A course on biomimetic design strategies

Abstract

Although redesigning curricula by integrating the CAD tools into architectural education has been an ongoing interest, a new understanding towards solving design problems holistically should be investigated in architectural education. Because natural systems offer design strategies to increase performance and effectiveness with an extensive formal repertoire; incorporating multi-faceted biomimetic principles into the design process is necessary. It is critical to increase skills of students towards algorithmic thinking, as well as to deal with performance issues and sustainability. This paper aims to discuss an undergraduate elective course titled "Sustainable Design and Environment through Biomimicry" which was taught by the author in architectural degree program of Ozyegin University Faculty of Architecture and Design in Fall 2014-2015. Following the exploration of individual research topics, findings were implemented into design problems. The challenges encountered in the teaching process and future lines of the work are discussed in the paper.