ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates whether analysing the urban built environment from the perspective of how ecosystems function (i.e. what they do) could work towards the creation of cities where positive integration with and restoration of local ecosystems could be realised. The aim is to define ecosystem biomimicry so that it becomes a practical tool for research, evaluation of existing built environments and design of new developments or retrofits. A comprehensive basis for the development of ecosystem-based biomimicry that is practical, measurable and has multiple potential benefits is provided. The concept of ecosystem services is discussed, and a framework for ecosystem biomimicry at the function level is defined. Brief descriptions of each ecosystem service follow. Relationships between ecosystem services are then examined to form a relationship network and key ecosystem services that may be appropriate to focus on in a built environmental context are identified. A key finding was that if regenerative developments within existing urban settings could start to perform even small aspects of ecosystem services beyond their own needs or boundaries, the built environment causes of climate change and biodiversity loss may in part be mitigated. At the same time the built environment may become more adaptable to climate change.
