Applying Biomimicry Approach to Urban Design and Policy-making Process Based on Temporal Non-hierarchical Cycles and Changes in the Historical Context of Gorgan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Art, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The built environment is constantly changing, which, due to its dynamic nature, make it impossible to interrupt, because it means rigidity and stops, which leads to its decline. Unfortunately, the historic centers of cities have often been abandoned in the process of urban development, and due to limitations of somehow conservative policies and lack of dynamic and responsive design strategies, it is not possible to adapt to the needs of residents in such contexts and become lifeless centers in the city. The historical context of Gorgan, despite the many ups and downs it has experienced, still has a special quality. The spontaneous and organic patterns of context are influenced by its location and the historical roots of the formation of neighborhoods, paths, and important historical elements of the city. The mismatch between development control policies and dynamic processes of change over time has led to a decline in context quality. Nature as a model that goes through a similar process of growth and decline and uses effective strategies for 3.8 billion years can be a good model for inspiration. Nature's systems maintain their dynamism by controlling their growth and decline in a cyclical process. The mimicry of organisms and ecosystems is often termed ‘biomimicry’. Biomimicry is the emulation of strategies seen in the living world as a basis for human design. Another nature-inspired concept that is used in this study is the adaptive cycle. The Adaptive Cycle is inspired by a cyclical process that ensures the survival of the ecosystem. This study aims to explore the characteristics of ecosystems and the feasibility of their application in the time-sensitive policy-making process to regenerate the historical context of Gorgan. The methodology of research is based on descriptive-analytical approaches. In this regard, the study of thought-provoking commonalities between the fields of biomimicry and urban design has provided the possibility of explaining the theoretical framework and providing a mechanism to evaluate changes in both substantive and procedural dimensions. Substantive and procedural evaluation of change provide an analytical look over challenges the context faced in two time periods. By reviewing the existing literature on the characteristics of ecosystems, four key concepts of adaptive capacity, self-organization, identity preservation, and interactions were extracted. Seven criteria of harmony with nature, latency, polyvalent spaces and diversity, indeterminacy, heterogeneity, modularity, and connection that have spatial dimensions were introduced for applying these key concepts in urban design. Identifying the challenges that the context has faced in different periods shows that the policy-making process doesn’t follow a dynamic path. It needs to consider the policymaking process in a cyclical and non-linear view. To this end, the research result is the time-sensitive policy making model which guide and control regenerative policies by phasing actions based on the adaptive cycle. These measures are presented according to the analysis of the current situation of the context in the form of a model for defining projects in four phases of rehabilitation and renovation, pioneers and public infrastructure services, identity developer, and conservative projects.

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References

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Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning
Volume 15, Issue 37
December 2022
Pages 27-47

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