Comparative Analysis of Nature-Inspired Strategies in Building Engineering: A Multilevel Biomimicry Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of biological strategies into building systems and engineering through a multilevel biomimicry perspective. A systematic evaluation framework is established, categorizing biomimicry into two approaches (problem-oriented and solution-oriented), three levels (organism, behavior, and ecosystem), and five imitation dimensions: form, material, construction, process, and function. The research focuses on the 'maturity period' of biomimetic architecture, analyzing landmark projects that fundamentally established the transition from formal imitation to functional and systemic biomimicry. Fifteen diverse building examples were selected globally based on their prominence in the literature and their role as pioneering prototypes representing different climatic regions. The methodology examines how these specific dimensions—particularly material and construction—contribute to structural efficiency and sustainability goals. Quantitative findings reveal that 60% of the cases adopted a problem-oriented approach, reflecting a prevailing tendency to solve specific design challenges through natural strategies. While organism-level applications are more frequent due to their relative simplicity in form-based imitation, the study indicates that the ecosystem level theoretically holds the highest potential for promoting holistic sustainability and complex system integration. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that moving beyond aesthetics to integrate 'construction' and 'process' dimensions—such as adaptive mechanisms—presents a comprehensive conceptual framework for supporting technical efficiency and environmental compatibility. These findings highlight biomimicry’s potential as a robust baseline for innovative building engineering, providing a taxonomic foundation for future research in computational design and sustainable structures.