we according have hypothetically to specificity in suggestedeach project. theIn this Bayesian article, we network as a testinghave result hypothetically in serving suggested energy-efficient the Bayesian building network design. as a testing result in serving energy-efficient building design.

Figure 7. An example of a small network within a data analysis platform (computing) searches and formalizes the relationship knowledge between biology and architecture. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 11 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 11 of 18

Figure 7. An example of a small network within a data analysis platform (computing) searches and 5.1. Presentationformalizes of the relationship Tool knowledge between biology and architecture. This tool is designed to guide architects and engineers, or other building actors. It is both 5.1. Presentation of the Tool an information investigating tool and an aid in selecting the most appropriate strategies of nature to the needsThis tool and is specificitydesigned to of guide a project, architects all and this engineers, in connection or other withbuilding energy actors. performance It is both an and optimizinginformation suitspecific investigating needs, tool special and an features aid in selecting and characteristics the most appropriate of each project.strategies This of nature tool willto the enable buildingneeds professionals and specificity to of learna project, about all this biomimicry, in connection what with are energy the known performance strategies and optimizing and an applicable suit specific needs, special features and characteristics of each project. This tool will enable building implementation of the building from an energy point of view. Secondly, it would allow them, during professionals to learn about biomimicry, what are the known strategies and an applicable the designimplement process,ation fromof the thebuilding data theyfrom havean energy of their point project of view. to Secondly, define strategies it would fromallow naturethem, during and could be a potentialthe design inspiration process, from to the optimize data they their have design of their in projectorder to to reach define their strategies goal from of energy nature efficiency, and optimalcould way be in a terms potential ofcost inspiration in materials, to optimize embodied their energy, design etc. in order (all evaluation to reach their criteria goal will of be energy specified duringefficiency, the design optimal of the way tool). in terms The of proposals cost in materials, made by embodied this tool energy could, beetc. applied (all evaluation to different criteria levels of thewill project, be specified namely: during (1) the the design development of the tool). of The an proposals innovative made material; by this (2)tool specificationcould be applied of projectto componentsdifferent such levels as of a frontthe project, portion namely: and; (3)(1) part the of development a broader strategy of an innovative that would material be part; (2) of the envelope,specification for example. of project components such as a front portion and; (3) part of a broader strategy that would be part of the envelope, for example. To do this, we propose a tool in which structure would be as follows (see Figure8): initially the To do this, we propose a tool in which structure would be as follows (see Figure 8): initially the architect, for example, should integrate through an interface, project-related input data and natural architect, for example, should integrate through an interface, project-related input data and natural devicesdevices that that wish wish to beto be treated. treated. These These inputs inputs allowallow feed feedinging a amulti multi-criteria-criteria assessment assessment tool toolthat we that we produceproduce output output options options that that can can offer offer one one oror moremore kind of of strategies strategies form form nature nature and and constraints constraints to to theirtheir adoption. adoption. For For each each biomimetic biomimetic design design strategy,strategy, a a data data sheet sheet describing describing the the natural natural role rolemodel’s model’s information,information, examples examples or or operating operating potential potential inin the building building that that would would be beaccessible accessible in a database, in a database, fueledfueled by the by questionthe question of of experts. experts. This This database database w willill integrate integrate the the different different strategies strategies that thatcan be can be associatedassociated with with an an element element of of nature. nature. Each one one contains contains information information on the on natural the natural phenomena, phenomena, a a systemsystem diagram diagram drawing drawing (our (our architectural architectural drafting-drawing drafting-drawing to abstract to abstract natures’ natures’ principles), principles), references, references, contacts of scientific experts and case studies (where the strategies have already been contacts of scientific experts and case studies (where the strategies have already been applied). applied).

