ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a general overview of ecology, ecosystems, and their relationship to humans, and then examines the relationship of ecology to architecture. Different understandings of ecosystem processes (i.e. what ecosystems do) from various disciplines are analysed to define general principles for ecosystem processes biomimicry. The methodology used to devise the generalised ecosystem principles is described, and each principle is briefly elaborated. Those aspects of ecosystem processes that are particularly relevant to climate change adaptation or mitigation are identified in order to form an understanding of how ecosystem-based biomimicry could be harnessed to address climate change and biodiversity loss impacts on the built environment. The research presented here aims to move attempts to mimic ecosystems from the shallow and misunderstood to the more insightful, meaningful and measurable levels that may be possible when knowledge from ecology and biology is thoroughly integrated into architectural design.
