The Biomimicry Institute’s ‘design spiral’
Biomimicry: a concept that can help designers and educators create better schools
How can the abundance of academic information on nature in schools be distilled to shape how we design healthier places to benefit students, staff and community? And how can we ‘scale up’ as architects and educators? These questions are at the heart of my research and writing on biophilia in vertical school campuses.
“Biomimicry is a really valuable concept that can help simplify the connection between existing and emerging academic research.” – Architectus Principal Alan J Duffy
As a design process, it can help us better understand natural health and wellbeing drivers and how we can embed them in architectural design. The Biomimicry Institute’s ‘design spiral’ (above) makes this a clear, five-step path.
A vertical school that puts play on display
I’ve become more and more invested in how we can apply these principles while working on a range of education projects. That includes Midtown Macquarie Park Primary School, a new six-storey building with playgrounds on every level.
“These play spaces become the building façade viewed from street level. Rather than having walls and windows looking into classrooms, the building presents as a multi-storey playground.” -Architectus Principal Alan J Duffy
This animated edge could be a playful, artistic, and colourful way to think about urban school design.
A peaceful school nook (author’s sketch)
Small interventions, big difference
Balancing the presence of technology with nature is important to consider for both student engagement and coherence in classrooms.
Even modest interventions that allow students to adjust their immediate environment could support health and wellbeing. This could even be something simple like the option to open a window for fresh air.
Architecture in tune with its setting
Health and wellbeing are at the heart of many research institutions and their connected universities, including the new Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB). It’s become increasingly important to design buildings like these with access to nature to improve student, researcher and staff wellbeing.
“The architecture of the HMRB creates moments of connection to the natural context. Land, water, and sky inform the design and physical form of the building.” -Architectus Principal Alan J Duffy
There’s a synergistic relationship between the built and natural environment. Connections from the internal spaces and outdoor landscapes, dedicated winter gardens, and a cascading public plaza anchor this building in its unique context.