A rchitect H elp in choosing B iom im etic strateg ies m ulticriteria biom im etic Data base system s at the service of d esign EEB

Interface B ayesian Netw ork

The criteria inputs: List of strategies from nature: D escriptive Data Sheets - The climate (hot-cold) - Penguin feather: Insulation for - The devices (insulation, solar - File snake skin: protecting from natural devices protection ...) dehydration - Operation (adaptive, fixed ...) -Term ite mound: Auto cooling-heat- -Type of building ing system with ventilation etc. etc.

FigureFigure 8. Presentation 8. Presentation of of the the structure structure of of investigating investigating tool, tool, which which can can support support architects architects to use to use biomimeticbiomimetic strategies strategies in morein more applicable applicable way. way.

In orderIn order to achieve to achieve this, this we, will we use will the use biomimetic the biomimetic case case from from the platform the platform that that formalize formalize already already the relationship between nature device and architectural design/elements then we must; the relationship between nature device and architectural design/elements then we must;

1. Identify inputs:

a. Identify the needs of architects in terms of optimization and development of solutions (passive system, adaptation system, structure, material, etc.) Buildings 2017, 7, 19 12 of 18

1. Identify inputs: Buildings 2017, 7, 19 12 of 18 a. Identify the needs of architects in terms of optimization and development of solutions (passive system, adaptation system, structure, material, etc.) b.b. IdentifyIdentify the the factors factors that that interact interact with with this this system system (climate (climate classification, classification, type type of of operation, operation, constraint,constraint, objectives objectives,, etc.) etc.) 2. IdentifyIdentify outputs: outputs: Identify Identify strategies strategies from from nature nature that that could could be be useful useful in in the design of energyenergy-efficient-efficient building building.. A Afterfter we we design the tool and construct the network, we offer an open systemsystem where where scientists scientists and and architects architects could could incorporate incorporate useful useful knowledge knowledge and working and working together togetheron biomimetic on biomimetic project. project. 3. ImplementImplement the the tool: tool: This This tool tool should should help help connect the the needs of the architect in terms of innovativeinnovative design relatedrelated toto nature’snature’s strategies strategies (in (in this this article article is is to to reduce reduce energy energy consumption consumption in inbuildings) buildings) taking taking into account into account the project the context project (environment, context (environment, type of project, type its of morphology, project, its morphology,its occupants, its etc.) occupant the projects, etc. could) the take project the following could take form the (Figure following8). The form implementation (Figure 8). The of implementationthe multi-criteria of assessment the multi- toolcriteria will assessment be hypothetically tool will based be hypothetically on Bayesian networks, based on which Bayesian can networks,rapidly present which the can results rapidly in p theresent following the results section. in the following section.

5.2. Bayesian Network (BN), Investigating and Decision-MakingDecision-Making AidAid ToolTool For t thehe hypothesis of of the the investigative investigative tool tool we we propose propose Bayesian Bayesian Networks Networks (BN), (BN), as asit seems it seems to tous us adapted adapted the the complexity complexity in in which which we we are are confronted. confronted. Bayesian Bayesian network network is is based based on on Bayes’ Bayes’ theorem, which is based on the conditional probability. TheThe BayesianBayesian networksnetworks are generally used to represent aa causecause to to effects effects reasoning reasoning [44 [44]]. They. They are are adapted adapted to to decision-making decision-making aid aid tools, tools, and and used used for differentfor different applications: applications: risk risk management, management, finance, finance, medical medical domain, domain etc., etc. As As presented presented in in the the Figure Figure9, a9, Bayesiana Bayesian network network is a graphicalis a graphical model model in which in which knowledge knowledge is represented is represented as variables. as variables. Each variable Each isvariable represented is represented by a node by in a thenode graph in the (as graph a qualitative (as a qualitative representation) representation) and has differentand has attributedifferent (orattribute stat). (or The stat). relationship The relationship between between causes andcauses effects and effects are translated are translated by directed by directe arrowsd arrows that linkthat theselink these nodes. nodes. The quantification The quantification of the effect of the that effect can that have can the causeshave the is represented causes is represented in a conditional in a probabilityconditional tableprobability (Figure table9). (Figure 9).

