1 Concepts of Sustainability

Sustainable design and development is defined as; “design and development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” [1]. The need for finding long-term solutions that warrant continuing human existence and well-being is far more compelling in these days of depleting resources and catastrophic climate change, than in the former days [2]. Though, it is Green and sustainable that are the catch words of design, in the contemporary helpless climatic scenario which is worsening over the passage of time, these have also created ample ambivalence and confusion. Thanks to the urgency of the situation, debates on the terms green, sustainable or ecological architecture has become almost meaningless, but the kernel matter lies with addressing the needs of harmonic and ecologically sustaining design and development that would assure the future of the earth with all its myriad of living and nonliving systems. During a building’s actualization process, its construction affects the local and global environments by way of interconnected human activities and natural processes. Needless to state that manufacture, transport and procurement of materials at various stages never fail to leave their impact on the global environment. Completed buildings require resources and energy in various forms for their useful performance. These, in turn, give rise to pollution and add to the mammoth problem of waste and environmental degradation which inflicts long-term impact on the environment. For instance, fuels and water used by its inhabitants produce toxic gases and sewage. Similarly, the process of extracting, refining, and transporting all the resources used in building operation and maintenance also has negative impacts on environment. Global ecosystem is essentially made up of three group namely inorganic substances, living organisms, and human beings [3]. Built forms contribute to the compounded impact of architecture on global ecosystems. It is therefore, important to study the impact of built forms on the totality of the environment, throughout various stages. Developments should be facilitated taking into consideration the entirety of the systems; resource, energy and transport etc. and the myriad of population of the Nation, along with the specific characteristics of the region being developed. Though, it is green and sustainable that are the catch words, an examination of the meaning of ‘sustainable’ is required to avoid the avoidable confusion these words tend to generate, knowingly or otherwise [4]. Sustainable architecture implies that we receive what we need, from the nature. Sustainable architecture, then, is a farsighted positive response to awareness that everything we need is received from nature, not a prescriptive formula just for our survival [5]. The goal of sustainable design is to find architectural solutions that warrant the well-being and coexistence of constituent groups [6]. Therefore, a conceptual approach to framework is to be developed in order to meet the goal of well-being and coexistence in an effort to attain sustainability. Three fundamental concepts of the framework proposed are; Objectives, Strategies and Achievement. These relate to the environmental responsibilities, creating environmental awareness, explaining the building ecosystem and designing sustainable built forms for future [3].

2 Why Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture aims at the Protection of Resources—(PR), is the primary response to the awareness which influences all the following stages. Life Cycle Design—(LCD) and Livability Design—(LD) facilitate healthy habitation for humans. Protection of natural resources is proposed at the inception stage of building process, to be achieved through the reduction and reuse; direct reuse or recycling, of the physical resources involved [3]. While Life Cycle Designs provide a methodology for analyzing the building process and its impact on the environment in an effort to decide on the effectiveness of designer’s choices, Livability Design focuses on the interactions between human beings and the natural environment [7] (Fig. 5.1).

Fig. 5.1
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Framework of concepts and strategies for sustainable architecture

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A sympathetic attitude from architects and an understanding of the above objectives which embodies a unique set of intentions is important to develop a more thorough understanding of the designer’s positive interaction with the environment. The genesis of a project leading to its geographic location is one of the extremely important phases in the effort to reduce the load on infrastructure and consumption of resources and generation of pollution. Locating a sustainable built form far away from the supporting or depending facilities would generate unnecessary traffic perils associated with commutation which is avoidable. Moreover, developing countries like India has the major part of 60 % of its population living in rural areas. Appropriately rated economic magnets like Special Economic Zone—(SEZ), IT parks, industries or the like may be effectively used in order to achieve balanced development in rural areas which would retard the unhealthy migration to already congested urban areas. Moreover, as a strategy, develop automobile free, ‘walk to work’ rural or peri-urban communities, self-sufficient in water and energy requirements, equipped with appropriate waste management systems. Such sustainable communities may be the hubs that are effectively connected to others by means of high speed, ecologically friendly mass transit systems.

3 Protection of Resources

It is the responsibility of an architect to reduce the use of nonrenewable resources in the construction and operation process of buildings in an effort to protect the resources and to preserve these for the future generations [8]. Natural and manufactured resources, as is seen, are in a continuous flow in and out of any building which begins with the production of building materials, continues throughout the building’s effective life sustaining intended functions. There are two essential streams of resource flow as shown in Fig. 5.2.

Fig. 5.2
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The input and output streams of resource flow

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Intake resources flow into buildings as input to the building ecosystem while Outcome is resources that flow out of the building to the ecosystem [6]. Strategies of protection of resources are multi thronged and must be attempted through Energy conservation, Water conservation and Material conservation. It is worthwhile considering appropriate legislation for levying green tax on buildings that exceeds the material and energy limits prescribed. The tax is to be stipulated for unit area of foot print on site. Further, those designs that comply with the norms shall be encouraged.

