Applications: Termites are Nature's Engineers
When picturing the impact of termites on humans, what often first comes to mind is the structural damage they cause to unprotected buildings. What is rarely considered is the potential beneficial influences termites may have on human living structures.
Termite mound structure has been the inspiration of human architectural projects. Architects and engineers mimic structures found naturally in termite mounds, and attempt to replicate the idea of “homeostasis” in the form of comfortable living conditions (Worall 2011). The Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe utilises passive cooling with wind energy and heat-storing materials instead of purchasing costly air conditioning systems. Furthermore, the long term maintenance costs are 35% of a building requiring constant temperature regulation (ARUP, 2004). The building is able to catch wind energy and hot air is drawn out from below the structure. By observing the complex structures built by termites, it may provide humans towards solutions in building design and function.