Biomimicry Sustainability and Luxury Hospitality Design - Research Paper Example

Biomimicry Sustainability and Luxury Hospitality Design Introduction There are many reasons why various strategies are undertaken by different industries among them innovation to stay ahead, keep up with trends, be true to values such as quality service to customers, consideration of all stakeholders including the community and environment, among others. The recent decades have introduced concern for the environment so that technology and various other industries have taken into developing ways to mitigate the deteriorating natural environment as well as the detrimental and catastrophic effects this caused and continue to cause. Today, it is not surprising that all industries look to sustainability as inspiration in their efforts to subside climate change, rising temperatures, flooding, uncontrolled pollution, and other harms affecting humans and world ecology. The same can be said in the design technology, construction, and tourism industries. While these various industries have now merged to present a single cause such as increase tourism in a given area, it takes extensive efforts to combine all and come up with a single project that will address sustainable eco-tourism using bio-mimicry. This paper will try to explore the possibilities of embracing bio-mimicry in said industries with luxury tourism as the common denominator. Biomimicry Nowadays, architectural design inspired and modeled from nature is significantly gaining importance and recognition. This new and practical approach is called as biomimicry. With the ever increasing population of the world, perhaps this approach is the perfect and right solution to the existing built environment problems, fast depleting natural resources and other human challenges. Biomimicry as its name suggest is from the word “bios,” meaning life, and “mimesis,” meaning to imitate. For the purpose of this research, biomimicry is defined as the imitation or taking inspiration from nature’s forms, process, and ecosystem to solve human problems (Klein, 2009). Similar terms for biomimicry also include biomemetics, bio-inspiration, bionics and biognosis. In fact, the principle of biomimicry is threefold: to use nature as a model; to use nature as standard measure; and to use nature as a mentor. However, this topic would be further explained in the succeeding part of this paper. In the study conducted by Klein (2009), he proposed that to fully emulate the nature especially in built environment design, the architectures and designers should take consideration on the three levels/types of mimicry. This includes the form, the ecosystem, and the processes of the natural world. Natural Form-Inspired Design The environmental designers first conceptualized biomimicry from the nature’s forms. The building designers seek inspiration and ideas from the natural world then interpret and apply it in the realm design. The objective of the natural-form-inspired design is to mimic or copy the appearance or feature of the natural environment in the physical design. However, this concept lacks and does not incorporate the nature’s processes and ecosystem. Hence, researchers in this field proposed to call this as “biomorphic” instead of biomimicry. The best examples of this natural-form-inspired design are the Herb Greene’s Prairie Chicken in Norman, Oklahoma, which was inspired from grassland natural appearance, the Beijing National Stadium, which the landscape was inspired from the shape of a giant upturned bird’s nest, the Cactus building of Qatar, and the vertical farm for New York which was modeled from giant wings of dragonfly. Natural-ecosystem-inspired design The building designers also take inspiration and mimic the natural ecosystem. It means that the designers incorporate in the design the principle of “ecology”. This approach not only emulates the appearance of natural dwelling places in building designs. It also tries to imitate and apply the activities that take place in the natural world. This includes the nature’s interaction and relationship between the habitants and the environment. To draw inspiration and idea from nature, the architectures and building designers study the organisms living in the model natural environment in order to understand their relationship in the environment and to other habitant. This concept aims to achieve a design that is self-sustaining. An example of natural-ecosystem –inspired designs include the Altamont Pass Wind Energy Project in San Francisco, California and the Windjammer wind turbine. Both examples of biomimicry ecosystem have integrate in the built design the unique characteristics and wholeness of the natural ecosystem as well as the longer relationship among nature, people and technology (Klein, 2009). Another is the vertical farm for New York City which was conceptualized similar to a real farmland and the structural form was similar to the wing of a giant dragonfly (Kain, 2011). It also includes the Kepos Eco Hotel in Florida, Sojiang Hotel in China, etc. Natural Processes-Inspired Design The other theme in biomimicry is the incorporation of natural/biological processes in the design of built environment. The design of the built environment is conceptualized and closely similar with the processes that take place in the natural world. Examples of this natural-processes-inspired design includes the Pearce Eastgate Project which was inspired from termite mound which has the ability to produce natural heating and cooling process, and the William McDonough’s Green Tower inspired from the natural function of a tree. Nature as a Design Biomimicry significantly changes the current views on built environment designs. It makes physical built environment closer to nature through using nature itself as a design. The application of biomimicry in design significantly