Figure 9. 9. ImplementationImplementation of of a Bayesian a Bayesian network; network; (a) Filled (a) Filled Informations Informations conditional conditional probability probability tables; (tablesb) Graphic; (b) Graphic description description model. model. Bayesian Bayesian network network interface interface HUGIN HUGIN [45]. [45]. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 13 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 13 of 18

The first interest of proposing the Bayesian network is that it could be used in domains where The first interest of proposing the Bayesian network is that it could be used in domains where knowledge is not explicit and difficult to control. A Bayesian network permits identification of the knowledge is not explicit and difficult to control. A Bayesian network permits identification of the relationships between pieces of information about the project that could appear independently [46] relationships between pieces of information about the project that could appear independently [46] as as the relation between type of users and energy performance [47] (Figure 9). The second interest of the relation between type of users and energy performance [47] (Figure9). The second interest of the the BN is that it can be used in the two directions: from effects to cause (information given, Figure 10) BNand is from that itcauses can be to used effects in the(decision two directions:-making aid, from Figure effects 11). to Thus, cause it (information is possible to given, evaluate Figure the effects10) and fromof causes causes or to to effectsfind out (decision-making the possible causes aid, of Figure a given 11 effect.). Thus, To itbe is shown possible in Figures to evaluate 10 and the 11. effects of causesWe or topropose find out presenting the possible how causes the tool of awill given run effect. through To this be shown small network in Figures (Figure 10 ands 1011 .and 11). TheWe network propose presented presenting in these how figuresthe tool consists will run of through 7 nodes this (or small variables). network It wil (Figuresl help to 10 identify and 11 ). Theventilation network and presented insulation in strategies these figures from consists nature (2 of nodes), 7 nodes which (or variables).respond to Itparticular will help indications to identify ventilationor constraints. and insulationThese responses strategies will from be based nature on (2 three nodes), nodes which of respondinputted to information: particular indications the type of or constraints.operation, These the design responses strategy will be and based the on threetype nodes of structure. of inputted It will information: also provide the type guidance of operation, or theagainst design-indications strategy and related the type to comfort, of structure. summer It will and also winter provide (two guidance nodes). orThese against-indications nodes are connected, related tocause comfort, and summereffect, through and winter directed (two arrows. nodes). Indeed, These if nodes we take are the connected, case of identifying cause and effect,an insulation through directedstrategy arrows. for example, Indeed, we if know we take that the the case choice of identifying of type of insulation an insulation inspired strategy by nature for example, depending we know on thatthe the type choice of operation of type of (renovation insulation inspired or new by construction) nature depending and robustness on the type of of the operation structure. (renovation We also orknow new construction)that this choice and can robustness be adapted of or the not structure. to the summer/winter We also know thatcomfort, this choicedepending can beon adapted the case. or notEach to the node summer/winter representing a comfort, variable depending that can have on the multiple case. Each attributes node representing (or states): avariable variable comfort that can havesummer, multiple for attributes example, has(or states): two states: variable positive comfort (Yes) summer, or negative for example, (No), the has probability two states: of positive being (Yes)checked or negative is varied (No), from the 0% probability to 100%. This of beingnetwork checked can be is used varied from from top 0%to bottom, to 100%. or This from network bottom canto betop used as follows: from top to bottom, or from bottom to top as follows:

5.2.1.5.2.1. Information Information Given Given Tool:Tool:Exploring Exploring NatureNature StrategyStrategy to Suitable Multi Multi-Criteria-Criteria Requirements Requirements TheThe spread spread upwards upwards (exploring (exploring nature nature strategy strategy to to multi-criteria multi-criteria requirements) requirements) will will allow allow users users of theof tool the to tool extract, to extract, from the from Bayesian the Bayesian network, network, information information on areas of on relevance areas of (climate relevance classification, (climate designclassification, strategy, design type ofstrategy, architectural type of constructionarchitectural andconstruction etc.) to useand natureetc.) to strategyuse nature and strategy possibly and to learnpossibly about to the learn constraints about the of these constraints strategies, of these or problems strategies, they or can problems create for they other can positions. create for Such other as thepositions. BN will Such inform as us the about BN will the factinform that us this about strategy the fact is effective that this for strategy winter is comfort effective and for can winter cause problemscomfort and in the can summer cause problems comfort. in the summer comfort.

