CHAPTER – 6

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 CONCLUSION

Throughout history humans have always been naturally intuitive. In last two decades
our advancement up the revolutionary ladder in terms of industry and technology has
resulted in the detrimental impact on our environment. As humans, we are linked to
nature. We now must seek ways in which we can live in harmony with the natural
world.

As architect’s we have a role and responsibility to the planet we inhabit. If we are to

tackle climate change and create more sustainable environments we must look to nature
for answers. Our buildings must rely on nature’s renewable power sources to drive
closed loop circles and must become more efficient in order to exist at less cost to the
environment. In the future we will look to achieve sustainability in all aspects of life,
not because we will want to, but because we will need to.

Nature has been sustainable and energy efficient for billions of years. Natural organisms
have evolved and developed strategies in order to be energy efficient. Through applying
these characteristics into architecture, human problems can be solved. In this context,
Mimicking nature has significant potential in order to accomplish a new approach for
energy efficient building skins. The building skin contains a significant amount of
energy usage. Through discovering and emulating nature’s strategies the energy
consumption level can be decreased by applying the biomimicry approach.

This research has proved that NATURE itself giving a solution from the earlier times.
In the past, there was no such technology like biomimicry but architects of that era used
nature as their solution for facade design problems and it can be easily seen that the
building skin of the past are still energy efficient. The architects of the past designed
buildings in such a way that they consume less energy and become energy efficient
buildings. The purpose of this research is that we don’t have to rely on the mechanical
systems like air-conditioning or lighting, if we have such an efficient solution to all our
problems i.e. Nature, then why are we relying on the mechanical systems. Because of
usage of these systems, energy consumption is increasing and our environment gets
polluted and there is a need for a permanent and sustainable solution.
In a building, Façade or a building skin is considered a perimeter zone design, and the
aim of every architect is to balance the need for day lighting, view, the need for
controlling of solar gains and maintaining human comfort, while reducing the demand
for air-conditioning and lighting. On the basis of study it can be concluded that façade
treatments can be done using nature as an inspiration against various conditions like
against harsh sun, harsh light, desertious conditions, wet conditions, etc.

Biomimetic facades are implemented with high technology like if we use a normal
louvre on a façade against harsh climatic condition, through biomimetic façade it can
be made a louvre which will be controlled according to the direction of the sun.

Building skin, which can adapt to all kinds of conditions with different techniques, can
also integrate with its environment and therefore becomes sustainable as well. This
research has provided examples to biomimetic design approaches in the context of two
main aspects in designing a sustainable façade; energy efficiency, and materials ; and
sustainability considerations. It is observed that these concepts are also used in the case
studies.

 Building Skin Energy Efficiency : One of the most important aspects in linking
biomimetic visions with living nature is Energy efficiency. As building skin
represents the interface between internal space and environment, skin innovation
technology is a concentration of research in the energy efficiency of architecture.
 Material/Structure/Surface : Materials also plays a very important role in energy
efficiency through building skin or façade. Usage of material depends on the
climatic condition of the area. The use of materials that can react to changing
environmental conditions is also a main concern.

A review of biomimetic buildings to achieve energy efficiency is presented and various

concepts and parameters have discussed. This study achieved its aim of providing a
clear design strategies that summarizes the development of biomimetic façade based on
the energy efficient approach. In addition, the research achieved its aim of providing a
clear understanding of developing energy efficient façades based on functional aspects
and to overcome technical challenges and promote innovative and sustainable facades.
This study on Bioskin shows that the biomimetic facades not only provide natural light
and ventilation, but also, if properly used and integrated with perimeter zone systems,
they result in lower energy use and operational cost as compared to other facades.
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

The facade is the main constructive element of a building that allows us to meet the
requirements of energy efficiency and interior comfort established in the national and
international rules and directives of the construction sector. The type of system, the
design and the right execution of the façade itself are critical aspects that determine the
final energy consumption of the building.

 Use of Jaali in a modern way [ Double skin Façade ] :

Jaali is the popular façade treatment that is used from the earlier times. It can be used
in a modern way also. With the advancement of biomimicry technology and taking jaali
as an inspiration, a module can be formed which will work according to the direction
of sun and exposure of sun in the buildings of India. This will provide the natural
ventilation as well as natural daylight and increase the efficiency of the building. For
example, Al Bahar Towers in Dubai, the screen operates as a curtain wall, sitting two
meters outside the buildings’ exterior on an independent frame. Each triangle is coated
with fiberglass and programmed to respond to the movement of the sun as a way to
reduce solar gain and glare. In the evening, all the screens will close.

Fig.6.1 Module of Mashrabiya Jaali Fig.6.2 Al Bahar Towers, Dubai

 Use of movable sunshades [ Solar shading ] :

The best solution to reduce passive heat gain from solar radiation is to provide shading
to façades. Louvres can one of the element which can be used to provide shading.
Vertical or horizontal louvers as shading elements are recommended for East and West
façades of the building. North and South façades should have horizontal eaves or
overhangs. It is the basic usage of louvres in a region. But movable louvres can be
invented using biomimicry technology. For example, The Explanade Theatre,
Singapore, it contains a protective layer of movable sunshades inspired from a durian
fruit.

 Use of transition and breakout spaces :

Use of semi-enclosed breakout spaces in a building’s external elevation or façade

enhances the natural ventilation and provides daylight to the needed areas, thus,
reducing the usage of mechanical air-conditoning and lighting and enhancing the
energy efficiency of the building.

 Proper usage of Materials :

Choice of materials depends upon the climatic condition of the area and typology of the
building. From the biomimicry vision, there are many examples that could be applied
in building skin like
i. self-healing and damage repair: a standout amongst the most momentous
properties of natural materials is their ability of self-repair; numerous life forms
have the capacity to redesign the material
ii. growth through functional adaptation: influenced by the outer conditions, for
example, temperature, mechanical stacking, and supply of light, water or
sustenance;
iii. Recyclable and renewable materials should be used in order to reduce energy
consumption.

 Use of vegetation on the facades :

The use of vegetation in the design of the building, either outside the building or inside,
also helps in reducing the overall energy consumption of the building. Having
vegetation is possible and beneficial in the courtyards, to decrease the heat gain.
Besides, plants are capable of removing chemical vapors. In the site where the building
is located, the vegetation preserves the soil’s draining capacity, provides shade and
reduces heat island effect and is an opportunity to enhance the conservation.