Nature Inspired Architecture

Nature-Inspired Architecture is in the news.

It is a natural tendency in human beings to take inspiration from nature. The evolution of human beings over the centuries is a testament to this fact; nature has always inspired or given a hint for development.

Against this backdrop, the adobes we design or the architectural practices that are followed to construct mammoth-sized buildings are sometimes also inspired by nature.

There is a consensus among architects that a harmonious relationship between nature and cities should exist. Hence, various countries are taking a lead in designing buildings that relate to nature which also enhances the aesthetics of the cities.

Graana.com through this blog brings forth examples from the ‘Nature Inspired Architecture’ across the globe that is changing the development patterns of cities. A similarity is observed in the designs of the buildings across the cities, and often a city looks to be a hotchpotch of matchboxes.

To make the cities more appealing, interventions on the behalf of architects are necessary for creating a harmonious relationship between cities and nature.

 

Why Explore Nature-Inspired Architecture

Exploring the relationship of cities with nature is pertinent since nature provides numerous pathways for making our cities better for tomorrow. Therefore, researchers are indulged in exploring nature which can provide them with new aesthetics and help to unfold various mysteries that can prove useful for our surroundings.

Similarly, there are various nature-based materials that are proving useful in the construction industry. Some consider it a virtue to live in nature, the Traditional Landscape Theory elaborates that why traditional Korea depicts the characteristics of the area environment.

As our urban centres are vulnerable to natural disasters, architecture inspired by nature can help to design climate-resilient designs.

 

Birds Nest Beijing

As we have mentioned earlier urban centres across the world have started to accommodate nature-inspired architecture. Birds Nest, Beijing – the national stadium of China which hosted the 2008 Olympics is inspired by the structure of a nest. The stadium is once again going to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The geometry of the stadium is supported by gigantic steel which gives it a circular shape and the façade is designed such that there remain empty spaces.

The interior of the stadium has a membrane-like wall made from ETFE panels that surround the stadium which gives an impression of a nest. Moreover, the gaps are intentionally given in the structure while the spectators inside give an impression of birds in a nest.

 

Al Dar Headquarters Abu Dhabi

The building of Al Dar Headquarters has become a symbol of Abu Dhabi. The architects of the structure were inspired by the clamshell which gives the structure a unique appeal. The building stands out in Abu Dhabi as its circular façade combined with unique glasswork catches the attention of visitors and men.

An aspect of Al Dar Headquarters which creates an emotional linkage to Abu Dhabi is its relation to the seafaring heritage of the city.

A steel diagrid supports the circular shape of the building which eliminates the role of columns in the building. The structure of the building is also inspired by the ‘Golden Ratio’ which reinforces its circular structure.

 

Quzhou Sports Park

Quzhou Sports Park in China is a symbol of harmony between nature and modern construction practices. The design of Quzhou Sports Park is inspired by the design of volcanoes and it is designed such that the structures merge into green landscapes.

The structures of the sports park have circular openings on the top which also replicate the openings of volcanoes that allow the passage to sunlight.

In the phase of development, the sports park will resemble large green meadows which will restore the relationship between nature and buildings. The idea behind the development of Quzhou Sports Park is to make buildings a part of the landscape.

 

Flor de Venezuela

Located in Venezuela, the structure of the building takes inspiration from the orchid which is the national flower of the country.

The building is uniquely designed in a way that its petal-like flaps can open during rainy and harsh weather thus resembling a flower. Similarly, the building is also renowned as ‘A flower of the world’ owing to the amalgam of nature with the buildings.