Biomimicry: imitation is the sincerest form of innovation

Written By Viola Behringer

I was researching space architecture again, trying to get some ideas for designs and materials, when I came across biomimicry. I thought I knew what it was, but it turns out biophilic design and biomimicry are not the same thing! Biophilic design is more about connecting people to nature in your design, whereas biomimicry is literally that - mimicing systems and solutions found in nature. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do!

Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.08.054

Biomimicry is a design method that has the potential to revolutionize the way we build in interior architecture. By drawing inspiration from the shapes, textures, and colors found in nature, we can create unique, functional and visually appealing spaces. Biomimicry involves more than just copying natural forms and processes; it's about using fundamental design principles from nature to solve design challenges. Nature is a living encyclopedia of ingenious solutions, and there are two main approaches to biomimicry: problem-based and solution-based.

In the problem-based approach, designers set initial goals and parameters for the design, and biologists match them to organisms that have solved similar issues. In contrast, the solution-based approach relies on designers having knowledge of relevant biological or ecological research to influence human design solutions. Regardless of the approach, biomimicry encourages the development of a structured method of contact between the design and biology communities to identify the best solution to a designer's challenge.

Burr and Velcro

In 1948, Swiss engineer George de Mestral stumbled upon one of the most famous examples of biomimicry while walking his dog. After the dog emerged from the bushes covered in burrs, de Mestral examined the tiny hooks on the burrs under a magnifying glass, inspiring him to create Velcro.

Biomimicry is rapidly becoming a popular choice for interior design and architecture, offering sustainable options and the potential to create a sustainable standard for interior spaces, buildings, communities and cities around the world. By incorporating biomimicry into interior design from the earliest stages, we can discover sustainable and effective solutions for crucial issues in interior environments, such as day lighting, thermal comfort, energy efficiency, durability, and productivity.

One example of biomimicry in interior architecture is a carpet tile manufacturer who used a solution-based approach to design flooring. Inspired by the organized chaos of fallen leaves and river stones, they created a carpet tile with subtle shades and no strict patterning, mimicking the random patterns of the forest floor. This approach resulted in environmental advantages such as ease of matching replacement tiles, less waste, and easier installation.

Another example is smart paint, which uses a self-cleaning technique inspired by lotus leaves. The paint surface is designed to have densely packed ridges, preventing water drops from spreading out and instead causing the drops to roll off the surface, taking dirt with them.

Designers can uncover effective and sustainable solutions for critical interior design issues by studying nature. The case studies highlight the importance of incorporating biomimicry into interior design from the earliest stages, preferably before any initial design ideas are developed. This approach requires the participation of a biologist as a full member of the design team, rather than as an add-on consultant or afterthought. Biomimicry can help to shift the focus from product-based design to process-based design, which considers the lifecycle of a product or space from creation to disposal.

The incorporation of biomimicry in interior architecture can also have a positive impact on the health and well-being of building occupants. Research has shown that exposure to nature and natural materials can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase productivity. By creating spaces that mimic nature, designers can enhance the user experience and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

In conclusion, biomimicry has the potential to revolutionize interior architecture by providing sustainable and innovative solutions to design challenges. By studying nature and applying its principles to design, designers can create spaces that are both visually appealing and functional, while also contributing to the well-being of building occupants and the environment. The adoption of biomimicry in interior architecture requires the collaboration of designers, biologists, and ecologists to identify the best solutions for design challenges.

Thanks for reading this week's article! Although it was a short one, I hope you still enjoyed it. I know I'll be walking around my apartment trying to find things that look like they could be biomimicry. Does a chair with a zebra pattern count?

Viola Behringer https://www.studiobehringer.com
Previous

Facade Fakery - Harmony and Contrast in Historic City Centres
Next

Cultural Influences on Interior Design: A Global Perspective