Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Biomimicry refers to the practice of learning from and emulating the designs and functions found in nature to solve engineering and technological problems. This concept has been applied in various fields, and it has revolutionized the way we design, produce and innovate. In this article, we will explore ten practical examples of biomimicry in engineering and travel.
The concept of the hook-and-loop system used in Velcro was inspired by the burs hooked onto the fur of a dog. Swiss engineer George de Mestral developed it in 1941 after observing how these tiny burs attached onto the fabric of his clothes and the dog. This idea led to the development of an innovative fastening system that we use in various applications today.
The design of the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan was inspired by the beak of the kingfisher bird. The bird can dive smoothly into the water without creating any splashes. Engineers noticed that this was because of the beak's elongated and streamlined shape. This design principle was then applied in the bullet train's front to reduce noise and increase speed.
The flipper of the humpback whale has a tubercle structure that inspired the design of wind turbines. This structure reduces drag and turbulence, just like it helps the whales maneuver easily in the water. Engineers have applied this design concept in wind turbine blades to reduce wind resistance and increase energy efficiency.
The lotus plant has a self-cleaning ability because of its rough and waxy leaves that repel dirt and water. The concept of the “lotus effect” has inspired the creation of self-cleaning buildings. Nanomaterials have been incorporated into the building's surfaces to reduce the adhesion of dirt or water, making them self-cleaning.
Spider silk is an ultra-strong, flexible and lightweight material used to create spider webs. Engineers have applied this concept in the creation of protective gear such as body armor and helmets. The spider silk protein is extracted and combined with other materials to create a lighter, flexible but robust protective gear for military and police forces.
Termites build mounds that maintain a comfortable internal temperature despite the extreme outdoor temperatures. The design of these mounds is based on efficient ventilation and insulation systems. This design principle has inspired the creation of sustainable buildings that conserve energy and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Geckos are known for their ability to cling to walls and ceilings, thanks to their sticky pads. The design of the gecko-inspired adhesives is based on the microscopic hairs on the pads that create adhesion forces without leaving any residue. This design concept has been applied in the creation of adhesives that are strong, reversible and reusable.
Bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark without any visual orientation. Engineers have developed blind navigation systems that use echolocation principles to guide people who are visually impaired. These systems emit sound waves that bounce back, helping them navigate their surroundings.
Butterfly wings have an intricate network of scales that reflect different colors. This design has inspired the creation of solar cells that capture light more efficiently. The wings are covered with reflective scales that make them efficient absorbers of sunlight, a principle that has been applied in the development of solar cells.
Mussels adhere to rocks and other surfaces through a special adhesive protein that does not trigger any significant immune response. This design principle has inspired the creation of medical adhesives that can attach to living tissues without causing any harm. Medical professionals have used these adhesives in wound healing, bone repairs, and drug delivery.
Biomimicry refers to the practice of learning from and emulating the designs and functions found in nature to solve engineering and technological problems.
Biomimicry has revolutionized the field of engineering by introducing innovative and efficient solutions to various problems.
Examples of biomimicry in travel include the design of the Shinkansen bullet train based on the beak of the kingfisher bird, and the flipper of the humpback whale inspiring the design of wind turbines.
The lotus effect is the self-cleaning ability of the lotus plant because of its rough and waxy leaves that repel dirt and water.
Spider silk is an ultra-strong, flexible and lightweight material used to create protective gear such as body armor and helmets.
The termite mound design principle is based on efficient ventilation and insulation systems that maintain a comfortable internal temperature despite extreme outdoor conditions.
Biomimicry has been applied in medicine in the creation of medical adhesives that can attach to living tissues without causing any harm.
