Analysis of biomimicry approach in architectural design through the traditional houses of Mardin

People who have established various civilizations throughout history have always been intertwined with nature in this process. From the past to the present, the human relationship with nature has always continued. It is seen that people are inspired by nature for their designs and inventions and find the solution in nature. In recent years, the increase in energy consumption in buildings, the desire to create a sustainable environment, and the reasons for finding solutions to increasing environmental problems have pushed people to design in this direction by taking inspiration from nature. Various methods have been developed in architectural design in order to maintain the human-nature relationship. One of these methods is the biomimicry design approach. The aim of biomimicry is to revitalize and maintain the relationship between the artificial environment and nature. In this study, it is aimed to question the use of biomimicry design approach in architectural structures, what these are in the building, to be a guide in this field and to create awareness for future studies. In the study, after giving information about the concept of biomimicry and existing design approaches, examples on biomimicry are included in a wide range. At the same time, examples of the use of biomimicry in architectural structures were also examined. The findings obtained within the scope of the thesis are aimed to contribute to the implementation of sustainability in architectural building design. Mardin traditional houses were selected as the study area. In this context, 13 Mardin traditional houses were analyzed within the scope of the study. For each house, a building identity table containing information about the house name, house address, house island parcel location, house plans and house visuals was created and an analysis table containing information on biomimicry approaches, biomimicry levels and biomimicry sub-levels was created. Mardin traditional houses were evaluated in terms of biomimicry approaches (from design to biology and from biology to design), biomimicry levels (organism level, behavior level and ecosystem level) and sub-dimensions of these levels (form, material, structure, process and function). The houses were analyzed based on these criteria. It was tried to determine the presence of biomimicry-based approach elements in the selected houses and what they include. In line with the information obtained, the houses were compared with graphics. Considering the findings obtained within the scope of the thesis, it was concluded that the organism level of biomimicry is used intensively due to the development of technology, but the behavior and ecosystem levels of biomimicry are intense in the traditional texture through trial and error. The studies carried out within the scope of the analysis of the biomimicry approach in architectural design have revealed that there are traces from nature and traces from nature in these traditional houses. It has been observed that biomimicry-based designs give better results at points where they are sustainable, environmentally sensitive and environmentally friendly. In line with these results, it has been determined that there is biomimicry in Mardin traditional houses. Keywords: Biomimicry, Nature, Inspiration, Mardin traditional houses, Sustainability, Imitation.