Bio-acoustic Design Principles Through the Integration of Sound, Nature and Multisensory Features into Bio-Architecture

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Abstract
The influence of sound on the behaviour of organisms and ecosystems presents underexplored opportunities for bioinspired architecture. This paper introduces three design principles that translate bioacoustic processes into spatial strategies: Sonic Biophilia, which enhances interactions among species, soundscape, and the built environment; Translocated Sound Memory, which brings soundscapes from distinct geographical origins to foster affective connections between places; and Multisensory Sonic Inclusion, which converts sound into visual or tactile stimuli, thereby broadening accessibility for neurodiverse and sensory-diverse populations. Each principle is structured through a discussion of natural systems relevant to the proposed strategy and its architectural correspondences, grounded in an interdisciplinary systematic literature review and supported by selected case studies. The resulting framework expands the scope of bio-architecture from morpho-functional analogies to sensorial and ecological dimensions, offering a basis for built environments that support biodiversity, collective memory, and perceptual equity. This work is intended as a reference for researchers and practitioners seeking to integrate sound, nature, and synaesthesia into architectural practice. Furthermore, it provides both conceptual and operational foundations while outlining future pathways for articulating these principles with the development of tested design guidelines.

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