Author(s)

S. Al-Zahabi, H. Taleb

Abstract

It is important to understand biomimicry from a different perspective, other than a natural concept, model, measure or mentor. Biomimicry illustrates the environmental adaptation of a complete natural plant cycle, “grape viticulture production”, considered as a sensitive process that requires special care for a healthy production. This process is mentioned in detail in the Holy Qur’an, “Surat Al Kahf” Ayah 32 and is noted as one of Qur’an ayah’s miracles. This research paper will present and analyze the natural concept of grape cultivation by studying and visualizing the anatomy of grapes; soil, temperature, natural light, water, wind and surrounding elements, such as palm trees. Natural concepts will be retrieved to a parallel environmental strategy design and then analyzed to prove design success. Using analysis software, five environmental strategies will be tested: daylight factors, shading elements, building the thermal envelope, air movement and solar energy. In conclusion, the final comparisons will be illustrated in a scientific table, illustrating the differences between the existing and the proposed, using analytical software – Autodesk Ecotect – in addition to manual calculation strategies. Upgrading the selected design strategies may lead to a 100% passive design and will achieve a sustainable, calm and healthy environment where the function of the Mosque can truly be achieved.

Keywords

biomimicry, grape viticulture, environmental strategies, daylight factor, thermal envelope, solar energy, UAE