Biomimetic Self-shading Buildings: An Analytical Approach to Improving Environmental Performance in Hot and Dry Climates

Biomimetic Self-Shading (BSS) is an effective passive design strategy to enhance energy efficiency and environmental performance in hot and dry climates. Inspired by natural systems, BSS techniques offer a solution by incorporating and designing building geometry (BG) or façade components (FC) that cast shades on their envelope. This study aims to present a comprehensive analytical framework that addresses the design methods of BSS buildings, their main variables, and the metrics used to evaluate their effectiveness. The study analyzes the potential of BSS techniques to lower heat gain and cooling consumption with a focus on solar radiation (SR) and self-shading calculations. The results highlight the design of FC and BG self-shading with their improvement methods, as well as their environmental performance improvement indicators. Furthermore, SR simulation tools and self-shading calculation methods are systematically classified and analyzed. Finally, the study concludes with a set of design guidelines for scalable and climate-responsive BSS buildings. The study also suggests future research directions that focus on integrating biomimetic principles into self-shading buildings. This approach aims to reduce energy consumption and serves as a practical pathway toward achieving sustainable and adaptive architecture.