Bionic architecture: back to the origins and a step forward

Abstract

The article reviews research in the field of architectural bionics and its historical background. The article considers the development of bionic architecture from its origin till the present day. It was established how various functional elements of live forms, nature as a whole, and architectural shape formation interact and correlate. The basic factors, influencing the shape forming elements of the architectural composition, were identified. The main terms, associated with bionic shape formation, were indicated. Modern trends in bionic architecture were considered. The examples of outstanding architectural specimens and their creators were given. The concepts of architectural bionics and bionic architecture were defined and differentiated. The article considers the development of the bionic architectural style and determines the historical background of its development. The issues of fractal geometry are also addressed by reviewing the French scientist B. Mandelbrot’s treatise “The Fractal Geometry of Nature”. The conclusions were made about the advisability of using fractal algorithms in architectural morphogenesis. The article considers the principles of bionic architectural design that contribute to the development of architects’ imaginative and analytical thinking and allow them to apply innovative methods of shape formation in town planning. It was concluded that one of the most important conditions for the optimal functioning of an artificial environment is its organic unity with natural environment, as well as mimesis (deliberate imitation), which is an objective prerequisite of the bionic trend in architecture.