Integrating biomimetic vertical greening systems with plant-cell-inspired design for urban cooling and energy efficiency: A case study in Suzhou
Abstract
This study investigates the integration of plant-cell morphological bionics into vertical greening systems to enhance thermal performance and environmental sustainability in urban architecture, with a focus on Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Drawing inspiration from the honeycomb-like structure of plant cells, which are known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and efficient material usage, we introduce a biomimetic façade system. This system uses hexagonal modules that mimic plant cell geometry, supporting locally adapted climbing vegetation to mitigate urban heat island effects. Advanced computational design tools were employed to optimize the system’s structural efficiency and cooling performance, tailoring it to the subtropical monsoon climate and rich architectural heritage of the region. Over a two-month experimental period during the peak summer season, the system demonstrated a significant reduction in surface temperatures, averaging a daily cooling effect of −5.4 ℃ and reaching a maximum reduction of −10.2 ℃ during peak solar radiation. Heat flux calculations and statistical analyses confirmed the system’s enhanced thermal regulation capabilities, leading to reduced heat transfer and energy consumption. The findings highlight the biomimetic system’s potential to harmonize contemporary building designs with traditional aesthetics, addressing urban sustainability challenges while preserving cultural continuity. Future research recommendations include year-round performance evaluations, material innovations, and scalability assessments in high-density urban areas to further validate and refine this promising approach.
References
1. Zhang X, Yang F, Li Y. Research on the impact of vertical greening on urban microclimate: A review. Urban Climate. 2020; 33: 100629.
2. Liu H, Zhang Z, Guo X, et al. Influence of building vertical greening methods and design height on cooling potential in three-dimensional space. Building Environment. 2021; 198: 107858.
3. Wang Y, He X, Li Z. Research on the multi-scale carbon sequestration and energy efficiency measurement of urban blue-green infrastructure: progress and planning strategies. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2022; 348: 131314.
4. Li J, Xu F, Zeng X. Biomimetics in architecture: Definitions, case studies, and design methods. Journal of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. 2021; 29(3): 72-84.
5. Chen W, Zhao L. Biomimetic design methods in architecture: From cellular structures to sustainable buildings. Journal of Green Building. 2020; 15(4): 14-31.
6. Zhang H, Zheng Y. Biomimetic design methodology for large-span building structures: A case study of cellular-inspired forms. Computer-Aided Design. 2022; 144: 103152.
7. Wang Z, Xu Y, Li J. The future of architecture: Construction with bio-based materials. EcoMat. 2021; 3(2): e12123.
8. Liu L, Li X, Song Y. Biotechnology and green technologies: How new materials achieve building sustainability. Sustain Mater Technol. 2020; 25: e00155.
9. Sun X, Yao Y, Zhang X. Future materials: Bio-composite materials in architecture. Journal of Materials Science. 2021; 56(9): 5356-5368.
10. Pawlyn M. The architecture of nature: A discussion on biomimetic design in buildings. Journal of Green Building. 2020; 36(2): 68-77.
11. Perini, K., Ottelé, M., Fraaij, A. L. A., Haas, E. M., & Raiteri, R. (2011). Vertical greening systems and the effect on air flow and temperature on the building envelope. Building and Environment, 46(11), 2287–2294. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2011.05.009
12. Ren L, Li B, Wang K, et al. Plant-Morphing Strategies and Plant-Inspired Soft Actuators Fabricated by Biomimetic Four-Dimensional Printing: A Review. Frontiers in Materials. 2021; 8: 789-802. doi: 10.3389/fmats.2021.651521
13. Uchiyama Y, Blanco E, Kohsaka R. Application of Biomimetics to Architectural and Urban Design: A Review across Scales. Sustainability. 2020; 12(23): 9813. doi: 10.3390/su12239813
14. Chayaamor-Heil N. From Bioinspiration to Biomimicry in Architecture: Opportunities and Challenges. Encyclopedia. 2023; 3(1): 202-223. doi: 10.3390/encyclopedia3010014
15. Ryzhov A, Ouerdane H, Gryazina E, et al. Model predictive control of indoor microclimate: existing building stock comfort improvement. Available online: https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.08999 (accessed on 1 January 2025).
16. GREEN. Vertical Gardens for Cooling Urban Areas: Enhancing Sustainable Urban Development. Available online: https://green.org/2024/01/30/vertical-gardens-for-cooling-urban-areas/ (accessed on 1 January 2025).
17. Farrokhirad E, Rigillo M, Köhler M, & Perini K. Optimising vertical greening systems for sustainability: an integrated design approach. International Journal of Sustainable Energy. 2024; 43(1). doi: 10.1080/14786451.2024.2411831
18. Perini K, Ottelé M, Fraaij AL, Haas EM, Raiteri R. Vertical Greening as a Low-Cost Source of Food, Energy, and Building Cooling. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2022; 141: 110788.
19. Jeong D, Li Y, Kim S, et al. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation of the three-dimensional pattern formation of honeycombs. Scientific reports. 2019; 9(1): 20364. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-56942-6
20. Wang W, Chen S, Ye H, Li Y, Cui F. Numerical analysis of bionic blade applied to centrifugal fan. Journal of Power Engineering. 2021; 41 (4) : 311-317.JCSPE.SPERI.COM.CN
21. Li J, Xu K, Long L, Chen C, Ye H. Superior heat and mass transfer performance of bionic wick with finger-like pores inspired by stomatal array of natural leaf. Langmuir. 2024;40(18):5234-5242
22. Arch Daily. Vitalcube Medical Office Building/ARK-architecture + AUDA. Available online: https://www.archdaily.com/938087/15-vertical-garden-ideas-from-living-walls-to-botanical-libraries (accessed on 1 January 2025).
23. Mcdermott J, John AS. Urban Communities That Lack Shade Sizzle When It’s Hot. Trees Are a Climate Change Solution. The Associated Press. 2020; 52: 101778.
24. Kinsman J. Are Trees Making Shanghai a Smarter City? Smart Cities. 2021; 4(2): 56-67.
25. London Design Festival. More effective than a 20-year-old tree—a modular system for the urban climate. Available online: https://www.londondesignfestival.com (accessed on 1 January 2025).
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright on all articles published in this journal is retained by the author(s), while the author(s) grant the publisher as the original publisher to publish the article.
Articles published in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which means they can be shared, adapted and distributed provided that the original published version is cited.
Submit a Paper
