Bionic Science as a Tool for Innovation in Mega-Cities

Abstract

The conquest of vertical space in the context of architecture and construction appears to be one of the smartest solutions in the quest to balance the current overpopulation and energy consumption rationale of our mega-cities . However, actual structural models of vertical construction are exceedingly restricted. Upon reaching the 500/650-m high frontier, considerably large amounts of construction material are necessary to complete just below 30% of the built up area. Bionic Architecture contains a myriad of innovative tools that enable the development of groundbreaking designs for vertical engineering . Nature provides us with countless examples from which we draw ideas. When we observe a tree and how its structure works, we see a complex system of veins and fibres, which have an amazing capacity to resist strong winds and also to conduct fluids. This self-regulated natural system is an ideal model to “imitate” when designing high-rise skyscrapers, which, similarly, fight against the wind and hold shifting masses of people. The application of bionics ranges from improving the aerodynamics of aircraft and creating water-resistant surfaces, to designing and building pioneering high rise ecological skyscrapers and revolutionary Vertical Cities that are capable of sourcing the energy and accommodating up to 100,000 people. The Be-Bionic City Tower is a pioneering architectural design of a Vertical City , and the first high-rise structure to reach 1228 m. high. It is also the first fully self-sustainable vertical construction, which means that it can fully satisfy its energy needs drawing from natural resources such as sunlight, wind and rainwater. Experimenting with Biological Structures and their application to new construction models in the Be-Bionic City Tower is the starting point to create a new area of practice-based research in architecture , that of Bionic Architecture.