Molecules are components made up of atoms that compose various types of objects like the human tendon. Molecules tied into a rope like form are called fibrilis. Multiple fibrilis bound together make up fascicles. Multiple fascicles together form a tendon. The accumulation and nesting of the simple molecules create a strong, yet very flexible tendon in the human body [1].
Photo credit A bird known as the poorwill can cool itself with minimal energy. It’s fluttering of the gular pouch causes air to move over a membrane of its throat. Together, convective as well as evaporative cooling helps the highly vascularized area to lose heat [1].
(Photo credit) Thousands of years ago, elephants had smooth skin. Then, through a genetic mutation, the skin evolved into a wrinkled version. The elephant was able to dissipate more heat due to the increased surface area which allowed it to increase in size without running risk of overheating. Hence, the elephant is now the largest land mammal on earth [1].
Due to the finite amount of resources, nature operates on a highly efficient modus by attaching multiple functions to anything it produces.
photo credit During a duck’s preening process, the feathers are not only cleaned, but also covered with preen oil, which water-proofs the coat and moisturizes the duck’s beak. Additionally, when the preen oil gets exposed to sun light, the UV converts it to Vitamin D that improves the overall health of the duck [1].
The wing shape of birds varies depending on the need of the bird [1]. A hummingbird, for example, needs to be able to hover while it is stealing the nectar from flowers, so the wings have a high aspect ratio (photo credit).
“Of all lifeforms that ever existed, 99% have died out…”
…what is alive today has successfully adapted to a changing environment over time [1]. In evolution, every living form carries information. If the organism is successful, that information will carry on, letting unsuccessful information die out or get modified.
Living organisms act in their own interest, establishing a greater system that is conducive to life.
Mangrove islands grow through self-organization [1]. Seeds float in the water until they embed themselves into a sandy shallow area. Roots grow, sand and sediments collect in the area, allowing seeds to grow into trees. Continue reading
photo credit Growing leaves takes a lot of energy from the tree, but it provides the tree with the needed sun energy by means of photosynthesis. They also capture sequestered carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen [1]. During the winter months, when sunshine hours are reduced, the tree preserves its energy by dropping the leaves onto the ground. There they perform two functions. First, they protect the root system from cold temperatures. Secondly, they decomopost and become nutrients to the fungal cycle which in turn converts into soil to help the tree grow. In this closed-loop system, there is no waste. Energy and matter gets recycled into a system that can benefit from each stage.
Once they fall to the ground they provide a protection layer to the environment around the tree, through decomposition, they add nutrition to the mycorrhizal layer (fungi and root system) and become part of bacteria and soil in order to foster new growth.
photo credit Elks grow antlers for mating purposes as well as for dominance rituals. The antlers do continue to grow larger each season, Continue reading
Graphic design is often wasteful, non-efficient, and costly. The global pulp and paper industry alone is one of the largest polluters on earth [1]. It is the 3rd largest industrial polluter releasing 9% of total manufacturing carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. 220 million pounds of toxic pollution and 3 million tons of chlorine are released into water ways and air on an annual basis. Adding to that, deforestation adds another 120 billion tons of CO2 annually [2].
Other pollution sources are: ink compounds, VOC, binding materials, transportation, electronic tools and electricity.
In contrast, nature operates within a closed loop system and all “waste” has a purpose in supporting new life.
All of our actions cause a reaction, therefore as graphic designers, we have to be aware of the consquences our work puts on our world. Humans need to shift their paradigm and start valuing nature again. “What we seek to protect reflects what we value.” Kofi Annan. Therefore, a cherished and well-known nature would be more protected from destuction. In order to start this new approach and to change our attitude towards nature, we have to form new habits. These 10 steps are supposed to help with finding a new fascination with the natural world.
While walking through the jungle, we came across plants that had one branch of orange leaves. Just by color alone, this stood out and begged the question: Why are those few leaves orange?
new growth on some plants are different colors for protection
Biomimicry is an emerging design discipline that looks to living organisms to solve human problems. Ever since Janine Benyus wrote the book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature (2002) Biomimicry has gained popularity. So far, the biomimetic approach has been mainly applied in architecture, engineering, chemistry, and industrial design.
The goal of my venture is to find more sustainable ways to do graphic design. Learning how living organisms communicate, promote, hide, advertise, spread, and learn information can teach us a thing or two. Biomimicry is just one of the lenses available to designers. Solving problems with a diverse set of lenses will help achieve sustainable solutions that improve social, economic and environmental conditions.
To get an idea of how Biomimicry has been applied to engineering and product design, click here