“There are no better models when it comes to being better adaptive to this planet than the models set by species that have preceded us for millions of years.” – Janine Benyus, Founder of The Biomimicry Institute
Biomimicry is the study of emulating and mimicking nature. The Earth was formed over 4.5 billion years ago, and its nature has had 600 million years to evolve. Have you ever thought if the law of nature can teach us something? Definitely Yes. Biomimicry is an emerging field that deals with new technologies derived from bio-inspired designs. Architects and designers have always looked to nature as an inspiration and source for different forms, techniques, and functions. By studying how nature has adopted ways to solve problems, humans can imitate these for their benefit, like more sustainable designs and increasing efficiency.
Fig 1: Spiral Staircase inspired by Snail Shell (Source:Farmers’ Almanac)
Principles of Biomimicry:
The evolutionary process of animals and plants has helped their phenotype (physical features) adapt to situations requiring efficiency. For example, termite mounds having excellent ventilation or eagles’ aerodynamic wings allowing them to glide through the air without much effort are natural efficiency due to genetic evolution. By imitating the conventions that have been presented to us through nature’s evolutionary process, humans can solve real-world problems. The foundation of biomimicry depends on nature’s ability to adapt to harsh and inconvenient conditions. Biomimicry can also help address the burning fire brewing in everybody’s mind, which is sustainability. For example, the ability of birds to glide through the air has led to the innovation of jet planes to have curved, stationary wings to create lift for efficient take-off. The engineer George De Mestral was inspired by the adhering properties of the seed “Bur,” upon looking at the seed vessels under a microscope, he discovered countless tiny hooks and fabric loops. This composition of bur led to him creating velcro, a practical solution that simplifies the process of fastening and securing clothes and fabric for human use.
Fig 2: Image of Velcro inspired by Bur (Source: studiousguy.com)
So, what is biomimicry to humans? According to Jenine Benyus, who coined the term in 1997, biomimicry is a measurement tool. It uses standards of living that are already set by nature and uses them as a measure of rightness regarding human innovation. It helps us evaluate, process, observe, and learn the most valuable information that nature has to provide. Since biomimicry is a question of how we approach every single area of human expertise, it has an underlying implication and contribution to every sector of life—medicine and treatment, infrastructure and urban planning, agriculture, etc. Since nature always operates under the norm of – “to produce economy and efficiency while producing no waste,” various industries have the potential to implement the laws of nature in production or distribution.
Some real-life examples of biomimicry include:
- The first design of the plane by the Wright Brothers was inspired by the wings of flying pigeons.
- Modern architecture is inspired by termite mound’s passive cooling system 3. The creation of climbing pads, which can hold a human’s weight, imitate the biomechanics of a gecko’s feet.
- Because of the V-shaped scales on a shark’s skin, they can swim extremely fast since their unique skin helps decrease drag and turbulence. Swimsuit designers have studied sharkskin to develop quicker and more efficient swimsuits
Neil Chadha
About the author: I am Neil Chadha, 16 years old, a 10th grade student studying in the IB board school DPS International. I have completed an observership at the Medanta Hospital, Medicity, and other research internships related to biology. I have been interested in and naturally good at the subject of biology, mainly human & environmental sciences, and wish to pursue this interest later on in the future in the field of research.