4 Life Cycle Design

Figure 5.3 illustrates the linear life cycle process of a building which consists of three major stages [9]. Each of these stages calls for sustainable approaches and strategies in an effort to achieve the goals envisioned.

Fig. 5.3
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The life cycle process of building

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Life cycle design (LCD) is not prescriptive, but suggestive in nature. However, LCD can contribute information and facilitate the effective decision making process. This approach accounts for the environmental consequences during the entire life cycle of construction materials; from procurement to return to nature [10]. Life cycle of a building can be brought into three phases namely Pre-building, Building, and Post-building. The phases can be developed into LCD means that focus on minimizing the environmental impact of a building. The procurement of building materials impacts the environment in various ways; unscrupulous felling of trees leads to deforestation, mining mineral resources disturbs the nature and creates environmental pollution or the like. Building phase refers to the stage in the life cycle of a building when it is physically constructed and operated. In the sustainable design, the construction and operation processes shall embrace means to reduce environmental impact, resource consumption and sick-building syndrome. Post-building phase refers to the stage which begins when the useful life of a building has ended and its building materials are turned into resources for other buildings or waste to be recycled or returned to nature. The strategy is to reduce construction waste by recycling and reusing buildings and building materials.

Further,

Lowered consumption in building:

Lowered production of waste, Need for production

Optimization of space requirement:

Material Requirement, Lowered operational costs

5 Livable Design

Livable Design refers to the livability of all constituent spaces in built forms and spaces that form various groups in the global ecosystem [11]. It is concerned about the healthy coexistence among buildings, their environment and their respective occupants. Its broad objectives are intended to preserve the elements of the ecosystems in an effort to facilitate human survival.

Built forms are intended to provide safe and healthy environments that are comfortable for their occupants which in turn enhance their satisfaction and productivity. Hence, Livable Designs could be evaluated under Generation and sustenance of natural conditions, Creation of satisfactory urban design and site, Generation of human comfort. Needless to state that sustainable design shall offer human comfort; both internal and external, in the interest of individuals and the nation at large.

6 Need for Alternative Concepts of Sustainability

Traditional design models have limitations to generate unique built forms that meet the requirements of sustainable designs. Mostly, the inherent inability in the traditional models is manifest by way of stereotyped thinking which leads to no atypical designs. It is worthwhile to ponder the words of Albert Einstein “We cannot solve the problems by the same thinking that created them”. Such designs, due to the lack of novelty in conceptualization, offer very little scope for optimization and lowering of energy and resource consumption. This problem of stereotype could be resolved creatively by a search for alternate models in designs. Nature, at this juncture, presents itself with harmonious designs that are sustainable, self-supporting and self organizing. Solutions that are found in the harmonious natural systems are always in evolution, perfecting and adapting to their contexts. Thus, what is seen today has been working over billions of years for evolving a reliable and sustainable model. Adoption of these evolved models in human designs would facilitate the making of future systems better sustainable; environmentally, ecologically and economically. Hence, Biomimicing reveals itself as a fine model to follow in the generation of alternative sustainable design solutions.

7 Biomimicry

Biomimicry is a new science that studies nature’s best ideas and principles and imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. In other words Biomimicry leads to innovations inspired by nature (Biomimicry Institute n.d.). Though some of nature’s basic configurations and designs can be copied, most ideas from nature are best adapted when they serve as inspiration for human-made designs and productions [12]. Adaptation of natural systems and organisms has facilitated better understanding of related phenomena and principles in the design of novel designs, devices with better features and capability. For example, the cell-based structure that is the building block of biological systems has the ability to grow with fault-tolerance and self-repair. With the adaptation of Biomimic structures based on nano-technologies, such designs and devices are possible in human-made designs, but not with traditional materials and processes. On a different level, there exists the evident, inspirational link between the design of tongs and bird’s beaks. The same inspiration is evident in the foldable hand-held fan design and the peacock feather display; a magnificent attempt to impress the female. One of the important features of nature is its evolution by responding to the system needs and generating solutions that work. Nature remains in an open, dynamic system establishing balance and continuous refinement in all its productions. Each of the successful natural creation that passes to the following generation has to withstand the test of survival, establishing the best fit for the following generation. Nature’s laboratory through evolution generates information that is coded in genes and transferred to the following generation through the process of self replication. Nature thus, is perfecting models worth copying and inspiring novel engineering methods, processes, materials, algorithms, and designs. In a similar way production of designs and the elements and their organization in the design produced shall remain in a continuum of evolutionary changes, permitting adaptation and attainment of the best fit. Mimicking of nature may be done at various levels beginning with the full and complete appearance of the natural system to its every system detail in part or full. On the other extreme, natural models are interpreted and transformed in the making of human-made designs. Mimicking of life-systems demands the full capacity and intelligence of humans.

8 Biomimic Thought Process

  • Identify the real challenge

    • What do you want to “do” (not make)? Be open, rational and creative. Learn inquisitiveness from kitten!