(a)

Figure 10. Cont. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 14 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 14 of 18

(b)

Figure 10. Information given tool: exploring nature strategy to suitable multi-criteria requirements (a) Figure 10. Information given tool: exploring nature strategy to suitable multi-criteria requirements Potential use of Giraffe skin as natural insulation strategy; (b) Potential use of Prairie dog as natural (a) Potential use of Giraffe skin as natural insulation strategy; (b) Potential use of Prairie dog as ventilation. natural ventilation.

AsAs shown shown in in Figure Figure 10 10;; (a) Choosing giraffe as insulation strategy from nature (100%), the information shows that it is (a) Choosingbetter to giraffedevelop as this insulation strategy strategy with an from already nature existing (100%), building the information (70%), integrates shows that with it is heat better toinsulation develop this design strategy-system with to releasean already the existing heat out building (66.67%) (70%), and regard integrates to type with of heat structure, insulation it design-systemworks both with to release light the or heavyheat out structural (66.67%) andbuilding regard (as to show type of equally structure, 50% it). works The BN both also with lightinformed or heavy us about structural the fact building that this (as strategy show equally is highly 50%). effective The BN for alsosummer informed comfort us about(Yes: 100%) the fact thatbut thisnot for strategy winter is comfort highly effective(No: 100%). for summer comfort (Yes: 100%) but not for winter comfort (b) (No:Choosing 100%). Prairie dog as ventilation strategy from nature, the information shows that it is better (b) Choosingto develop Prairie the strategy dog as ventilationwith an already strategy existing from building nature, the (55.8%), information integrates shows with that ventilation it is better todesign develop-system the strategy(41.18%) withand it an works already better existing with buildingheavy structural (55.8%), building integrates (55.8%). with ventilationThe final design-systemalert shows that (41.18%) this strategy and it works works better both with for summer heavy structural and winter building comfort (55.8%). (as show The final equally alert shows50%). that this strategy works both for summer and winter comfort (as show equally 50%). 5.2.2. Decision-Making Aid Tool: Selecting Nature Strategy According to Multi-Criteria 5.2.2. Decision-Making Aid Tool: Selecting Nature Strategy According to Multi-Criteria Requirements Requirements TheThe spread spread up up down down (multi-criteria (multi-criteria requirements requirements select select biomimetic biomimetic strategy strategy that is that most is suitable most tosuitable elaborate to further)elaborate allows further) users allows to identify users to a identify strategy a from strategy nature, from which nature, best which suits tobest meet suits a particularto meet needsa particular and to avoidneeds difficultiesand to avoid or difficulties incompatibilities or incompatibilities that these strategies that these can strategies have with can other have concerns, with comfort,other concerns, for example comfort, (all in for 100%). example We can (all identify in 100%). the We input can selection identify proposedthe input attributes,selection proposed which are bothattributes, design which and other are both information design and strategies other information such as structural strategies constraints such as orstructural type of operation.constraints or typeIn of the operation. case presented in Figure 11 below, the inputs are the following: In the case presented in Figure 11 below, the inputs are the following: 1. Type of operation is “new construction/renovation” 1. Type of operation is “new construction/renovation” 2. Design strategy is “summer or winter insulation/ventilation” 2. Design strategy is “summer or winter insulation/ventilation” 3. Type of structure is “heavy/light”. 3. Type of structure is “heavy/light”. Buildings 2017, 7, 19 15 of 18 Buildings 2017, 7, 19 15 of 18

(a)

(b)

