Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Critical Studies Essay

M. Herrmann

In what ways has the natural world inspired design and why is it essential to mankind’s development?

Fig. 1

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Table of Contents

Title Page ________________________________________________________________________1

Table of Contents __________________________________________________________________2

Glossary of Terms __________________________________________________________________3

Introduction ______________________________________________________________________4 Frank Lloyd Wright _________________________________________________________________5

The ‘Gaia Hypotheses’ _______________________________________________________________6

‘As Above, So Below’ ________________________________________________________________7

Biomimicry _______________________________________________________________________7

Janine Benyus _____________________________________________________________________8

Examples of Design Inspired by Nature _________________________________________________9

The Future of Biomimicry, Design, and Education _________________________________________18

Conclusions _______________________________________________________________________20

Bibliography ______________________________________________________________________22

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Glossary Of Terms:

Bio-assisted Technology – The act of taking nature and domesticating it to our own benefits.

Biome - A major ecological community of organisms adapted to a particular climatic or environmental condition on a large geographic area in which they occur.

Biomimicry; Biomimetics, Biomimesis, Bionics. - the copying or imitation of a natural phenomenon's or environment's efficiency and survival mechanisms in manufacturing processes or in applied case-based reasoning

Biomineralization - the formation or accumulation of minerals by organisms especially into biological tissues or structures (as bones, teeth, and shells)

Biosphere - The ecosystem comprising the entire earth and the living organisms that inhabit it.

Equilibrium - A state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)

Gaia - The goddess of the earth, who bore and married Uranus and became the mother of the Titans and the Cyclopes.

Natural Selection - A natural process that results in the survival and reproductive success of individuals or groups best adjusted to their environment and that leads to the perpetuation of genetic qualities best suited to that particular environment

Natural Process - A process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity"

Organic Architecture – A philosophy developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, where form and function are one, where nature is used as a basis and guideline for growth and inspiration.

Photosynthesis - Synthesis of chemical compounds with the aid of radiant energy and especially light; especially : formation of carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen (as water) in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants exposed to light.

Self Assembly – Processes in which a disordered system of pre-existing components forms an organized structure or pattern as a consequence of specific, local interactions among the components themselves, without external direction.. Also a branch of molecular Nano technology.

Self Sustainable Ecosystem – An ecosystem that consists of living organisms and an environment, that functions, provides, and sustains itself.

Sustainability - Of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

www.biology-online.org/dictionaryhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary www.dictionary.com

Mankind has been ruthless in his rise through the ages, completely disregarding the greater good, enslaved by the almighty ego and tempted by the material world. For so long we have taken advantage of this precious slice of heaven we call home. The magic and splendor of Earth so easily misconstrued… When will we realize our potential?

This paper will attempt to achieve a deeper understanding of life, nature and the world we live in and how it has been expressed through design in everyday life. It is vital we coexist and be a part of nature, not apart from nature. Until there is a mutual understanding of life and our existence throughout all of mankind, we will continue to be distracted by the enticing glisten of money, or brainwashed by the enchanting wand of media.

In general, humans seem to habitually get distracted from their paths, and lose their way in life. These are the obstacles that help man overcome fear and doubt, to become and achieve what is desired. It is commonly assumed that man is separate from nature, something greater, far more advanced. For it is the gift of intellect, thought, and free will that has led man astray from his true calling. Man is as much a part of nature as the stars and moon are a part of the sky.

The history of the Buddhist religion states that as a young boy, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was kept away from the truth of the world, and kept inside his temple so as his mind could never be poisoned. This had a reverse effect, as it only made him more curious, and unprepared for what was out there. It was the day he escaped with rags for clothes, and rested underneath a tree, where he watched a flower grow. It was with nature, where Buddha was born.“Teachings emphasize the importance of coexisting with nature, rather than conquering it. Devout Buddhists admire a conserving lifestyle, rather than one which is profligate.” (Kabilsingh)

Fig 2.

Planning for the future, and using nature as a blueprint for design is essential for a sustainable way of living, for mother nature has sustained herself and perfected her technique over a billion years. Gaia still shines her light as bright as ever, supplying crops with the life and energy required to sustain mankind, and fill the air with priceless oxygen. These finite sources of energy define our life, and over the years man has observed, experimented, and developed ways to harness these forces, and manipulate, or harvest them in ways that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. We must take nature’s great works of art, such as photosynthesis, natural selection, self sustaining ecosystems, and self assembly, and treat them with long lasting respect, for these are where the answers to all questions can be found.

“Architecture is life…it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest record of life as it was lived in the world yesterday, as it is lived today, or ever will be lived.”

