# Exploring Bioinspired Climatic Design Strategies for a Low-Carbon Future: A Case Study of a Hot–Humid Climate in Sri Lanka

## TL;DR

This paper explores bioinspired design strategies for low-carbon buildings in hot-humid climates, using Sri Lanka as a case study.

## Contribution

It introduces Bioinspired Climatic Design (BCD), integrating ecology, behavior, and climate data for sustainable architecture.

## Key findings

- BCD strategies can be categorized into primary and modifying adaptive approaches for hot-humid climates.
- Aligning design with climate, ecology, and occupant behavior is crucial for low-carbon architecture.
- Case studies highlight the effectiveness of BCD in creating resilient, climate-responsive buildings.

## Abstract

Bioclimatic design, rooted in vernacular architecture, aims to create buildings that harmonise with their local climate and context. Over the past five decades, continuous advancements have strengthened its foundation for climate-responsive architecture. However, the development of bioinspired thinking extends new opportunities to enhance ecological sustainability and innovation in bioclimatic design. This study introduces Bioinspired Climatic Design (BCD) as an advancement of bioclimatic design, integrating ecological processes, human behaviour, and high-resolution climate data to create sustainable, climate-responsive low-carbon architecture. Focusing on residential buildings in hot–humid climates, it categorises BCD strategies into primary and modifying adaptive approaches, examined through four case studies using observation and spatial analysis. Findings emphasise the importance of aligning design with climate, ecology, and occupant behaviour to achieve low-carbon, resilient architecture, especially in challenging conditions. The research calls for a paradigm shift from conventional climate-responsive design towards a holistic, ecologically integrated framework for future-oriented built environments.