A Study of Biomimetic Architectural traits in a Pre-Medical School Complex in Nigeria: a Case-study of Faculty of Medicine, Kaduna State University (KASU) Complex, Kaduna

Abstract

Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. Nature  can teach  us about systems, materials, processes, structures and aesthetics (just to name a few). By delving more deeply into how nature solves problems that are experienced today, timely solutions could be extracted and new directions for our built environments could be explored. This research examines Biomimetic design principles  in an attempt to identify the traits in the design of the faculty of medicine of Kaduna State University (KASU). Case study methodology was adopted for the research through a descriptive and qualitative analysis.  The findings suggested that, knowingly or unknowingly certain biomimetic attributes  had been  adopted in some aspects of the building design to achieve sustainability in the building. The  paper  recommends that a holistic approach to design and construction should always be adopted and biomimicy principles should always be considered in the design and planning of academic  facilities because it has  been shown to support the sustainable agenda.

Keywords: Biomimicry; Faculty of Medicine; Nature; Sustainability; Kaduna