2.4 Biomimicry

Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is an ancient concept recently returning to scientific thought that examines nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements— and emulates or takes inspiration from them to solve human problems sustainably. Scientific and engineering literature often uses the term Biomimetics for the process of understanding and applying biological principles to human designs. This includes biomaterials, biomechanics, biological systems composed of individuals of one species (e.g., schools, herds and swarms), or multispecies ensembles.

Looking closely at nature as inspiration and guide is something I have not considered doing in my design practice. However it makes perfect sense. For instance, spider's thread is considered the strongest than anything produced by people. It self-assembles inside the spider at room temperature, uses its prey as raw material and it leaves no toxic by-products. It uses available materials and resources with high efficiency and zero waste. Biomimicry is beyond merely imitating forms in nature, it means imitating natural processes and systems as a whole.

Reading about biomimicry made me think of Fibonacci's spiral and how it can also be found in a seashell;