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Design Inspired by Nature |
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Friday, 15 February 2008 |
Biomimicry, design inspired by nature is becoming more common. In fact it's becoming a core sustainability strategy for organizations looking at reducing their ecological footprints. The term, biomimicry was coined by Janine Benyus who completes research for the nonprofit Biomimicry Institute and the for profit innovation consultancy, Biomimicry Guild. She also wrote the 1997 book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature which was the force behind the movement.
Examples of Biomimicry (as provided by Business Week) include:
* Ford’s Volvo Division developed an anti-collision system based on the way locusts swarm without crashing into one another. Known as the Accident Avoidance System, it’s now available on Volvo’s high-end vehicles.
* IBM designers analyzed the way abalone shells form by melding microscopic particles of calcium carbonate chalk in a process called “self-assembly.” They’re now applying the same principles to the development of a series of processors.
Read the full article at Business Week |
