ABSTRACT
For the past 20 years there has been a renewed interest in the lessons that nature can teach the designer. From the pioneering work of d’Arcy Thompson in the early twentieth century, through the theoretical and built works of the Japanese Metabolist group at mid-twentieth century, natural forms and processes have been of interest to architects throughout history. Even the Greek temple is believed to be a mimesis of the sacred olive grove. The more recent manifestation of biomimicry has extended the metaphor to include an emphasis on architectural process and technology, in addition to form. Janine Benyus (1997) lists the following biomimicry principles: run on sunlight using only the energy you need; fit form to function; recycle everything; and reward cooperation and diversity.
