Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Architectura

Biomimetic and bio-inspired architecture: a comparative analysis of selected contemporary buildings in China

Anna Piętocha — 2026-06-26

Humanity has learned fundamental principles from nature, understanding which has enabled the creation of numerous inventions, such as the parachute and helicopter, as well as numerous optimisations, such as the aerodynamic shape of the Japanese high-speed train (Shinkansen). Plants, in addition to their morphological characteristics, possess a remarkable ability to adapt to environmental changes. Biomimicry architecture draws inspiration and processes from nature, utilising these principles to optimise design, improve energy efficiency, and dynamically respond to the environment. The study was conducted using purposive sampling on three Chinese projects: Lotus Building in Changzhou, Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, and Comprehensive Service Pavilion of the 2024 Chengdu International Horticultural Expo, which were selected according to Pohl and Nachtigall’s classification. The analysis indicates that natural inspiration can occur at three levels of transfer: formal inspiration, process mapping, and implementation of adaptive strategies. Case studies show the gradual transition of biomimetics applications from symbolic formal inspiration to advanced strategies responding to climate changes. Biomimetic architecture, combined with parametric design and interdisciplinary design, has the potential to deliver innovative solutions to achieve international climate neutrality goals.

Temporal evolution of clear-water local scour downstream of a weir

Julia Górka — 2026-06-26

This study investigates the temporal evolution of local scour downstream of a weir under clear-water conditions. The research hypothesis assumes that the majority of scour develops during the initial flow phase and that the rate of scour is influenced by downstream flow velocity. Laboratory experiments were conducted on a 1 : 30 physical model of a damming weir, reproducing realistic sediment and structural conditions. Results show that, on average, 85–86% of the maximum scour depth forms within the first 0.5 h, while subsequent growth slows and stabilises near the final depth. Higher flow velocities accelerate initial scour development but have little effect on later stages. The study confirms the typical clear-water scour pattern and provides quantitative insights useful for assessing structural safety and designing bed protection measures downstream of weirs.

Influence of subdivision frequency and base polyhedron on the structural efficiency of single-layer steel geodesic domes

Jakub Szumieluk — 2026-06-26

This paper presents a comparative numerical analysis of single-layer steel geodesic domes with a diameter of 30 m based on a regular icosahedron and a regular octahedron. Division frequencies 2 V, 4 V, 8 V, and 16 V were analysed using a Class I grid. The study assumes that increasing the subdivision frequency improves structural performance and that the choice of the base solid affects material efficiency. The results show that higher frequencies reduce bending moments and shift the structural behaviour towards axial forces, which allows smaller cross-sections and lower mass. At 16 V, the icosahedral dome was about 20% lighter than the octahedral one. Domes based on the icosahedron also required fewer unique member lengths and achieved better geometric efficiency.