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Talks and Poster Presentations (without Proceedings-Entry):

P. Gruber:
"biomimetic influences in architecture";
Talk: Commercial Biomimetics, Bath, UK; 09-23-2005.



English abstract:
Engineers, designers and architects often look to nature for inspiration. Nature has perfected its designs through billions of years of evolution, so mimicking its creations is a sure way of producing constructions and technologies that are both efficient and reliable.
The research on "natural constructions" is aiming at innovation and the improvment of architectural quality.

The term "natural constructions" can have many meanings:
+ Constructions of nature (living systems) animals, plants, or parts of
+ Built structures made by animals
+ Vernacular architecture - typologies which have evolved over long time
+ Constructions "close to" nature, sustainable and ecological design, implementing a certain "natural" aspect, or aspect taken from animate nature ("signs of life"), for example movement.

In this presentation i want to show two very different approaches to biomimetics and architecture
+ Use of natural models for space system design, project called "transformation structure/space", carried out 2004 at department for desing and building construction, together with space architect Barbara Imhof
"Transformation Structure / Space" was announced as a set of experimental concepts to investigate the overlapping areas of the two architectural fields of bionics / biomimetics and space system design.

+ Research on traditional architecture in Indonesia, ongoing research project called "environmental adaptation of traditional building constructions and techniques in Nias, Indonesia", started 2003 together with Dr.Ulrike Herbig, surveyor

The process of constant search without expectations of a particular result is a known one in architectural design development, but rarely applied. Our attempts led to unforeseen and unconventional concepts, although the method of proceeding at first appeared to be purposeless and undirected. The designs developed in the interface of scientific research, experimental architectural approach and specific program.

Created from the Publication Database of the Vienna University of Technology.