Promoting biomimetic materials for a sustainable construction industry

Abstract: This article reviews current knowledge of biomimicry and its potential in the sustainability of the South Africa construction industry through materials selection. Biomimicry is the applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of nature’s designs, processes, and systems. The article evaluates, promotes and encourages the use of biomimetic materials in the South Africa construction industry. An extant literature review was conducted on biomimetic materials, applications and their roles in the achievement of sustainability in the South African construction industry. The study shows that there is a misconception of bioprospected and biopirated materials as biomimetic materials, also, the study found that there are already existing materials that were designed based on biomimicry principles. The paper offers a new approach and strategy to achieving a sustainable construction industry in the South African construction industry through the use and incorporation of biomimetic materials into construction activities. Hence, it is envisaged that new ideas and innovations will be proffered which requires an interdisciplinary collaboration between biologists and other stakeholders in the industry. This study challenges all stakeholders in the South African construction industry on the adoption of biomimicry in their construction practices