Biomimicry
"When designers are starting on a project, it makes sense to ask, ‘What in the natural world is already doing what I’m trying to do?’” – Janine Benyus
"Each species is a masterpiece..." - E.O. Wilson
Learning objectives
- Define and practice “biomimicry” as it relates to sustainable engineering.
- Explain the difference between biomimicy and biophilia
Agenda
- Read and provide feedback to your neighbor on their Resilience Op-ed
- Slides - Biomimicry
- Activity - Competition
- VT Bio-build
- Complete Discussion and Assignment/Quiz
Biomimicry
slides Links to an external site.
Competition
- Invent an example of how biomimicry could be used in engineering to contribute to a more sustainable solution.
- Ask yourself - "what is my fundamental goal?" (e.g., move water, cool air, gather light). This is essential - don't say "light a space" when what you really want is to be able to see.
- Identify an example from nature that is accomplishing a similar goal to yours. At minimum, you should use the excellent website www.asknature.org Links to an external site. and go look around outside.
- You should go through more than one iteration.
- In groups of 4 choose the best to share with the class.
- As a class we will discuss which idea is feasible? What is the closest thing like it?
Bio-Build VT
http://biobuild.mlsoc.vt.edu/tags/biomimicry
Biophilia
slides Links to an external site.
Assignment
Watch Janine Benyus talk about biomimicry Links to an external site.
References
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired By Nature Links to an external site.