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

-Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright, to some ‘The greatest American architect of all time, and to others ‘The father of architecture’ had a connection with nature from a very young age, and trusted her with his life. Much of his youth was spent observing, studying, and understanding the ways in which nature and the world works.

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

Fig. 3

After a thorough and dedicated understanding of the natural world, Frank created a set of design principles, where form and function work as a whole, where every design was unique and related directly to the surrounding environment, as well as seeming to grow from it. Some of Wrights famous designs the first of their kind, pioneering landscape design and architecture. From his ‘Prairie Houses’ that seem to fit perfectly into their surroundings, to ‘Falling Water’ where he integrates all organic aspects of nature with the architecture itself, creating a whole.

“Nature is my manifestation of God. I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day's work. I follow in building the principles which nature has used in its domain.”

-Frank Lloyd Wright

Fig 4 Fig 5

As Levine writes, "Although our practice for centuries has been, for the most part, to turn from(Nature), seeking inspiration in books and adhering slavishly to dead formulae, herwealth of suggestion is inexhaustible" (Levine 10).

Man is on a constant search, whether it be wealth, fame, fortune or just a path of self discovery… ‘To each, his own.’ What we fail to understand time and time again is that what we are

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

searching for is simply the balancing point, or equilibrium. Becoming aware and aligning the physical, mental, and spiritual energies to the point where they are vibrating at maximum frequency. Revolution is a large part of the evolution of mankind, it is during these revolutionary moments where the world takes a step back and properly observes the situation, and makes a mutual decision to alter the ways in which we live our lives. Beginning with the Agricultural revolution, and evolving from hunting and gathering, learning to domesticate nature to our benefit. A swift transformation into the scientific revolution, where man learnt to “torture nature for her secrets,” (Pesic 1999) was followed by the industrial revolution, “where machines replaced muscles and we learned to rock the world.” (Benyus 2002). However, these revolutions were simply a warm up for the ‘Petrochemical’ and ‘Genetic Engineering Revolutions. “Now that we can synthesize what we need and rearrange the genetic alphabet to our liking, we have gained what we think of as autonomy.” (Benyus 2002) Addicted to technological revolution, our dependency on material development is ever increasing, as are our egos, we consider ourselves gods.

James Lovelock, scientist, research, and ideological thinker towards environmental awareness proposed a theory that disproves a substantial amount of recent scientific research which has been trusted for so long. Lovelock’s theory, ‘The Gaia Hypothesis’ proposes that the planet we live on, and have labeled ‘Earth’, functions as a single living entity or organism, and has the capabilities to manipulate and maintain conditions in order to sustain itself, thus creating a self sustainable planet. Spiritualists however, discovered these energies centuries earlier, learnt the powers of channeling, healing, and transcendental meditation and achieved their deeper understanding and connection with the earth in secret. As Lovelock writes in his book ‘The Ages of Gaia’, "if we see the world as a super organism of which we are a part - not the owner, nor the tenant, not even a passenger - we could have a long time ahead of us and our species might survive for its ‘allotted span’. It all depends on you and me." (Lovelock 1995)

Fig 6.

“As above so below”-Emerald Tablet

Interestingly enough, this saying is best explained as it is seen, the process of explaining it is a path full of hardship. In brief, it is the frame of an equilibrium, as everything is connected and part of a whole. It is an early saying from ‘The Emerald Tablet’ written by Hermes theorizing that man’s actions on earth are equal to the actions of God in the kingdom of heaven. The saying has been manipulated over the years, and has taken multiple different meanings, some of which believe it means that within every living thing lies good and evil, positive and negative, angels and demons. There must always be a balance, to create that equilibrium.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Along with progress, development, and success, also comes corruption, pollution and destruction, ‘as above, so below.’ There has been a continuous battle between these two forces since the beginning of time, as long as man has recorded the history of our world. Some of the greatest conflicts have been represented in many different forms, God and Lucifer, Heaven and Hell, right and wrong, light and dark.As Charles Dickens mentions in one of his books, “There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.” (Dickens 2000)

There are many words that describe the action of observing nature, studying the designs embedded in the structure of life and imitating them to create solutions to our problems, and help towards a more sustainable way of living. Biomimicry, Biomimetics, Bionics, and Biognosis are the most used terms, originating from ancient Greece, ‘Bios’ (life) and ‘mimesis’ (imitate). It is “The conscious emulation of life’s genius, innovation inspired by genius,” (Benyus 2002) that surrounds us and guides us through the darkness, towards the light.

Fig 7.

