Design Principles of Biomimetic Architecture in Sri Lanka’s Vernacular Built Environment

The capacity of biomimicry in architecture as an optimal solution for addressing the complexities of the sustainability crisis caused by anthropogenic development has already been explored. The current research landscape, with a focus on seeking alternatives for overcoming barriers to sustainability, has discovered a connection between biomimicry and vernacular architecture. This study aims to explore the applicability of biomimicry design principles and their prevalence in vernacular architecture in the South Asian tropical context. The research employs a qualitative exploratory research methodology through an in-depth single case study approach, with special reference to the case study of the Meemure village settlement in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The principles to examine the correlation were selected from a systematic analysis of twenty-seven biomimicry sub-principles. Results show a significant number of biomimicry principles were shown to be prevalent in the selected case study, concluding that Sri Lanka’s vernacular built environment has significant biomimicry design principles embedded within it. According to the results, biomimicry design principles such as, being locally attuned and responsive, being resourceful with material and energy and using life-friendly chemistry are significantly evident within the vernacular architecture of Sri Lanka.