benefits the architects and sustainable designers. By integrating the principles emulated and inherited from the natural world they can create a physical built environment that is self-sustaining. The design can incorporate systems for energy use, water, and the cycle of the resources. The designer could include the manufacturing process as well as the entire lifecycle of the building design. This way, the design problems can be solved as well as able to sustain human population over long period of time (Klein, 2009). Nature as a design includes three principles: to use nature as a model; to use nature as standard measure; and to use nature as a mentor. Use of Nature as Model Biomimicry uses nature as a model, this means that building designer emulate nature’s processes, systems, materials, element, structures and aesthetics to solve design problems more efficient and sustainable. The architectures and building designers take ideas through studying and investigating the levels of nature such as the form, ecosystem and the processes which were discussed in the previous part. After which, they abstract the design principle they learn from natural world and then apply it realm building designs. The purpose is to create look a like replicas of their natural model and most importantly to create a self-sustaining ecosystem (Reed, 2004). The best examples of this include the Beijing National Stadium and the Eastgate Center in Zimbabwe. The former was modeled from a giant bird’s nest which primary function was not only focus for aesthetic design but more on sustainable design. As inspired from nature, the design has less wasted material. The key advantages of the stadium include such as the following: it allows sunlight to filter through to feed the natural grass field; it allows natural ventilation; the panels are self-cleaning and durable (Rogers, et.al, 2008). Likewise, the latter was modeled after African termite mounds. The green building uses natural air-conditioning similar of that termite mounds which can maintain consistent temperature (Reed, 2004). Another example is the Cactus Building in Qatar which was inspired from the ability of cacti to survive desert conditions. Use of Nature as Standard Measure Biomimicry also uses nature as measure. This means that modern building designers use nature and its ecological standards to assess and evaluate their innovation, design and solution. It also discovers what works and appropriate as well as what will last in the natural world. This principle ultimate objective is to create a built environment closely similar with the natural environment – an environment that can sustain and balance its available resources in order to address human caused problems such as pollution, global warming, energy and water shortage, etc. In fact, this principle has long been adopted in industrial ecology wherein the waste products of one manufacturer can be used as raw materials by other companies (Reed, 2004). The best example for this is the William McDonough’s Green Tower. This high-rise green building was designed and modeled after taking inspiration and idea from the function of a tree. The design include the ability of the building to distills water, produces its own energy, oxygen and able to adapt changes with the season (Basantani, 2008). Nature As Mentor Further, biomimicry also use nature as mentor. Modern architectures consult the natural world to seek for efficient and sustainable advice. Therefore, they view and value nature base on what they learn from it and not on what they can exploit/extract from it. The architects look closely with the design solutions offered by the nature and try to adapt them for human use and advantage. The biomimicry revolution tries to manufacture an environment built that could balance its own processes or system (Reed, 2004). Luxury Tourism Over the past few decades, luxury tourism is growing in popularity. In the same manner, the landscape and trend of the industry is also changing. The luxury travelers are now considering a more diverse travel and vacation experince. It has also been observed that more and more luxury travelers choose destinations that are environmentally appealing. Perhaps, these are the ultimate reasons of the building designers and architectures to integrate biomimicry in the physically built environment. For the purpose of attracting more travelers, there’s a need to create a unique, physically aesthetic as well as travel destination the offers high standard quality, relaxation and comfort. With the aim to provide sustainable solution to the emerging demands in luxury tourism as well as in building designs, people involve are trying to consult and take inspiration from the natural world. Hence, biomimicry enters in the luxury tourism industry to solve the human caused problems while providing the aesthetic design and comfort which the clients are looking for in their travel destination. One of the best examples of luxury tourism destination that incorporates biomimicry is the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Resort in Tokyo, Japan. This tourist accommodation and destination was originally inspired from a forest ecosystem. In fact, the function of the hotel was much similar to a large living tree which serves as shelter; provides comfort as well as venue for gatherings. The hotel offers a unique and exciting experience for luxury travelers because it makes the customers to feel like taking a journey in the woods and water. Each hotel floors were actually designed and decorated similar with the elements found in the forest. However, the purpose and function of the nature-inspired-design of the hotel was not mere focus on physical aesthetic only. The design was also inspired to create a sustainable, healthy and energy efficient built environment (MOHG, 2011). Luxury Hospitality The frontier in tourism industry