About

Biomaterials are bio-based, reusable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly materials derived from plants, animals, fungi, organisms or their derivatives, and inorganic materials. The first and most examples of biomaterials are encountered in the field of health, but they are also used in many fields such as chemistry, biology, textiles, engineering, and architecture.

In recent years, biomaterial studies have gained significant importance in architecture. The use of biomaterials increases the energy efficiency of buildings and reduces their carbon footprint. Today, examples of their use in architecture are developing. Various building elements and insulation materials are being produced and developed using biomaterials. For example, organic waste such as pulp, straw, seeds, stalks, or peanut shells are being utilized in the construction of partition walls. These products generally have a low specific gravity and are preferred for their impact resistance. Rice straw and linen are suitable for thermal insulation, while potato peels and cork stand out for their water-repellent properties. Soybean waste, which has high porosity, is used for sound insulation. The construction industry, with its traditional building materials, is responsible for 37% of global carbon emissions. The production processes of materials like concrete, glass, and steel require intensive energy use and contribute to environmental pollution. Biomaterials are sustainable materials because they possess properties such as environmentally friendly, durable, long-lasting, providing thermal comfort, reducing carbon and energy emissions, and self-renewal through photosynthesis.

Research in the field of biomaterials covers topics such as the discovery of new materials, the improvement of existing materials, and the development of more sustainable architectural solutions. Biomaterials research is carried out through collaborative work across different disciplines such as biology, medicine, chemistry, and engineering. This approach requires the collaboration of scientists from different areas of expertise. The research group, which will adopt an awareness-raising and application-oriented approach, aims to emphasize how biomaterials can be used in architecture and how they contribute to sustainability goals through its interdisciplinary studies.

In this context, the research group;

Development of bio-based materials (e.g., mushroom mycelium, algae-based polymers, bacterial cellulose),
Bioarchitectural applications (bio-inspired structures, living buildings, self-healing materials),
Sustainability analysis (life cycle assessment of materials, carbon footprint, recycling potential),
Digital integration (combination of 3D printing, parametric design and biomaterials),
Ethical and social dimensions (accessibility of biomaterials, cultural adaptation, legal frameworks),

Within the scope and purpose stated above, the research group plans to carry out;

Research projects: Laboratory experiments, prototype development, field tests.

Events: Seminars, workshops, conferences (e.g., annual bioarchitecture workshops).

Collaborations: Universities, industrial companies (e.g., with biomaterials manufacturers such as BioMason or Ecovative) or international networks (e.g., Biomimicry Institute).

Publications and Sharing: Articles, reports, creation of open access databases.

Education: Student mentoring, online courses or certificate programs.