Biomimicry - Bios (Life) + Mimesis (Imitate)The concept examines nature, its models, systems, processes etc. and takes inspiration from them to solve human problems sustainably.
It is the practice of developing sustainable human technologies inspired by nature. Sometimes called Biomimetics or Bionics, it's basically inspired engineering.
It is the practice of developing sustainable human technologies inspired by nature. Sometimes called Biomimetics or Bionics, it's basically inspired engineering.
The biological levels in Flora or fauna after which technology can be modelled, can be distinguished in 3 levels:
a. Mimicking natural methods of manufacture
b. Imitating mechanisms found in nature
c. Studying oraganizational principles from social behaviour of organisms, such as 'flocking behaviour of birds'.
The goal is to create products, processes and policies---new ways of living---that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul
Examples: Adhesive glue from mussels, solar cells made like leaves, bionic cars inspired by the boxfish, fabric that emulates shark skin.
A Short History:
While the terminology for this subject is relatively new, the practice of biomimicry has been going on for as early as the era of Leonardo Da Vinci, who himself was a big proponent of learnig from nature. his sketchbooks are filled with inventions that are closely linked to designs found in the natural world. The wright brother & other flight pioneers commonly observed birds. Bioligists and researchers have also been practitioners of biomimicry. But it was not until 1997 that the science of Biomimicry was solidified, with the book 'Biomimicry:innovation inspired by design' by Janine Benyus, which describes how biomimcry can be usedby designers and other problem solvers to great advantage.
Future of Biomimcry:
In the coming decades, we will see more and more biomimicry, bio-assistance, and bio-utilization.. It will influence the future course of technology.There will be completely new and unexpected paradigms created, not only for synthesis of materials and how they are put together but also how they are processed. But we should also understand that there is more research required to bring this idea into practical & day to day use. The true value of these bio-inspired strategies lies in the depth of our understanding of such systems.
b. Imitating mechanisms found in nature
c. Studying oraganizational principles from social behaviour of organisms, such as 'flocking behaviour of birds'.
The goal is to create products, processes and policies---new ways of living---that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul
Examples: Adhesive glue from mussels, solar cells made like leaves, bionic cars inspired by the boxfish, fabric that emulates shark skin.
A Short History:
While the terminology for this subject is relatively new, the practice of biomimicry has been going on for as early as the era of Leonardo Da Vinci, who himself was a big proponent of learnig from nature. his sketchbooks are filled with inventions that are closely linked to designs found in the natural world. The wright brother & other flight pioneers commonly observed birds. Bioligists and researchers have also been practitioners of biomimicry. But it was not until 1997 that the science of Biomimicry was solidified, with the book 'Biomimicry:innovation inspired by design' by Janine Benyus, which describes how biomimcry can be usedby designers and other problem solvers to great advantage.
Future of Biomimcry:
In the coming decades, we will see more and more biomimicry, bio-assistance, and bio-utilization.. It will influence the future course of technology.There will be completely new and unexpected paradigms created, not only for synthesis of materials and how they are put together but also how they are processed. But we should also understand that there is more research required to bring this idea into practical & day to day use. The true value of these bio-inspired strategies lies in the depth of our understanding of such systems.
Finally the formula for a sustainable future
Intellectual Capital + Nature’s Genius = Innovative, Sustainable Solutions
To Conclude:
I am not disputing the fact that we cannot create better technologies in future. We can & will definitely develop advanced technologies. But the debate is that should it be concerned with just transforming our future or a little more than that?....YES, it should change our future but without creating additional problems. We don’t have to live in the world where after the arrival of each new technology we have to clean up. I think Biomimicry would help us here.
Intellectual Capital + Nature’s Genius = Innovative, Sustainable Solutions
To Conclude:
I am not disputing the fact that we cannot create better technologies in future. We can & will definitely develop advanced technologies. But the debate is that should it be concerned with just transforming our future or a little more than that?....YES, it should change our future but without creating additional problems. We don’t have to live in the world where after the arrival of each new technology we have to clean up. I think Biomimicry would help us here.