is no longer focused on the aesthetic beauty of the travel destination. It also includes the accommodation services, amenities and accessories that deliver customer satisfaction. To meet this high end needs and demands of hospitality industry, building designers are continuously conceptualizing new styles and designs to be integrated in the built environment. Since the trend in accommodation services incorporate environmental concept, biomimicry becomes the solution to this emerging hospitality challenges. Nowadays, hospitality facilities such as hotels, restaurants, casinos, and resorts considered as tourist destination themselves because of the unique features that are integrated in the built environment design. The purpose of which is to provide another attraction while providing the comfort and luxury that the customers are looking for in their travel experience. The future of the accommodation facilities and designs are gradually changing, from traditional to sustainable. Hence, buildings are designed which most likely to function like a living organisms and a natural environment which has the ability to supply and balance its entire system. The best example of a built environment that could offer luxury travel as well as accommodation is the proposed urban/vertical farm for New York City, which is inspired and modeled from the wings of a giant dragonfly. The building would in house offices, research laboratories, housing, and communal areas that are designed in between the orchards, farms, and production room. The idea wants to emulate the form, processes and ecosystem of a real farmland. This gives a unique experience of just living and working in a real agricultural area/farm but, set in the urban city (Kain, 2011). Another example is the Kepos Eco Hotel, which draw inspiration from the ability of living environment to support life, produce energy, recycle and recover resources and materials. The best feature of this biomimic architecture is its ability to absorb solar and wind energy through open pores (Jolly, 2010). Sustainable Tourism Sustainable tourism has come a long way in the last decade. One of the driving factors of the gradual change in the industry was the revolution of biomimicry in built environment. According to the World Tourism Organization (1998) sustainable tourism is referred to the development that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It aims to provide a type of management wherein all the resources are ecologically, economically, socially and physically maintained and preserved. This is to promote and meet biological diversity and life support system as well as the standards of ethics and social justice and equity. Therefore, sustainable tourism incorporates the natural, cultural and human environment in the development. Sustainable is long-term goal. The great challenge for the architectures and building designers is on how they would provide a destination that has high standard of quality but, the ecological balance of nature is not compromised or jeopardize. . It is in this context that the science and art of biomimicry enters in the scenario to solve these human challenges. Meanwhile, there are 10 steps towards sustainable tourism which was recommended by the Department of the Environment and Heritage of the Australian Government (2004). This would serve as guide to the building designers as well as the accommodation services and facilities operator. This would also provide long term solutions to emerging challenges in tourism industry while conserving and preserving the natural environment. The steps are guided by questions which includes the following: 1. What do we want to do? 2. Who is, could be or needs to be involved? 3. What is known? 4. What makes this place special? 5. What are the issues? 6. Analyzing issues. 7. Principles or objectives to guide action. 8. What are your ideas and options? 9. How to do it? and 10. Statement of directions. The first step helps the hospitality providers and building designers to both define their short term and long term aim. It would then encourage them to develop a plan or design that most likely to contribute to the protection and conservation of the sites natural and unique feature. This procedure also provides an understanding with the context of the project or the place. It includes the social setting, economic condition, current political climate, natural environment setting and cultural considerations. Likewise, the second step helps in identifying the stakeholders involved in planning, managing, implementing of sustainable activities. The third step would be used in determining the existing studies relevant to the project for the purpose of acquiring information. This information would be used as basis to identify the current trends in sustainable tourism. The fourth step function is threefold. It identifies the special or unusual characteristic/feature of the place or environment that attracts travelers and tourists i.e. natural value, cultural value, etc. It also established how well its special values are recognized and communicated and established interpretation of the future use of special/unique values in tourism. Further, step five helps in determining and understanding the key issues affecting the place or the sustainability of the destination. The six steps on the other hand further analyze, clarify and priorities issues. One of the best tools that can be utilized in analyzing is the SWOT analytical method. This method includes in the analysis the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in achieving a sustainable tourism. The next step is to set objectives/principles to guide the actions to be taken. Then draw ideas and recommend options that would most likely to enhance tourism in a sustainable way. The ideas could include changing the structural design of the facility to cater and provide