ABSTRACT
Biomorphism a division of organic architecture and sustainability, concerns itself with the mimicry of an organism be it a plant or animal in form as well as character. Believing that fundamental principles of structure lay hidden in the natural world art and architecture could only survive if contacts with the principles are re-established. Artists, architects, craftsmen and art historians looked to life sciences for inspiration. A review of findings from the field of environmental psychology show that humans are aesthetically attracted to natural contents and to particular landscape configurations. The aim of this thesis is to study how inspiration from nature can serve as basis for contemporary modern day design of a civic centre. This is achieved by proposing an environmentally sustainable and energy efficient building using biomorphic principles which require less energy as well as other environmental destructive elements thereby conserving the natural life cycle. The building construction industry in Nigeria pays little or no attention to the impact building structures have to the environment.
All building types consume energy. But, the proposed facility was selected as a medium to explain how energy efficiency can be conserved. This is because of the scope of the facility and long hours of operation. At the end of an in-depth research on biomorphism, four principles were identified as the fundamental basis of biomorphic architecture, these are; Inspiration, fluidity, environmental economics, and geodesic considerations. It is these principles and their philosophies that were used as parameters of data collection and assessment on the case studies carried out in both local and international levels. Findings from the case studies revealed the down side practices on issues like harnessing the sites renewable energy generation sources, overdependence on mechanical systems, limited application of indigenous building materials and design, rain and grey water harvesting, and insignificant use of recyclable energy and materials. However, it has been gathered that there is a fair degree of respect for solar and wind orientation, use of durable long lasting materials and techniques, aesthetics and expression. By adopting these principles, a design proposal is developed for a civic center, this is to observe to an acceptable degree how a facility can take form on a site a considerable amount of passive benefits without causing any damage upon the environment in a continual process, and by all means treating the environment with respect.
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