Bio-assisted technology however, is slightly different. This entails domesticating an organism for one’s own benefit. There is a difference between having nature do all the hard work, and learning from all natures’ hard work. Only through the study and observation of nature, will it be possible to derive these ideas and processes that have already solved the answers to most of our problems. Gaia has had plenty of time to fine tune her designs and discover what works, and what lasts here on Earth, which is a designer’s ultimate goal.

"The conscious emulation of life's genius is a survival strategy for the human race, a path to a sustainable future. The more our world functions like the natural world, the more likely we are to endure

on this home that is ours, but not ours alone.”

-Janine Benyus

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig 8.

Janine Benyus, biologist, life sciences writer, and author graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey with degrees in writing and natural resource management. Benyus is the face and voice behind the Biomimetic movement, and has caused a stir in the boiling pot around the world. People everywhere, including all town and city planners, architects and designers, scientists and engineers are starting to pause and listen to her ideologies on how we should approach nature and design. The urgency for a change grows stronger, as the sustainable study of nature becomes more of a priority. As Benyus writes, “In time, life has learned to fly, circumnavigate the globe, live in the depths of the ocean and atop the highest peaks; craft miracle materials, light up the night, lasso the sun's energy, and build a self-reflective brain.” (Benyus 2002). Life and nature has had 3.8 billion years to tweak and fine tune her formulae for sustaining life on earth, and does so without destroying the ecosystem and polluting all living organisms, ideally perfect models for man to structure his ways of living.

The Biomimicry Guild is an innovation and education practice that was co founded by Janine Benyus with Dr. Dayna Baumeister in 1998, where innovators from around the world are welcome to share thoughts and ideas through workshops, consultation, and research in order to gain knowledge from nature, and emulate her designs in a way that is sustainable to all involved. In 2005, Janine then founded a nonprofit Biomimicry Institue where her ambition is to create and grow a network community of like minded individuals, dedicated to preserving nature’s techniques, and imitate them to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of the awards that Janine has received for her colossal impact on the world of environmental awareness include; ‘Times Magazines Hero of the Environment’, and an honorary award from the United Nations programme, ‘Champion of the Earth Award in Science and Innovation.’ (www.biomimicryguild.com)

Some of the ground breaking discoveries that have helped modern day design mechanics develop have been taken from all areas of nature, all around the world. Different species and organisms evolve differently due to temperature, climate conditions, and seasonal change, meaning there is always an answer out there.

After discovering cockleburs (Xanthium commune) sticking to his clothes and his dogs fur, George de Mestral, a swiss engineer, developed designs based on the ‘hook and loop’ structure of cockleburs, and created Velcro.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig. 9

Fig 10Butterflies, peacocks, and birds of paradise are being observed in order to understanding pattern and colour creation without the use of toxins, chemicals, or digital assisted technology. A possible breakthrough discovery for the digital world, especially cell phones that will have the ability to function without batteries.

Fig 11.

Fig 12.

Morphotex is a new fiber material that has been developed and manufactured in Japan by Tejin Fibers LTD. Named after the ‘Morpho’ butterfly, “they use nanotechnology to create 61 layers composed of two separate polymers with different refractive indices. Since it uses light interference instead of dyes or pigments to create color, it uses less energy and is better for the environment.” (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/biomimicry-the-science-of-copying-natural-designs.html)

Fig 13.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Examples of how ‘Morphotex’ is being used to recreate patterns and colours produces by butterfly wings.

Fig 14

The Kingfishers sleek structured beak design allows it to maneuver easily, minimize wind reduction, and dive with no splash whatsoever. The Japanese ‘Shinkansen bullet’, the fastest train in the world, drew its inspiration from the aerodynamics of the Kingfisher, resulting in less noise pollution, 15% less energy consumption, and an increase of speed by 10%.

Spiders are being closely watched, in hope of discovering ways to manufacture fibers and materials without the use of heat and toxins, to create the most delicate of textures like spider’s silk.

Fig 15

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Scientists are still studying skeletons and tree growth, in order to optimize the strength and growth of designs, for safety in transportation, as well as genetical and prosthetic development.

Fig 16

Crystallization is a large part of Biomimetic research, as “self assembling organic molecules with a mineral coat may enable new approaches to bone tissue engineering.” (Mooney/Murphy) Scientists and researchers at Harvard university studying ‘Biomineralization’ are trying to figure out ways to mimic the elasticity of sea sponges and the flexibility and clarity of the lenses that cover a brittlestar fish.

Fig 17

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig 18.

