Theory: Biomimicry

“The answers to the questions we’ve been asking...are all around us”

Janine Benyus

Biomimicry is design, inspired by nature. Using the principles of science and investigation, a new wave of designers are identifying how nature can help solve design problems most effectively. Janine Benyus, President of the Biomimicry Institute, is at the forefront of the movement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBUpnG1G4yQ

What is Biomimicry? Accessed 24/11/2011 11:09am

Nature has been designing since time began and has been doing so very successfully. Humans on the other hand have been designing awkwardly solving short term problems in the best way we can. Using nature as a blueprint, scientists and designers have been adapting natures design to solve human problems across world. The following are some examples of how natures design has been adapted to improve human design.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Crystal_Palace_from_the_northeast_from_Dickinson's_
Comprehensive_Pictures_of_the_Great_Exhibition_of_1851._1854.jpg

The Crystal Palace accessed 24-11-11  3-37pm

The Crystal Palace, built for the 1851 World Expo by Joseph Paxton, was inspired by the ribbing structure of the giant Amazon Victoria Water Lilly.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kpc5ivmjFk1qzs2oxo1_500.png

Amazon victoria water lilly accessed 24-11-11  3-37pm

Using a similar structure that the water lily uses on its giant lily pads, Paxton was able to create the huge greenhouse-like building which due to the amount of glass panelling had never been possible before.

Another example is that of the humpbacked whale. On the whales fins are small bumps, when transferred onto the blades of a wind turbine they increase the efficiency by 32%.

http://www.baltimoreseasafari.ie/data/images/humpback_whale's_pectoral_fin_-_courtesy_of_simon_duggan.jpg

Humpback whale fin accessed 24-11-11  3-38pm

http://wpcore.wpe.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/whale-power.jpg

WintV turbine wing accessed 24-11-11  3-38pm

Biomimicry can also be incorporated into design for film sets too.; adapting patterns, structures, colours, shapes, sizes, textures etc into architecture, furnishings, environments, clothing and so much more. As Jenine Benyus said, the answers are all around us.