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Chapter 3
The main differences between the presented methodologies are relatively minor, but include the means by which they accomplish each sub-phase. The initial phase, Challenge, is common among the analysed methodologies in order to extract functions, which are considered essential to search for the biological analogy. In order to step from the Challenge phase to the Function phase a sub-transition (1.1) is identified, which is performed by means of Abstraction. Three suggestions exist for abstraction: identify verbs (functions are represented by verbs) (Shu), reframe or biologize the question e.g. “ o ould nature ” (B3.8), or formulate a conflict (BioTriz). Another sub-transition (1.2) is identified between the phases Function and Analogy. The sub-transition 1.2 is carried out mainly by means of exploration and discovering. Shu et al suggest biological textbooks index-based search, and B3.8, BioT, and Goel rely on database search engines, where they have built their own platforms: AskNature.org, BioTriz, and DANE, respectively. B3.8 also recommends an array of “ iological lenses” for searching existing literature, as well as asking biologists directly. As the analogy is obtained, further transition is required to assess the abstraction by means of principles identification. This transition (2.1) is the assessment of the biological information that represents the obtained analogy. Goel et al [2009] analyse the information under the structure-behaviour-function schema, and Biomimicry 3.8 classifies the information under the biomimicry taxonomy and the function-oriented database [Baumeister 2012]. The identified principles are applied for concept generation (Emulation phase), and further validation is carried out at different involvement. Biomimicry 3.8 evaluate against Life’s Principles to result in a sustainable solution, while PBG build prototypes and carry out simulations and physical tests. Despite the detailed descriptions about some sub-phases and sub-transitions, limited description is available for the sub-transition 2.2 (design concept). Two methods were observed to generate a design concept: (1) by brainstorming several ideas, which might result in several ideas and further filtering is essential (e.g. B 3.8), and (2) by modelling a particular structural principle, which is relevant for a specific organism (e.g. PBG). 3.2.3 Concluding remarks Although several biomimetic strategies are available, the research on biomimetics as a design tool in architecture is still challenging due to current limitations of systematic design tools which identify relevant biological analogies and abstract the relevant main principles to be applied in concept generation. In order to find design solutions from nature, the requirements of the artificial system should be defined, and then analogical systems in nature that perform similar functions should be identified. The design tools should support the transitions between the domains, especially the identification of biological analogies and their abstraction for design concept generation. The classification and categorization of aspects from nature based on analogue/similar aspects in architecture (e.g. surface, material, and structure) could assist the design generation [Gruber et al 2011].