  • Interpret

    • Identify the functions/purpose

    • How nature does perform function?

  • Discover Nature’s Genius

    • Go for a walk outside and observe and brainstorm. Look for the precious stones!

  • Abstract

    • What patterns and principles work for your problem? Be creative and prudent.

  • Emulate or Imitate

    • Play and design

    • Brainstorm and converse

  • Evaluate

    • Revaluate and Re-Imagine the design deeper and rigorous each time with holistic thinking in order to solve the entire problem. It might be necessary to redefine to solve the problem as a whole, not in parts.

9 Formula for Sustainable Future

Intellectual Capital + Nature’s Genius = Innovative, Sustainable solutions. If we are limited, it is by our own dreams! Therefore, dream great and be a B2; Beautiful Biomimic.

10 Application

Biomimic thought process is adopted in the design studio of the final year Bachelor of Architecture, IIT Kharagpur (2011) under the guidance of the author, in creating sustainable design for a project on school of engineering at the Campus. The students explored various biological examples like honeybee, acorn, anthill, and palm tree. Students were asked to study the natural system along with the specific subsystem details, how these worked with an intention to Identify, Interpret, and discover in order to Abstract and Emulate. One such design had its inspiration from the palm leaf as a subsystem, how it’s support and circulatory systems in the foliage facilitated by the form of the leaf, could lead to an interesting architectural product and palm leaf is used to articulate the design pattern, by its function and form. The design and modelling are done using ArchiCAD and Google Sketchup.

Aerodynamic behaviour of the flexible palm leaves is interesting. They get blown into a streamlined to any strong wind, which results in wind resistance and the needed strength to withstand the wind. This concept is used in the design of the overhead palm leaf structure of the proposed built form. The fronds; divisions of the leaf, of palms are connected to the exposed spine by means of fixed diagonal supports. Fronds of the palm leaf shaped structure have solar panels fixed on them. These panels can rotate along their axial supports, thereby, changing its direction with respect to the sun and wind. They are designed to control illumination, glare and ventilation in each enclosed space within. These panels, by rotating more than 90° from the normal, can also act as shading devices and the building is protected from direct solar radiation. Also they provide an ideal method for wind to permeate, reducing the wind forces excerted on the building. One of the two other palm leaf structures acts as a cover to the Open-air theatre, controlling the illumination and glare during performances. These fronds can also vary the aesthetic appeal of the entire setting, if required, for unique performances. Another one covers the informal meeting places provided in the site. Thus the palm leaf structures divide the site into functional zones. Adult palm trees have a system of concentric rings of fluid conduits that not only show an enormous resistance to flexion, but also behave like ‘air mattresses’, providing defense against fire; preventing fire from destroying the entire tree. This concept is appropriated by providing water channels, which flow through the building structure preventing the destruction of the entire building, in case of fire. The channels would be covered suitably by structural glass and are walkable. These water channels along with the landscaping inside the building provide an ideal setting and an inspirational atmosphere of a ‘closer to nature’ academic environment. Further, the presence of these water channels regulates the circulation pattern and humidity levels inside the building (Figs. 5.4, 5.5).

Fig. 5.4
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Exterior views of the School of Engineering, Thulasi B. Arch 2011

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Fig. 5.5
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Interior views, School of Engineering, Thulasi B. Arch 2011

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11 Conclusion

Concepts and strategies aim to generate sustainable architecture which is the need of the hour and vital to the existence of life forms on earth. The scientific and technical complexity involved along with the commercial and political interests amalgamated to its objectives make ‘defining sustainable architecture’ a delicate issue. These approaches lack a real concern for the unique survival and special needs of the context to which such prescriptions are applied. Further, it is important to understand the limitation of traditional design models and look for better alternatives including Biomimicry. Space and area optimization warrant an effective strategy in the achievement of reduction of the need which lowers the generation of pollution. Architects have a greater role to play, therefore, at this important issue. Engineers have an equally important role in the design and selection of optimized systems; mechanical, electrical, transport and disposal, which are vital for the efficient performance of the built forms. It is important to consider necessary legislation to impose green tax on buildings that exceed the prescribed limits.

Education in architecture and allied fields shall impart rigor and soundness to design professionals engaged in the design, production, operation and reuse of built forms [11]. It is also important to accept the relationships and interconnectedness within the ecosystem and the built forms that designers develop. It is the vital responsibility of architects to find creative design solutions that facilitate well-being and harmonious coexistence of organic and inorganic groups.

There is inherent inability in the traditional models and stereotyped thinking leads to no atypical designs. The problem of stereotype could be resolved creatively by alternate models wherein mimicking natural systems holds great potential. Natural systems are always in evolution, perfecting and adapting to their contexts over billions of years. Adopting the natural models through Biomimicing facilitate the making of future systems better sustainable. Further, the Biomimic thought process is illustrated in evolving a formula for sustainable future. The Biomimic thought process is validated in a built form design thus illustrated its creative and environmental sustainable potentials.