ABSTRACT
The yearnings to achieve energy efficiency, sustainability and economy in design due to global-climatic challenges which affect the environment has called for us to be more innovative in our approach. Various studies have shown that study of natural systems, will trigger innovations in building design and building-product development that are resource efficient, environmentally benign, and aesthetically satisfying". Thus, biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. This research therefore explores Biomimicry in an attempt to identify a scheme that can be applied to the design of the faculty of medicine for Kaduna State University(KASU) and similar facilities so as to make them more energy efficient and sustainable. A case study methodology was adopted for the research by a descriptive and qualitative analysis of two faculties of medicine within the country (the existing faculty of medicine, KASU inclusive) and three other facilities which reflected biomimetic approach and were all outside the country. The findings suggested that, biomimetic approach to designs have been applied in quite a number of facilities and it has proved to be a sustainable approach to design of buildings. This is because biomimicy principles are tied to features such as natural lighting, natural ventilation, local materials, natural forms, site features, ecological design approach, natural materials and natural processes. It was also found that most of the facilities in Nigeria have no holistic approach to design in regards to sustainability. The thesis recommends that a holistic approach to design and construction should always be adopted and biomimicy principles should always be considered in the design and planning of academic facilities because it has been shown to support the sustainable agenda. (Keywords: Biomimicry; Medicine; Nature; Kaduna )