Biomimicry, as a field of science, is mainly defined as a solution for design problems inspired by natural models, systems, and elements. For the built environment, using nature as a guide can enhance sustainability or even go beyond that and generate a regenerative approach. This is important in the building sector to evolve towards a sustainable and circular economy and reduce CO₂ emissions in terms of energy-use. While several biomimicry-related keywords exist, scholars and practitioners in architecture have given varying interpretations to the term biomimicry depending on the use and goal. There has been increasing interest in biomimicry in architecture (BIA), yet the field has become more fragmented. This study aims to highlight differences and similarities through an extended literature survey and analysis that explores case studies, classification systems, and methodological frameworks related to biomimicry in architecture as a way to contribute to reduce the fragmentation in the field. To provide the necessary context and avoid confusion regarding the many concepts and terms that refer to nature-based design, biomimicry-related keywords and interpretations of the word biomimicry are first clarified. Ultimately, the discussion is an integrative effort at defining the field, and highlights the significance and impact of employing BIA in terms of sustainability and usability, as well as showcasing the opportunities for further research.

In water-scarce regions where fog is abundant, the population can rely on this resource to obtain fresh water. The potential to harvest fog is confirmed by Large Fog Collector projects worldwide, which are reviewed. Mostly maintenance issues due to environmental and complex social factors compromise the sustainability of such projects. The researchers endeavour to resolve these issues by developing enhanced materials, while others use biomimetic design, hence creating innovative collectors. The objective of this paper is to survey and review the state of the art and develop a framework of different types of innovative fog collectors, including conceptual, experimental and operational aspects.

Fog and dew, or atmospheric moisture, are valuable complementary resources. Ancient civilisations exploited these resources in harmony with the environment, though information on their techniques is fragmented. This review provides insights into the efficiency, evolution, and relevance of ancient atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) techniques from 5000 B.C. to the 1900s, alongside modern techniques. An analytical framework and assessment are presented to deduce their viability for replication, revival, restoration, or redevelopment. Modern fog collectors yield an average value of 3–10 L/m2/day and dew collectors 0.3–0.6 L/m2/day. Ancient fog collectors from Mexico and Chile resembled modern collectors, while fog drip from trees offers a natural alternative, collecting 10 L/m2/day. The stone drip method shows potential in urban areas with extensive concrete surfaces. Ancient dew collection techniques include alchemists' dew collectors, lithic mulching for soil water conservation, dew ponds for water retention, and stone-pile condensers, which collected up to 360 L/day. Air wells, however, were less effective. Ancient AWH techniques offer valuable insights and can effectively supplement modern collectors, enhancing resilience and water security, especially in arid regions. Implementing AWH techniques provides sustainable, decentralised, nature-based strategies on a micro and macro scale for mitigating contemporary water shortages amidst increasing climate challenges.

Marine fog represents a critical but variable water resource in hyperarid coastal regions, yet its chemical variability at the event scale and meteorological controls remain poorly characterized. This study provides an event-based characterization of fog water chemistry at Alto Patache (~20°S), Atacama Desert, Chile, based on 28 fog events sampled between 2022 and 2024 using a Caltech Active Strand Cloudwater Collector (CASCC) with meteorological monitoring. Seven chemical parameters were measured in situ (alkalinity, hardness, pH, phosphate, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate), and k-means clustering identified three chemically distinct regimes: dilute (Cluster 0, n = 19), enriched (Cluster 1, n = 6), and buffered (Cluster 2, n = 3), validated by permutation-based analysis (PERMANOVA, p < 0.001). Fog events with higher water yields are associated with better water quality: fog water volume showed the strongest relationship with solute concentration, consistent with a dilution mechanism, with high-yield events showing substantially lower ionic concentrations. Event duration and wind speed exhibited secondary complementary patterns, while wind direction had no clear relationship with fog chemistry. These findings indicate that fog water quality is closely linked to event-scale hydrological processes, with direct implications for fog harvesting management, water quality assessment, and understanding biogeochemical subsidies in fog-dependent ecosystems.