the demands of tourist and the like. The ninth step includes the development of actions in order to implement the identified ideas, proposals and/or options. Likewise, the final step would be the statement of the project direction which includes the identified key tourism assets, issue and actions, and the future plan. Biomimicry Design for Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants Since, the trend of tourism and hospitality changes, the designs of tourist destinations such as hotels, resorts and restaurants have also changed rapidly over the years. The design of these luxury destinations have extended beyond physical structure. The new concept in design has already integrated the nature’s forms, processes and ecosystem. This means that designers are both challenged and interested to create a built environment that is physically aesthetic. But, most important to create a built environment that is efficient and has the ability to sustain itself. To do so, the building designers are now consulting and taking ideas and inspirations from the natural world to meet the customer’s needs while conserving and protecting the natural resources. In fact, there were already tourist accommodation facilities and destination that were built from the concept of the elements and processes of nature. Aside from their physical aesthetic contribution, these destinations also offer and provide eco-luxury, comfort, and unique traveler and vacation experience. The best example of hospitality facilities that were emulated from nature includes the following: Kepos Eco Hotel, Songjiang Hotel in China, Bella Vista in Trafoi, Italy, Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the New Burger King Restaurant in Waghäusel, Germany. These accommodation and tourist facilities do not only emulate the natural form of eco-elements but also integrates the natural processes and ecosystem in order to achieve the triple bottom line: environmentally sustainable, economically viable and social equity. Kepos Eco Hotel The eco-hotel which is located in Florida was designed by John Naranjo. The purpose of the concept was to integrate natural elements while providing the needs of its customers. The designer was inspired by emulating the nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to create an innovative sustainable hotel. The primary eco factor of this hotel was its ability to absorb solar and wind energy through an open skin/pores. To be a self-sustaining environment, the eco-hotel was designed after taking idea from various types of natural plant architectural elements. This includes its decomposition of tree components, the biological type, structure and the physical relation of one with another. The physical architectural design of the hotel was modeled after these components which also provide support to its sustainability and efficiency. The hotel which is composed of 4 buildings was designed with a root base, a trunk/stem column support and branch canopy of leaves for the dwell spaces. The root base of each building served as the main body. This provides the horizontal topological landscape park for the hotel guest. Likewise, the area where the lobbies, commercial, retail and other hospitality components comprised the internal base of the buildings. The internal base also provides the building the support components of parking and the energy storage systems. The trunk support of the hotel is where the exposed access elevators and open sculptures stairs are located. This area provides the tourists and guests to view the hanging vines from the canopy and the open landscaped topography park. The hotel rooms were designed with a double-layer building envelops which was emulated from the plants canopy that is made of voxel cells. These hotel rooms represent the branches and leaf of trees. Each room is also exposed to open landscaped terraces which can be compared to nature that expose plants in their microenvironments. Further, the design of the floor plates on bridge and roof levels to connect the hospitality components such as the meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, lounges, spa and work out areas were similar to the biological patterns and decomposition of a real leaf. This idea was considered to create the topological layouts of the mentioned designs. The hotel also integrate in the design the ability of the natural world to support and balance life, to produce its own energy, and to recycle and renew its own resources and materials. To functionally attain its main eco-factor (absorb solar and wind energy), photovoltaic and piezoelectric technologies were installed in one system. Another unique feature of the hotel is the exterior canopy was designed using a special layer called “grow skin.” This system is an open grid which is made up of individual small leaf-like panels. It reflects and moves on the hotel exterior canopy so that it would able to support the natural vegetation in the open terraces and to provide passive cooling system. Likewise, the natural vegetation aimed to provide a fresh food for the restaurant component of the hotel. The hotel has also internal open space to allow small crops to grow through hydroponics or aerophonics. The water system of the eco-hotel was also inspired from the natural water cycle. The consummated water directly collected in the open ponds. This water is used to water the hotel vegetations. The gray waters are also treated so that it would be used again (Jolly, 2010). Songjiang Hotel The Songjiang Hotel in China was conceptualized by the British firm Atkins. The 400-bed resort hotel will be constructed into a 100-meter-deep quarry. The hotel design was actually inspired from natural water and the quarry setting with cascading green hill down the natural rock face. Since, it is located in quarry itself; the build environment would have many sustainable