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Review Papers | Architecture & Planning | India | Volume 7 Issue 12, December 2018

Biomimetics in Structural Design

Raritha Joshy

Abstract: This paper looks into the biomimetic practices that can be applied to architecture such that there is a change in the way structural system is perceived. Age old architects have long ago turned to nature and have drawn inspiration from it in designing structures. The form it conceives, its support systems and other concepts have been a mystery and an area of interest. Nature have worked out a system that is the most efficient and which follows the path of minimum resistance. This is where Biomimicry has a major role. Biomimicry in simple terms is getting inspired by nature to solve human problems. Dendriform structures are those which are inspired by plant and tree forms to create a structural system. There are many ways in analyzing a structure. The success of any structure is when it is structurally efficient and load flows through clear paths with minimum stresses. There is a close relation between course of forces and their shape, which is a functional combination between roof construction and supporting structures. Thus, it becomes a powerful tool that opens the possibility of designing efficient structures and finding its member forces through simple graphical analysis.

Keywords: Biomimicry, Dendriform, Nature-inspired

Edition: Volume 7 Issue 12, December 2018,

Pages: 132 - 141