Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is an ancient concept recently returning to scientific thought that examines nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements and emulates or takes inspiration from them to solve human problems sustainably. Scientific and engineering literature often uses the term Biomimetics for the process of understanding and applying biological principles to human designs. This includes biomaterials, biomechanics, biological systems composed of individuals of one species (e.g., schools, herds and swarms), or multispecies ensembles.
Design intent:
To research a natural system of a plant and an insect or animal and its context; its interrelationships with natural forces, its integrated concepts and ordering components
To record and diagram these biological systems for developing design principles
To exhibit a public information library
Research parameters:
The program:
Utilizing the library and online information venues, research your given plant and insect or animal and its habitat,
Living /nutrient flows, climate reaction, biomaterials, biomechanics, biological systems, and visual patterns
The graphics
The sketches should demonstrate:
diagramming (flows, patterns, composition, relationships)
concept sketches (principles, form, structure, mechanical)
citing research sources (books, author/title, web site)
“Biomimicry: Space and Context”
Biomimicry is a new field of study, as exemplified in the TED.com talks we have studied, to find applications in environmental design and systems, nanotechnology and materials, and general invention and innovation. It is in the spirit in which we seek the “genius contained in nature” to design a human habitat inspired and informed by the animal / insect / bird that you have studied.
Design intent:
To utilize your research and create a human habitat (not a single building)
To mimic the natural systems that you have found as design principles for the design of your habitat
To use your previous design projects, design skills, graphic media / presentation skills as a resource in the design of this habitat
To study the transformation of a natural system into a human rational structural and spatial system
Parameters:
The program:
The habitat will require the following spaces: 1) a resting space, 2) a gathering area,
3) a food prep space, 4) a play space, and 5) an exterior court.
The context will mimic your studied environment (biome, climate, location). BE ACCOUNTABLE to the conditions of the climate and context in which your animal/insect/bird was located. For example: will your site be vertical? On an angle? Underground? A combination?
The scale 3/16” = 1’-0”, size relative to about 14”x14”x14” as a general guide.
The model:
the immediate environment and the habitat (3/16”=1’-0”)
shall contain human scale figures at (3/16”=1’-0”). Not a “stick.” white or monotone
The graphics:
The sketches/drawings should demonstrate:
Design process
Diagramming (structure, space, construct, movements/ flows, light, views, entry, climate components, etc… )
Concept sketches (design principles, natural, rational)
a key drawing that may be perspective or a cross section.