ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION OF BIOMIMICRY PRINCIPLES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Biomimicry is the multidisciplinary discipline where the form and concept of nature is tapped into in order to solve human needs as relating to different industries such as pharmaceutical, engineering, construction, agriculture, etc. The concept of biomimicry is evolving through the need for sustainable environment. This study assessed the application of biomimicry principles in the construction industry, the study unravelled the level of awareness of biomimicry concept that exists among the construction industry professionals. The study also assessed the areas of construction projects where biomimicry principles can be applied. Copies of a well-structured questionnaires were administered to the construction industry professionals which include Architects, Engineers, Builders, Quantity Surveyors and Estate Surveyors for the purpose of data collection. Four hundred and thirty-five (435) were sent to the professionals, but two hundred and forty-three (243) responses were returned and useful for analysis. This represents a response rate of 56% of the number of distributed questionnaires. The data collected were analysed using frequency distribution and percentage, factor analysis and Mean Item Score. The results revealed that biomimicry principles are in four (4) groups namely, organization principles, energy principles, composition principles and material principles, Findings of this study revealed that awareness level of the principles of biomimicry is very low among construction professionals. The study also revealed that biomimicry principles are applicable in the early construction stage, finishing and services, foundation and frame, and project planning stage of building projects. The study revealed that level of competence exhibited by construction professionals, sufficient information about the project during the construction process, favourable weather condition, selection of important activity for which biomimicry is to be adopted and economic situation of clients are top driver for the adoption of biomimicry in the construction industry. While the study revealed that among other challenges lack of conservation of natural habitats is a major challenge besetting the adoption of biomimicry, it further revealed the benefits of biomimicry including its solution to shortage of water, waste management and being a source of inspiration for designers. The study recommended that biomimicry should be taught in tertiary institutions as part of undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum in order to expand its level of awareness, the study further recommended that governments should enact laws that would allow animals and their natural habitats to be preserved.