Papers by Mariam A Oluwatosin
Brushstrokes of Knowledge: A Compendium of Visual Arts, Art Education, and Historical Insights (Volume II), 2025
Biomimicry is a nature-inspired method derived from forms, processes, and systems in nature that ... more Biomimicry is a nature-inspired method derived from forms, processes, and systems in nature that connect visual arts and architecture, giving them common grounds for interaction. The chapter summarizes biomimicry from Janine Benyus's "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature" (1997) to design approaches. It emphasizes universal principles in architecture and visual pattern, structure, and rhythm from the perspective of nature facilitated by biomimicry to produce functional and efficient sustainable solutions. The functional and aesthetic aspects of biomimicry in architecture are examined. Functional biomimicry, as in the case of the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe, takes cues from termite mounds to develop an energy-efficient building. Bio-adaptive facades and green roofs, as in the case of the BIQ House in Hamburg, showcase biomimicry's role in the achievement of sustainability and efficiency of the designs. Visual aesthetics of biomimicry involve organic form and texture, creating visual appreciation, as in the case of the Lotus Temple. Explanations of how nature influences the visual arts, from the perspective of inspiring Art Nouveau to environmental art that utilizes natural form and pattern, are given. A variety of works by artists like Olafur Eliasson and Andy Goldsworthy are all instances of successful applications of biomimicry in art. Biomimicry case studies in architecture include nature-inspired architecture by Zaha Hadid, geodesic domes with climate control for the Eden Project, and bioluminescent art that creates natural light through biomimicry, showcasing artistic and sustainable intent. The chapter demonstrates that a sustainable future integrating visual arts and architecture is achievable through biomimicry as the connector.
Vol 14 No 1 (2026): Lagos Journal of Environmental Studies, Special Edition, 2026
This study investigates levels of awareness and adoption of sustainability and innovative technol... more This study investigates levels of awareness and adoption of sustainability and innovative technology strategies among architects practicing in high-rise building design in Lagos, Nigeria. The aim is to determine the way these experts integrate sustainable practices and technologies as a mitigation measure for the growing need for environmentally responsive urban development. Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed-method approach was used in the study. 87 responses were received from the semi-structured questionnaire shared with registered architects in Lagos. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 was used to analyse the data, using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The interpretation of the quantitative results was also supported by thematic analysis of the qualitative observations obtained from the semi-structured responses. Findings: There is high awareness among Lagos architects of both technological and sustainable initiatives, but uneven adoption. The most widely applied are daylighting and natural ventilation, while more sophisticated strategies such as BIM, modular construction, and green roofs have lower adoption. The findings show awareness-adoption imbalance, with a need for ways to balance it to align practice with global sustainability ambitions. Conclusion/Theoretical/Social/Practical Implications: Inadequate policies, lack of technical skill, as well as high cost are some of the main gaps to the adoption of sustainability and innovative technology strategies. To close this gap, professional development and government interventions are needed to align sustainable design strategies with SDGs 11 and 13. Originality and value: The empirical findings and interpretation offer a basis for comparative studies in other regions and specific frameworks to improve adoption.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND EARTH SCIENCE VOL. 9 NO. 4 E-ISSN 3027-1606 P-ISSN 3027-0049, 2025
Architecture needs a shift from methods that merely reduce damage to ones that actively restore e... more Architecture needs a shift from methods that merely reduce damage to ones that actively restore ecological systems as environmental degradation speeds up on a global scale. This study looks at biomimicry, a design approach that takes inspiration from the structures, functions, and ecosystems of nature to create regenerative built environments. Biomimicry connects architectural design with the intelligence of natural systems by providing a biologically informed framework that goes beyond traditional ideas of sustainability. This paper uses a qualitative, exploratory research design to examine the three conceptual levels of biomimicry: form (The Gherkin, London), process (Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi), and ecosystem (Lavasa Hill City, India) through a combination of theoretical investigation and comparative case study analysis. These instances show how, in a variety of settings and scales, nature-inspired design can promote deeper environmental integration, climatic adaptability, and energy efficiency. The study offers a regenerative design paradigm that switches the relationship between architecture and ecology from one of extraction to one of reciprocity by framing nature as model, measure, and mentor. It provides useful advice for legislators, educators, and architects who want to incorporate biomimicry into a more restorative and holistic approach to architecture. By doing this, the study adds to the expanding body of knowledge on regenerative design and presents a vision for structures that actively act to heal the environment in addition to providing shelter.
nternational Journal of Environmental Research & Earth Science, 2025
With the increased urbanization of tropical areas like Lagos, Nigeria, the need for climate-respo... more With the increased urbanization of tropical areas like Lagos, Nigeria, the need for climate-responsive design in high-rise buildings has grown. These design strategies seek to improve thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This study examines how King's Tower, a well-known commercial high-rise in Lagos, incorporates bioclimatic features into its façade design. The Mahoney Tables, a bioclimatic tool typically created for low-rise buildings, were used as a baseline to produce design recommendations for orientation, ventilation, shading, and material selection with 2024 climate data, particular to Lagos. In order to determine how well King's Tower adheres to these suggestions, a comparative evaluation matrix was subsequently created, supported by descriptive examination of architectural drawings and photographic material. The results show partial compliance in orientation and material reflectivity and full compliance in the use of low thermal mass, lightweight materials. The building's dependence on mechanical cooling systems is highlighted by its non-compliance with important passive measures, including natural ventilation and façade shading. These findings highlight the drawbacks of using standard bioclimatic techniques on high-rise buildings, which frequently have functional and spatial complexity that is not taken into consideration by conventional models. The study fills a significant vacuum in the literature on sustainable urban development by putting forth an updated framework specifically designed for vertical architecture in hot-humid regions. By providing low-energy, climate-responsive solutions for high-density spaces, it supports the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes the significance of adjusting passive design principles to local climatic circumstances.
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Papers by Mariam A Oluwatosin