**6. Knowledge transformation**

This section demonstrates an example of knowledge transformation. Such a transformation is represented by Biomimetics, where solutions offered by natural organisms are studied to inform innovative design problem solving in engineering applications. In this context, Biomimetics represents a transformation of environmental knowledge into engineering design. As such, it links knowledge learned from nature to concepts of man-made product generation. The epistemological and methodological assumptions underlying knowledge transformation in Biomimetics are based on a cross-disciplinary understanding and approach to knowledge building. In this approach, knowledge is transformed from biology to other design-oriented disciplines such as engineering. As a result of knowledge networking, natural organisms and man-made products are mapped to draw some solutions from the former to inform the latter. Upon mapping, nature can be imitated directly as a template or indirectly as a metaphor to solve design problems. Such mapping is referred to as Biomimicry. The "Biomimicry" term represents a concatenation of "bio" which means life and "mimesis" meaning imitation. In its study of nature, biomimicry analyzes living organisms for their shapes, models, behaviors, systems, morphologies, anatomies, components, topologies and processes as well as their fitting in their communities and natural environments. The study then uses analogical or metaphorical reasoning to imitate or take creative inspiration from them to derive sustainable and optimal solutions for human design problems.

Based on biomimicry, Biomimetics -or biologically-inspired technological application- is most frequently used in scientific and engineering literature to indicate the process of applying biological principles that underlie the morphology, structures and functionality of biological entities to manmade designs (Benyus, 1997). In this process, natural organisms are investigated to extract solutions from their adaptation techniques to their environments. Consequently, new concepts may be derived through partial or holistic extrapolation from natural solutions to artificial ones.

Scholarly works and research projects in the areas of Biomimicry and Biomimetics and their applications in engineering design are relatively new and increasingly growing (Reap et. al., 2005; Rosemond and Anderson, 2003; Todd, 2004; Wainwright et. al., 1976). Examples of Biomimetics applications include spidersilk that is used as building material, and fuel cells that power automobiles and release water instead of carbon dioxide.

While engineering applications of Biomimetics are increasingly growing, a much slower rate of knowledge networking between Biomimetics and architectural design is witnessed.

the conceptual model defined as Concept-Based Model (CNBM). This model encompasses the philosophical, semantic and symbolic aspects underlying a precedent design. Within this model, the design philosophy of the precedent case at hand can be concluded, or a possible analogy, metaphor, scheme or theme can be drawn from it. In CNBM, the significant factors that may enhance creativity and imagination in a precedent are explored. For example, a theme or a story can be tailored from its composition. Similarly, an aspectual analogy can be drawn from comparing physical elements of a precedent with other known products or creatures. Or, some semantic layers can be borrowed in a metaphorical reference. In CNBM, an attempt can be made to capture the spirit of a designer's style of designing. A future design based on CNBM may cast the internal stylistic spirit on a new design that the same designer

This section demonstrates an example of knowledge transformation. Such a transformation is represented by Biomimetics, where solutions offered by natural organisms are studied to inform innovative design problem solving in engineering applications. In this context, Biomimetics represents a transformation of environmental knowledge into engineering design. As such, it links knowledge learned from nature to concepts of man-made product generation. The epistemological and methodological assumptions underlying knowledge transformation in Biomimetics are based on a cross-disciplinary understanding and approach to knowledge building. In this approach, knowledge is transformed from biology to other design-oriented disciplines such as engineering. As a result of knowledge networking, natural organisms and man-made products are mapped to draw some solutions from the former to inform the latter. Upon mapping, nature can be imitated directly as a template or indirectly as a metaphor to solve design problems. Such mapping is referred to as Biomimicry. The "Biomimicry" term represents a concatenation of "bio" which means life and "mimesis" meaning imitation. In its study of nature, biomimicry analyzes living organisms for their shapes, models, behaviors, systems, morphologies, anatomies, components, topologies and processes as well as their fitting in their communities and natural environments. The study then uses analogical or metaphorical reasoning to imitate or take creative inspiration from them to derive sustainable and optimal

Based on biomimicry, Biomimetics -or biologically-inspired technological application- is most frequently used in scientific and engineering literature to indicate the process of applying biological principles that underlie the morphology, structures and functionality of biological entities to manmade designs (Benyus, 1997). In this process, natural organisms are investigated to extract solutions from their adaptation techniques to their environments. Consequently, new concepts may be derived through partial or holistic extrapolation from

Scholarly works and research projects in the areas of Biomimicry and Biomimetics and their applications in engineering design are relatively new and increasingly growing (Reap et. al., 2005; Rosemond and Anderson, 2003; Todd, 2004; Wainwright et. al., 1976). Examples of Biomimetics applications include spidersilk that is used as building material, and fuel cells

While engineering applications of Biomimetics are increasingly growing, a much slower rate of knowledge networking between Biomimetics and architectural design is witnessed.

that power automobiles and release water instead of carbon dioxide.

could hypothetically produce in different temporal or contextual settings.

**6. Knowledge transformation** 

solutions for human design problems.

natural solutions to artificial ones.

Although some examples exist in architecture (Berkebile and McLennan, 2004; Hansell, 2005; Knowles, 2006; Feuerstein, 2002) and mostly on the urban/environmental level (Hastrich, 2006; Kibert, 2006; Pedersen and Storey, 2007); using Biomimetics as a point of departure to approach architectural design in ways other than formal analogy is still under researched. In the following section, a biomimetics-based design approach is proposed. The approach is discussed, developed and implemented as a project in a real design studio to test its applicability. The approach that is summarized in the following sections is further detailed in a separate research (Eilouti, 2010).
