A Bio-Cultural Biomimetic Framework for Climate-Responsive Building Envelopes in Hot and Arid Environments

Integrating Biological Mechanisms and Saoura Vernacular Knowledge

Authors

  • Mohammed Moumni Department of Architecture, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Architecture and Environmental Heritage (ARCHIPEL), Tahri Mohamed University of Béchar, Béchar, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6915-396X
  • Widad Ratiba Biara Department of Architecture, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tahri Mohamed University of Béchar, Béchar, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6682-2021

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66838/sauc.6455

Keywords:

hot-arid environments biomimetic design climate-responsive envelopes bio-cultural design vernacular architecture evidence traceability Saoura

Abstract

Building envelopes in hot-arid climates are often labelled biomimetic on the basis of formal analogy, while source mechanisms, operating limits, and evaluation routes remain underreported. This conceptual study develops and illustratively applies a framework for combining biological evidence with situated knowledge from the Saoura region of Algeria. An illustrative purposive evidence sample connects biomimetic design methods, climate-responsive envelopes, four biological source systems, and Saoura vernacular architecture. The Desert Biomimicry Model (DBM) stores linked source records, while the Desert Biomimetic Design Logic (DBDL) guides Observation, Abstraction, context-gate decision, Application, and feedback. An author-developed Function–Form–Process–Environment/context (FFPE) schema separates documented claims from interpretation. Persistent identifiers link source records (SR), abstracted rules (AR), propositions (P), and prospective evaluation specifications (ES); the matrices also record an accept, modify, defer, or reject decision for each transfer. The analysis corrects common simplifications: beetle fog collection is treated as a taxon-bounded behavioural and fluid-mechanical process; ....

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Published

2026-09-15

How to Cite

Mohammed Moumni, & Widad Ratiba Biara. (2026). A Bio-Cultural Biomimetic Framework for Climate-Responsive Building Envelopes in Hot and Arid Environments: Integrating Biological Mechanisms and Saoura Vernacular Knowledge. Street Art & Urban Creativity, 12(5), 478–493. https://doi.org/10.66838/sauc.6455

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 5 (2026)

Section

Research articles

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