Computation and Construction in Architecture (CoCoA) Lab
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Functional requirements of buildings are multiple and sometimes contradictory and must be
addressed for increased sustainability. New technologies such as biomimetic adaptive building
skins (Bio-ABS) adaptable to changing environmental conditions, can foster improved comfort
and reduced energy demand. Bio-ABS are translated from biological mechanisms offering
environmentally beneficial strategies. This project investigates the potential of achieving
multifunctionality in Bio-ABS by translating multifunctionality from nature into Bio-ABS and
simulating the environmental performance of multifunctional Bio-ABS. The project comprises
three parts: (1) Multifunctionality, (2) Translation and (3) Simulation, focusing on research gaps identified
as; the limited number of multifunctional Bio-ABS, limitations in translating multifunctionality
from nature into Bio-ABS and limitations in simulating multifunctional Bio-ABS. As a result of the scope of this project, a new design framework is developed for the generation of multifunctional biomimetic adaptive building skins, and it is demonstrated at an advanced practical development stage of a façade design. An evolutionary algorithm is used in combination with building performance simulation tools to digitally assess the environmental performance of the biomimetic adaptive building skins with a sub-hourly annual timeframe showing the morphological changes of the design.
Team