features. But, the main eco-factor of this hotel would be the use of natural geothermal energy for its electrical supply and hot water supply from the quarry. The design of the hotel was in fact considered and took advantage of the natural terrain of the area as another feature to attract tourist. The quarry setting of the hotel would not only provide physical attraction to the travelers but, it is most likely to provide protection from the weather. In addition, the quarry will be used to reduce the energy needs of the hotel. Green roofs will also be used to generate additional electric energy. The hotel would in house restaurants, cafes, and conference and sport facilities. Further attraction would also include two underwater public areas and ten-meter deep underwater aquariums (Nithya, 2008). Bella Vista Eco Hotel The Bella Vista eco-hotel is a proposed design to be put-up in Trafoi, Italy. It was designed by architect Matteo Thun. In fact, the hotel which is composed of 11 separate lodgings was inspired from nature’s ability to totally adapt to the surrounding environment. It is considered as sustainable built environment because the design integrates the concept of nature, life (socio-cultural aspect) and economy (transparency). The hotel was constructed in 2009 and expected to be completed on 2011. It is in the hillside and built partly underground. The hotel will use green grass roofs similar with Hobbit dwellings. Other economical and ecological methods will also be utilized for heating, cooling and building. Specifically, geothermal energy would be utilized for heating and cooling the entire hotel. In addition to its physical beauty and environmental sustainability, local and indigenous resources and materials will be utilized. The accommodation facility is also considered as the attraction itself because of its unique appearance and processes drawn from nature (Sweet, 2010). Proximity Hotel The Proximity Hotel that is located in Greensboro, North Carolina is considered as on one of the most environmentally sustainable luxury hotel in United States to date. The hotel was designed by Dennis Quaintance which opened last 2007. The hotel design includes the 7,000 square private event space, spacious fitness studio, outdoor swimming pool and guest living room on each floor. Likewise, sustainable practices were also integrated in the built environment design which ultimate objective is to use 40% less energy and 30% less water. To apply this sustainable practices the hotel was designed with 100 solar panels on their roofs. These panels absorb the heat from the sun in order to generate heat for the water system of the entire hotel. The hotel also uses state-of-the-art technologies to highly improve its efficiency and sustainability. This includes the installation of Otis’ Gen2 elevator to reduce electricity consumption. The elevator only uses energy while going up. The reason is that the system has the ability to capture the energy used in the elevator and feeds it back by its motion into the internal electrical grid of the building. The hotel also uses geothermal cooling system for refrigeration. High-efficiency Kohler plumbing fixtures were also installed to reduce water consumption. Drift irrigation system is also used in watering the landscape and the vegetation. Meanwhile, energy recovery technology was also employed in the hotel design in order to improve the air quality. This technology circulates large amounts of outside air and supplies it into guestrooms. Aside from its aesthetic contribution, the building was also designed with oversized windows and the guestrooms are designed with 10 foot ceiling. The functional purpose of this is to allow and provide abundant natural light and large amounts of fresh air in the rooms. The guestrooms are also designed with 10 foot ceiling. The materials used for the interior decoration of the guestrooms were indigenous and recycled materials. For example, the shelves and tabletops were made from walnut veneer, a recycled wood pulp. Green vegetation at the rooftop was also integrated in the design to provide food supply for the hotel restaurants and to reduce the urban heat island effects. Native plants were also used in the landscape of the hotel. This is another way of the hotel to reduce water consumption because the plants can easily adapt in the surrounding. Likewise, in their restaurants’ sustainable practices include the use of sensor-controlled ventilation for the kitchen. This system can detect heat and smoke and can adjust its fan speed to accommodate the load. Recycled and local materials are also used for their furniture, i.e. the tabletops were made from recycled walnut. The hotel also provides plenty of outdoor terrace dining to provide natural light and fresh air (Wright, 2010). New Burger King Restaurant The New Burger King Restaurant is located in Waghäusel, Germany. The design of the restaurant both considers environment and economic sustainability. To reduce energy use and cost several features were incorporated in the design such as wind, solar, lighting, heating, and cooling system. One third of the restaurant’s electricity needs will be generated and supplied by the wind and solar power system. The system was designed by Wirsol Solar AG with the aim to reduce 45% of carbon dioxide emissions at least 120 metric tons every year. The restaurant installed more than 720 solar photovoltaic modules to provide over 53,500kWh of electricity per year. In addition, wind turbine was also built to generate at least 2,500 kWh per year. The restaurant has also incorporated other sustainable practices such as the installation of modern technologies, use of energy efficient materials and others. To cool and heat the site, an interior heat-recovery ventilation system was employed. This system can save up to 73% energy. The restaurant also saves up to 50% of energy