Figure 11. Decision-making aid tool: selecting nature strategy according to multi-criteria Figure 11. Decision-making aid tool: selecting nature strategy according to multi-criteria requirements requirements (a) What nature strategy is the most appropriate for winter insulation with new (a) What nature strategy is the most appropriate for winter insulation with new construction and construction and a heavy structure? (Penguin Feather 100%); (b) What nature strategy is the most a heavy structure? (Penguin Feather 100%); (b) What nature strategy is the most relevant for natural relevant for natural ventilation in new construction and a lightweight structure? (Termite mound ventilation in new construction and a lightweight structure? (Termite mound 80%). 80%). As shown in Figure 11: As shown in Figure 11: (a) We specific the requirements of the project (multi-criteria) that we need a strategy from nature, (a) Wewhich specific is for the winter requirements insulation of the design, project with (multi new-criteria) building that type we of need operation a strategy and from with nature, heavy whichstructure is for (all winter in 100%). insulation The BN design, tool suggests with new that building the best type insulation of operation strategy and from with nature heavy to structureexplore in (all this in project 100%). context The BN is tool from suggests the Penguin that Featherthe best (100%). insulation The strategy final alert, from it is na preciselyture to explore in this project context is from the Penguin Feather (100%). The final alert, it is precisely Buildings 2017, 7, 19 16 of 18

recommended to use this strategy for winter comfort (Yes: 100%) and it might pose problem for summer comfort (No: 100%). (b) We specific the requirements of the project (multi-criteria) that we need a strategy from nature, which is for ventilation design-system, with new building type of operation and with light structure (all in 100%). The BN tool suggests that the best ventilation strategy from nature to explore in this project context is from the Termite mound (80%). The final alert shows that this strategy works both for summer and winter comfort (as show equally 50%)

Another interest of BN is the possibility of learning process that can be done on two levels: to perfect the graphic model (relationship of variables (criterions)), and to supply the tables of probability with the most relevant resulting. Indeed, this possibility would allow us to refine our tool incorporating with the multidiscipline expertise of scientists, biologists and architects to upgrade the information and to complete the model by identifying relationships between natures’ principles and multi-criteria of the architectural design project. Furthermore, the BN can help to save time along with cognitive learning process to search for new strategy from nature by the AI algorithms used (learning and inference). This uncertainty can be due to imperfect understanding of the domain, incomplete knowledge of the state of the domain at the time where given a task is to be performed. To construct network of the tool is a genuine multidisciplinary work. Therefore, it allows experts from different fields to work together during the process of feeding the probability tables (based on knowledge and facts) and building graphic model relationships between variables (criterions).

6. Future Development for the Project We intend to continue further these research studies in a multidisciplinary project. To construct this investigating tool at the initial stage, it is necessary to associate between cross-organization experts from biologists, architects, builders, data processors, etc., to feed and exchange knowledge and facts based on related disciplines. After we construct the tool, we will test with numbers of project implementation on energy-efficient design, we will measure with the time-saving, learning process and effective of choice assistance of nature’s strategy, according to multi-criteria requirements. The initial stage is to formalize the relationship knowledge between nature devices and architectural design concepts. Thus, we can create a biomimetic case within the database for further investigation according to multi-criteria and specificity of each project implementation. For creating the BBD (biomimetic case database), we will cooperate with CEEBIOS (Centre Européen d’Excellence en Biomimétisme de Senlis) [48], as they have access to biological information according to biomimetic design needs. We will combine their biological information with our architectural design concept, drawing the problem-solving design of each nature’s principal to fit in to architectural design implementation.

Acknowledgments: Many thanks to François Guéna for the academic support and comments of this article. Author Contributions: Natasha Chayaamor-Heil and Nazila Hannachi-Belkadi drafted the manuscript and design concept of study; Natasha Chayaamor-Heil analyzed and interpreted platform relationship between biology and architecture; Nazila Hannachi-Belkadi presented The Bayesian network tool. Natasha Chayaamor-Heil and Nazila Hannachi-Belkadi approved of the version of the manuscript to be published. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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