Biomimicry for designers : applying nature's processes and materials in the real world Cover Image

Book

Biomimicry for designers : applying nature's processes and materials in the real world / Veronika Kapsali.

Summary:

The importance of biomimetics - imitating life's natural processes - has been known for years and designers have often looked to nature for formal solutions. The natural world contains infinite examples of how to achieve complex behaviours and applications by using simple materials in a clever way, as all organisms make use of limited raw materials to survive. In the popular imagination, the best-known example is the microscopic 'hook' on burrs that led to the development of Velcro, but there are many more applications, from kingfisher beaks inspiring the shape of bullet trains to shark skin being used as a model for advanced swimsuits. This book presents many examples, showing each natural phenomenon alongside its application, with an accessible explanation of the biology and the story of the design. While most are concrete examples that have already been developed, others point the way to what might be possible for an enterprising designer, providing a starting point for creativity. This timely overview is the perfect introduction for designers of all disciplines, and a reminder that inspiration may be just down the garden path.

Record details

ISBN: 9780500518489
ISBN: 0500518483
Physical Description: 240 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 26 cm
Publisher: London : Thames & Hudson, 2016.
Copyright: ©2016

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Introduction -- A brief history of biomimetics -- Biomimetics in myth and reality -- Biomimetic design -- The future -- 01. Shape. Biology. Hedge thorns; Timber beetle mandibles; Bird flight; Kingfisher beak; Dolphin body shape; Humpback whale pectoral fin; Boxfish -- Biomimetic application. Barbed wire; Modern saw chain; Modern aviation; Shinkansen bullet train; Streamlined vessels; Applied tubercle systems; Bionic car -- 02. Surface. Biology. Shark skin; Burdock; Gecko feet; Lotus leaf; Morpho butterfly; Starfish pedicellariae; Leaf stomata; Thorny devil; Namib beetle -- Biomimetic application. Superfunctional texture; Velcro; Super-adhesive texture; Lotus effect; Mophotex; Micro-gripping texture; Stomatex; Passive water harvesting and distribution; Fog and dew harvesting -- 03. Structure. Biology. Giant reed stem; Honeycomb; Natural cellular systems; Natural cellular structures; Auxetic materials; Wood; Nacre; Dinosaur eel; Scaly-foot snail; Seahorse skeleton; Glass sponge; Polar bear fur; Plant roots -- Biomimetic application. Technical stem; Airless tyres; Minimal-material products; Blast-resistant textiles; Biomimetic wood; Synthetic nacre; MetaMesh; Advanced protective equipment; Resilient structures; Bioglass-inspired structures; Solar textiles; Transpirational textiles --

04. Making. Biology. Paper wasp; Cocoon silk; Spiker silk; Bacterial silk; Bacterial cellulose; Mycelium; Tissue cultures; Photosynthesis; Bacteria; Slime mould -- Biomimetic application. Paper industry; Man-made fibre industry; Synthetic spider silk; Bolt threads; Biocouture; Mushroom materials; Meat and materials; Biobatteries; Hybrid electronics; Brainless computing -- 05. Towards 4D design. Biology. Squid nerves; Artificial intelligence. The brain; Swarm intelligence. Fire ants; Biorobotics. Plant roots; Man-machine hybrids; Bird aviation; Octopus -- Biomimetic application. Schmitt trigger; Intelligent machines; Swarm robotics; PLANTOID; Robotic exoskeletons; Morphing aeroplane wings; Soft robotics -- Self-replication and self-assembly. Self-replication; Movement; Protein molecules; Flower buds -- Biomimetic application. RedRap; Sculpting with motion. Self-assembling furniture; Autonomous self-assembling robots -- Soft machines. Wheat awn; Penguin coat; Pine cones; Spruce cones; Octopus skin -- Biomimetic application. Amorphous robots; Insulating textiles; Adaptive textiles; Programmable wood; Dynamic soft surfaces -- Conclusion -- Glossary.