Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor, David Richards, has reignited my curiosity in the field of biomimicry.
What is Biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for inspiration in solving human problems. It involves studying how organisms have evolved to survive and thrive in their environments and applying those lessons to create innovative technologies and design solutions. The concept of biomimicry has been around for centuries, but it has gained significant attention in recent years as the world looks for more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living.
Nike's Fish Gill Swimsuit
When I first encountered biomimicry in my second year of studying Product Design Engineering, I couldn't stop thinking about how obvious it was to gain inspiration on product problems from the experts in the field! I was hooked on how the answers are right outside our doorstep.
During my obsession with the topic, I stumbled across Nike's swimsuit which 'stole' tricks from pants and fish gills.
For athletic swimmers, the key factor is "drainage". Although Nike's swimsuits are made of a 70% nylon and 30% elastane blend that should repel most water, some water may still become trapped in the swimsuit. To address this issue, the Nike team sought to create a way to facilitate the flow of water through the swimsuit, ensuring that wearers don't end up "sitting on the side of the pool in a big wet piece of fabric" after swimming. The solution involved incorporating mesh panels around the neck, under the arms, waistline, and neck, which allow excess water to escape. This design approach is inspired by the gills that fish use to extract oxygen from water. The mesh "gills" are covered by flaps that open up as the swimmer moves through the water.
Nike added, "One of the very interesting things that we learned is that we thought the consumer was going to be predominantly Muslim,” says Moore. In fact, a lot of the women the designers had consulted with had an interest in wearing a full-body suit when paddle boarding or kayaking, or even just to relax at the beach as the swimwear line offers SPF 40 protection.
I was absolutely amazed at how that was possible and couldn't stop thinking of all the possibilities I could implement when thinking of a final-year project. In fact, it became an area of design to which I would be honoured to contribute in my future career.
"Bio Design: Nature + Science + Creativity" , by William Myers
I was recommended the book "Bio Design: Nature + Science + Creativity" by William Myers. This is an excellent exploration of the field of biomimicry. It highlights numerous examples of how designers and scientists are using nature as a source of inspiration to create innovative solutions to some of our most pressing problems.
A fascinating example from the book is the creation of a new type of insulation that is inspired by the way that polar bears stay warm in cold climates. Polar bears have thick fur that traps air and keeps them warm, even in the harshest of conditions. By studying the structure of polar bear fur, a team of scientists was able to create a new type of insulation that is lightweight, yet incredibly effective at keeping people warm in cold environments.
Biomimicry is not just limited to scientific and technological advancements but also extends to art and design. For example, the Shylights installation at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a kinetic light installation that mimics the movement of flowers as they open and close in response to sunlight. The installation is not only beautiful but also provides a unique perspective on the natural world and how we can learn from it to create art and design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The possibilities are endless!
Biomimicry is a fascinating field that holds great promise for creating more sustainable and efficient solutions to the challenges we face in the world today. By studying the natural world and learning from its designs, we can create a better future for ourselves and the planet. I would recommend "Bio Design: Nature + Science + Creativity" as an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the exciting world of biomimicry.
Link to the book:
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