BIOMIMICRY

By: Gautami, Avantika,

Anjali and Raish
What is Biomimicry
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from
and mimics the strategies found in
nature to solve human design
challenges—and find hope.

The goal is to create products,

processes, and systems - new ways of
living - that solve our greatest design
challenges sustainably and in solidarity
with all life on earth.

We can use biomimicry to not only learn

from nature’s wisdom but also heal
ourselves—and this planet—in the
process.
 We’re stressed.

Our planet is stressed.

Many are losing hope for solving the

climate crisis and its many negative
effects on ecosystems across the world.

Biomimicry gives us hope, because we

know the solutions are here, accessible,
and validated by the many species
contributing to their ecosystems today.
Biomimicry helps us design
generously.

Circularity, sustainability, regenerative design—it all

means that the things we humans make become a
force for restoring air, water, and soil instead of
degrading it.

We can create conditions conducive to life, just like

nature does.
Examples of Biomimicry
 Biomimicry is about valuing nature for
what we can learn, not what we can
extract, harvest, or domesticate. In the
process, we learn about ourselves, our
purpose, and our connection to each other
and our home on earth.
The History of Biomimicry
Humans have only studied biomimicry for a half-century, however, the
Earth has been developing structured ways of life for around 3.8 billion
years.

"Biomimetics", a term coined by American biophysicist and inventor Otto

Schmitt in the 1950s.

"Biomimetics" - the transfer of ideas from biology to

technology. (1)

In 1997 Jenine Benyus coined the term 'biomimicry' with her

revolutionary book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. This
popularized the idea of biomimicry and sparked interest in engineers and
designers.
 Earliest Discoveries
There is evidence that shows biomimicry has been a concept
since the pre-industrial revolution seen in the Rock - Cut
architecture. caves were used as forms of shelter since
6000 BCE, which is why many temples and shrines in India
are carved into mountains.

Silk is known to be one of the first examples of biomimicry

we can date back to in human history. Its uses go back to
4000 BC as the first fabric that was invented.
- The Chinese were the ones to make this discovery
- It's how The Silk Road got its name
- Silk would be traded based on its weight in gold
 Unique Examples Of
Biomimicry Over The Years
Innovation - Artificial photosynthesis: A bionic leaf that creates hydrogen fuel from sunlight.

Problem solved - clean our air and end fossil fuel addiction

Innovation - self-cooling building

problem solved- Decarbonize, cut costs and reduce

Eastgate Centre - 1996

Located in Harare, Zimbabwe, this mall is
designed with the concept of termite hills. It
does not need to be heated or cooled.

"Termites keep their mounds at a steady

temperature by closing and opening holes
along the mound’s outer shell, allowing the
air to ventilate and balance the temperature
within.
 Gecko Feet - 2012

The footpads of geckos were studied and

it was discovered that the reason many
reptiles are able to crawl on walls, is
because of the microscopic hair-like
fibers which allow the geckos to stick
and unstick to a surface.
Sharkskin is known for its rough texture,
it has also been discovered that bacteria
don't like landing on the skin of a shark.
Material has been invented with a similar
texture and function. It is being used to
cover surfaces and handles in hospitals.

Sharkskin - 2014
 WHY IS BIOMIMICRY
IMPORTANT?

• The more our world functions like the natural world,

the more likely we are to endure in this home that is
ours but not ours alone.
• Use of sustainable design concept so that there is no
such thing as waste more towards the 'circular
economy.
• Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature.
It introduces an era based not on what we can extract
from nature, what we can learn from it.
More Examples
Innovation-Wind turbine

Problem solved - Making more efficient,

quieter, and greener turbine aerodynamics.

Inspired by humpback whale

When windmills were placed together, it

created turbulence which decreases its
efficiency. Schools of fish were studied, they
rotated the axis of the windmills from
horizontal to vertical. This allowed them to
be closer together and increase efficiency as
well.
Wind Turbines - 2010
 Innovation-shrilk

Problem solved- easy and

affordable to produce, it
can replace plastic.

Inspired by - bugs'
exoskeleton
 CASE STUDY:
Newer Raw Materials –
Cork Brick
CASE STUDY:

Newer Raw Materials – Cork Brick

• A Portuguese start-up CORKBRICK has created a modular

cork system inspired from lego that can be used to
construct different workspace furniture. Since the
material is only separated from the trunk, no serious
destruction is caused to the trees.

• Have many natural objects and materials are known to

contain basic geometric principles that can be
incorporated into manufacturing products. Geometric
shapes and patterns can be used to aid furniture design
using natural best raw materials and principles.
 Bibliography
• (1) - http://environment-ecology.com/biomimicry-bioneers/367-what-is-biomimicry.html
• https://ehistory.osu.edu/exhibitions/biomimicry-a-
history#:~:text=1950s%3A%20The%20term%20%E2%80%9Cbiomimetics%E2%80%9D,designers%20all%20
over%20the%20world.
THANK YOU