The new approach presented in this book transposes the subtlety of real-life biological systems onto the built environment. It delivers a wholly new perspective on architectural achievements and will help to manifest the approach's huge innovative potential.

The book presents an outline of current activities in the field of biomimetics and integrates a variety of applications comprising biophysics, surface sciences, architecture and medicine. Biomimetics as innovation method is characterised by interdisciplinary information transfer from the life sciences to technical application fields aiming at increased performance, functionality and energy efficiency. The contributions of the book relate to the research areas: - Materials and structures in nanotechnology and biomaterials - Biomimetic approaches to develop new forms, construction principles and design methods in architecture - Information and dynamics in automation, neuroinformatics and biomechanics Readers will be informed about the latest research approaches and results in biomimetics with examples ranging from bionic nano-membranes to function-targeted design of tribological surfaces and the translation of natural auditory coding strategies.

The book presents an outline of current activities in the field of biomimetics and integrates a variety of applications comprising biophysics, surface sciences, architecture and medicine. Biomimetics as innovation method is characterised by interdisciplinary information transfer from the life sciences to technical application fields aiming at increased performance, functionality and energy efficiency. The contributions of the book relate to the research areas: - Materials and structures in nanotechnology and biomaterials - Biomimetic approaches to develop new forms, construction principles and design methods in architecture - Information and dynamics in automation, neuroinformatics and biomechanics Readers will be informed about the latest research approaches and results in biomimetics with examples ranging from bionic nano-membranes to function-targeted design of tribological surfaces and the translation of natural auditory coding strategies.

What is the architect doing in the jungle? How can architects and natural scientists immerse themselves in a fruitful dialogue to generate new insights for cross-disciplinary innovation? This volume contributes to the current discussion of arts-based research with the interdisciplinary research project BiornaMetics - Architecture Defined By Natural Patterns. Biornametics is an emerging contemporary design practice which explores a new methodology that interconnects scientific evidence with creative design in the field of architecture. The word biornametics is generated from "ornament", referring to the famous Austrian architect Adolf Loos, and biomimetics. It concentrates on the detection of the principles behind processes of emerging and dissolving patterns in animate and inanimate nature. Reflections on the architectural direction of Biornametics, issues of arts and science collaboration, and the application of the methodology show a diverse world of thoughts and approaches to the topic.

Built to Grow investigates patterns of growth and dynamics in nature with the aim of creating a new "living architecture" that can be applied to architectonic designs. It examines biological processes to identify basic principles of growth and translate them into exemplary architectonic ideas and visions. The project brings together experts from the fields of architecture, biology, art, mechatronics, and robotics.