Biomimicry in Architecture, 2nd Edition

Chapter FiveHow will we control our thermal environment?

111. The Himalayan rhubarb (Rheum nobile) – probably the closest biology comes to a greenhouse. The adaptation has given the plant a substantial advantage over others in the same habitat

Homeostasis – the tendency for living organisms to maintain steady conditions – is one of the features that most closely link the buildings we create with biology. Where the similarities break down is that animals tend to continually modify their structures or their behaviour in order to make use of freely available energy (such as the wind), whereas we use large amounts of energy to pump heating or cooling ...