Assignment 2 Nature Review

BENV2426 Experimental Modelling – Assignment 2 Tier 1

Natural Geometry in Architectural Design

Exploring Complex Forms in Nature Through Mathematical Modelling

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship and links between the realms of nature and architecture. The sources I have chosen discuss how complex forms of architecture are developed through mathematical modelling of natural geometry in objects and organisms. They show that nature will always be a stimulant for the development of ideas within architecture and provides architects with “new potential solutions for their problematic”. The concept of “biomimetic” is explored throughout the texts as architects imitate and learn from nature, expressed through tree-like, web-like, skeleton-like, pneumatic and shell like structures, that is reflected in architecture today. This provides natural inspiration for architects, which is considered to be a visual expression of nature. However, many architects use these methods and natures geometry to set an analogy between natural and architectural forms.

The texts aim to firstly answer the question of “what/how architects can learn from the optimized futures and efficiencies in the formation of processes in nature?” This question is answered by showing that all inspiring natural forms and structures are very complex and difficult to understand as a whole when considering structural, physical and material properties in relation to architecture. The source then states that the development of a way of transferring these ideas from nature into architecture is needed, this being a “thinking model”.  An example of this process is known as a computation cycle, whereby complex geometry within nature is analysed, which inspires the complex forms and structures of architecture in the modern era. The idea of “Real problems” in the natural world due to the large numbers of parameters and variables means that mathematical modelling is the only way to solve such issues. This means that architects must follow steps to learn from the natural world, these being that they must observe the real model and then simplify it, prepare the working model and decide on the variables and parameters. They then must create the mathematical model as an abstract or simplified version of the complex form of geometry. Therefore, perceptions of nature in the architectural realm have been changing due to the impact of technological advances, and that abstracting the natural form and structures using mathematical models would be beneficial in exploring the natural realm to create new forms and structures. Through this modelling process discussed within the source it shows how our conceptual models are related to the physical model of nature in the real world. Not only is an understanding of nature’s form and structure developed, architects are also learning from the abstraction.

Through the example of ‘Sea Shells’ it is evident how complex geometry within nature is expressed through architectural design. The shell today is common in both the natural man-made world due to the high structural performance and the shelter provided within. Shells provide the architecture with form and an exterior surrounding that are capable of spanning over large distances without needing any internals supports, which in turn provides an open interior. These forms of shell geometry show us the link between modern architecture and complex geometry within nature, providing a gateway of endless opportunities as each piece of nature is individual and inspiring in its own way.

The articles I have chosen provides us with the information needed to link nature and architecture that can be built upon two approaches. The first being the development of architectural form through sketches of forms, using properties of colour, pattern and textures, and the other is learning from natural forms and applying this to architectural form, following its behavioural and generative properties. As we learn from nature, we are open to a new platform for finding complex geometry in architecture. The intention of this research is to inspire more interest in the analysis of natural forms through the integration of architecture and technology into the example of “seashells” and their “implementations in architecture”. Similarly in architecture, our perception of nature has been changing through the impact of the developing computational technologies and tools. Basically, abstraction/simplification of natural complex forms/structures by mathematical models would be a starting point to explore inspiring forms.