Bio-design as a Basis for the Creation of New Architectural Materials: Experience of the Faculty of Architecture of Gazi University

Abstract

The experiences of nature that have been present for billions of years guide scientists and designers in their research, covering different topics such as form, function, aesthetic, production of durable materials, light and practical structures, variety, optimization, conservation of natural systems, bio-diversity, reduction of energy losses, etc. From that perspective, nature offers ideas to produce adaptive, highly durable, and smart materials and serves as a raw material source for researchers who learn from nature. This study questioned how bio-inspired designing could be used as an instrument for interdisciplinary research in the triangle of architecture, materials science, and biology, and it discussed the outputs of a workshop held with the students undergoing postgraduate education in architecture. Utilizing “the problem-based process”, which is one of the bio-inspired designing processes, this study reviewed the material-related thoughts of architects in line with architects' limited biology knowledge. Furthermore, it examined the gains of the bio-inspired design approach through the pre-post-test and problem-based designing of the self-assessment questionnaire. In conclusion, it is safe to state that nature, as a role model, can present significant information in the search for solutions within interdisciplinary studies in this century when the importance of sustainability is more apparent than ever. ©2024 by authors, all rights reserved.