Chapter 20: Biomimicry Approaches for Innovative Sustainable Solutions in the Construction Industry
Attaining the goal of sustainability in the construction industry is a demanding task due to the complexities and challenges that come with it. A concise and environmental-friendly approach is imperative to mitigate these challenges. Consulting and learning from the forms, processes and strategies of life’s genius (nature) offer a rich source of inspirational learning strategies that lead to sustainable outcomes. The purpose of the study was to explore biomimetic approaches to solving Innovative Production and Construction sustainability issues in the construction industry. The study is conducted with reference to the existing literature, published and unpublished research studies. An extant review of the literature on biomimicry and its strategies for innovative sustainable solutions were adopted. The findings from the survey revealed problem-based and solution-based biomimicry approach for proffering sustainable solutions to human challenges. This calls for a holistic adoption and multi-disciplinary collaboration in maximizing the sustainable solutions and innovative ideas offered by the adoption and application of biomimicry.