because it uses waste heat to generate hot water. LEDs bulbs were also used in the interior and exterior of the restaurant. At least 55% less energy were being used up than using standard bulbs. Duke Flexible Batch Broiler was also installed in order to reduce gas and electricity consumption. This technology can reduce 52% of gas and 90% of electricity consumption. The restaurant has also its own technology to conserve water. A rainwater reclamation system was installed in order to supply irrigation for the restaurant landscape. Further, the restaurant has also its own charging station for hybrid cars. The station used solar-powered electricity and this is offered to their customers (GreenerBuilding Staff, 2010). Conclusion It is surprising to note how technology inspired by nature could come up with many approaches to imitating nature in their design process and product outcomes. When applied to the tourism industry, bio-mimicry may at one point create a continuing trend towards development of more nature-conscious and sustainable outcomes and products including buildings, amenities, facilities, and various endeavors to boost tourism. In fact, bio-mimicry at its current stage, have shown fascinating products that actually delves into the continuity of nature-inspired efforts with preservation and improvement of the natural and manmade environments as main goal. With these unique as well as truly amazing efforts, products just cannot be kept from the curious and environmentally-conscious public who would want to witness, become part and experience these noble endeavors. References Basantani, M. (2008). “William McDonough’s Treescraper Tower of Tomorrow.” Article available at http://inhabitat.com/the-building-of-tomorrow-that-works-like-a-tree/ Department of the Environment and Heritage (2004). “Steps to Sustainable tourism: Planning a Sustainable Future for tourism, heritage and the environment. Australian Government. PDF available at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/strategy/pubs/steps. GreenerBuilding Staff (2010). “New Burge King Restaurant Powered by Wind and Solar Energy. Article available at http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/06/16/new-burger-king-restaurant-powered-by-wind-solar-energy Kain, A. (2011). “The Dragonfly: A Giant winged Vetical Fam fo New York City. Article available at http://inhabitat.com/dragonfly-urban-agriculture-concept-for-ny/dragonfly-building/?extend=1 Klein, L. (2009). “A Phenomenological Interpretation of Biomimicry and its Potential Value for Sustainable Design. Master’s Thesis in Architecture. Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.PDF available at www.cinearc.com/projects/HDD/research/biomimicry_sustainable_design.pdf Jolly, A., (2010). “MRA Design’s Kepos Eco Hotel Embraces Natural Environment.” Article available at http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/mra-design-s-kepos-eco-hotel-embraces-natural-environment/ Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (2011). “The Design Concept And Materials Of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.” Information available at http://mandarin-oriental.ru/about_mo/media/press_kits/tokyo/design_concept.aspx Nithya, N. (2008). China’s Eco-friendly Songjiang Hotel to be built in a quarry.” Article available at http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/chinas-eco-sensitive-songjiang-hotel-to-be-built-in-a-quarry/ Proximity Hotel (2011). Information Available at http://www.proximityhotel.com/ Reed, P. A. (2004, December/January). A paradigm shift: Biomimicry. The Technology Teacher, 23-27. Rogers, A., Yoon, B., & Malek, Chloe (2008). “Beijing Olympic Stadium 2008 as Biomimicry of a Bird’s Nest” PDF Available at www.cinearc.com/projects/HDD/research/BiomimicrySSEFessay2007.pdf Sustainable Design Update (2011). “Biomimicry – Green Building Highrise. Article available at http://sustainabledesignupdate.com/2008/01/biomimicry/ Sweet, L. (2010). “New Underground Eco-friendly Hotel Bella Vista by Matteo Thun.” Article available at http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-underground-eco-friendly-hotel.html. Wright, D. (2010). “How the environment is shaping the hotel design.” Available at http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/04/how-the-environment-is-shaping-hotel-design/ WTO (1998) Guide for Local Authorities on Developing Sustainable Tourism. http://www.world-tourism.org/cgi-bin/infoshop.storefront/EN/product/1016-1 Appendix Biomimicry Design for Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants Kepos Eco Hotel Kepos Eco Hotel in Florida was inspired and modeled similar to the function and structure of a natural leaf. It is considered sustainable built environment because it has the ability to absorb solar and wind energy through an open skin (Photo Credit: Jolly, 2010) Songjiang Hotel in China Songjiang Hotel in China was inspired from the quarry setting with cascading green hill down the natural rock face. The main eco-factor of this hotel is the use of natural energy (Photo: Nithya, 2008). Bella Vista in Trafoi, Italy The Bella Vista in Trafoi, Italy is an eco-hotel which design was drawn from the ability of nature to adapt to the surrounding environment. The hotel also incorporates ecological methods of heating, cooling and building (Photo: Proximity Hotel The Proximity Hotel t in Greensboro, North Carolina is a perfect example of eco-luxury hotel because it incorporates eco-conscious elements in its design (Proximity Hotel, 2011). The green vegetation at the rooftop (Photo Credit: Jayne England Byrne, 2011). New Burger King Restaurant The New Burger King Restaurant in Waghäusel, Germany incorporates natural sources of energy such as wind, solar, lighting, heating, and cooling in the design. The eco-elements aimed to reduce energy and water consumption (GreenerBuilding Staff, 2010). Read More