SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Built Environ.
Sec. Sustainable Design and Construction
Volume 11 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fbuil.2025.1652481
Application of bionic architecture in low-carbon design: A systematic review from nature inspiration to architectural practice
Provisionally accepted
- 1Centre for Integrated Design for Advanced Mechanical Systems (PRISMA), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
- 2Sichuan Technology and Business University, Sichuan, China
- 3Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Fakulti Kejuruteraan dan Alam Bina, Bangi, Malaysia
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In this paper, we systematically review the implications of bionic architecture-a design method derived from biological principles-for the low-carbon transformation of the built environment. Based on a review of 109 studies from 2010 to 2024, we classify biomimetic solutions into three main categories: façade systems, structural optimization, and energy-generating envelopes. These nature-inspired strategies are derived from natural mechanisms, such as termite ventilation, lotus-leaf hydrophobicity, and algae photosynthesis, and offer significant potential to reduce carbon. Reported operational energy savings range from 30% to 60%, and reductions in embodied carbon can reach up to 40%. We harmonize performance metrics (definitions, boundaries, and reporting coverage) and compile published CAPEX/OPEX ranges for representative systems. The results confirm the potential of computational instruments for translating biological principles from living systems to architectural applications through parametric design and performance-based model simulation. We also closely consider other issues in terms of scalability, reliability, and price. To address these issues, the review suggests future work streams, including AI-based bionic design, climate-agile prototypes, and multilevel integration. This work provides a comprehensive reference connecting nature-inspired innovation to quantifiable performance outcomes and supplies actionable guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers in the pursuit of net zero. By linking biology with architecture, bionic design is presented as a significant approach to achieving sustainable and resilient built environments.
Keywords: Bionic architecture, biomimetic design, Low-carbon building, energy efficiency, Sustainableenvelope systems
Received: 27 Jun 2025; Accepted: 22 Aug 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Xiao, Fan, Mokhtar and Mat Sulaiman. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Lin Xiao, Centre for Integrated Design for Advanced Mechanical Systems (PRISMA), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.