Sharklet technologies and Dr. Anthony Brennan have created, and are developing a surface texture that mimics that of shark’s skin. The main reason being that bacteria is unable to thrive there. The microscopic rigid pattern “creates a surface upon which bacteria do not like to grow. The Sharklet pattern is manufactured onto adhesive-backed skins that may be applied to high-touch areas to reduce the transfer of bacteria among people.” (http://www.sharklet.com/technology/). Dive suits have also been developed to create a more streamline flow in the water, as well as minimizing water resistance.

Fig 19.

The more popular of designs from the natural world, coming from the Lotus plant (Nelumbo Lucifera), where over the years it has adapted and developed a technique of self cleansing. The rough surface of its leaves trap small patches of air, that keep small droplets of water afloat, which in turn will remove all dirt particles attached to it with the slightest touch.

Fig 20

“Peter Steinberg (Biosignal) has created an anti-bacterial compound that mimics the sea purse. These red algae keep bacteria from landing on surfaces by jamming their communication signals with an environmentally friendly compound called furanone.” www.biomimicryinstitute.org

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig 21.

One of the more fascinating organisms that could be the key to a lot of our energy problems, the Electric Eel. The ability to generate electricity through electric organs in its tail, for small impulse shocks act as a defense mechanism, a lighting device, a sensory device, as well as communications beacon. If scientists were able to imitate the cells that can generate light, electricity, and communication as well as being self insulated, we would have an abundance of energy sources.

It may not have been expected, but termites have provided us with a blueprint for support and structure, after examining tunnels and termite mounds. The Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe was directly inspired by the cooling and ventilation methods discovered in termite mounds. “The structure requires no fuel-based air conditioning, saving building owners $3.5 million in equipment costs alone. Mimicking termites’ efficient use of air shafts and thermal mass to maintain a consistent internal temperature, the Eastgate Centre uses 35% of the energy of similar buildings.” (http://buildandrebuild.com/tag/biomimicry/)

Fig 22.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Dolphins have been considered an intelligent species for generations, and developments of underwater navigation and sonar communication have been directly influenced by dolphins. Evologics is a company that has created a “high performance underwater modem for data transmission” which is being used as a Tsunami warning system across the Indian ocean. (http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/case-studies/case-studies/human-safety.html)

Fig 23.

Fig 24.

Blue Mussels have taught and inspired scientists in creating a ‘formaldehyde free adhesive’ that will allow underwater stick. Blue mussels create a sticky protein, which has been mimicked by scientists using soy protein, and it is now being used as a non toxic adhesive glue in plywood. (http://buildandrebuild.com/tag/biomimicry/)

The Fibonacci sequence expresses itself in many ways throughout nature, and can create beautiful spiraling patterns that flow smoothly and geometrically. It is the basis for all plant growth, and follows the structure of 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21… It can be found in the spiral structures of sunflowers, and pine cones.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig 25.

Granite sculpture carved by Peter Randall Page imitating Fibonacci sequence. The Seed located within The Core at The Eden Project. Image credit: Mark Hill

Fig 26.

Perfectly geometrical structure that was carved and designed to illustrate the importance of mathematical significance in nature. The Seed (Above) and the Core (below) can be found in the depths

of the ‘Eden Project’, the Core being the lead educational facility. The design emphasizes the precision in which nature works and how closely we must analyze plant growth, if we want to mimic it.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig 27.

Qinetiq is an aerospace engineering firm that has been observing the techniques that insects use to collect water from fog and the surrounding atmosphere. In collaboration with Grimshaw Architects, materials along similar blueprint designs are being used as a coating on aircraft and buildings, preventing frost, and gathering water much more efficiently.

Fig 28 Fig 29

Some design examples that have been adapted into modern day design, inspired by nature from around the world

Guggenheim found in New York, USA, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Fig 30.

The Eden project, found in Cornwall, UK. Dedicated to the education of coexisting with nature, and the preservation of her beauty.

Fig 31.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Over the last 10 years Dubai’s economy has exploded and so has the infrastructure and society, however was it for the better? It certainly was aesthetically pleasing, but after finding out that all funds were depleted as well as financial crash and crisis, due to over logging of construction.

Dubai Palm Island. Fig 32. Dubai World Island. Fig 33.

China’s national swim centre, (Beijing Bubble Centre) where similar methods to construct the Biomes in the Eden project were used. (ETFE).

Fig 34.

The Sydney Opera house has been a pioneering design in Biomimicry since it was built. The design intentions were to mimic the incoming sails of boats ready to dock and supply harbor.

Fig 35.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Michael Pawlyn, founder and director of Exploration Architecture, was behind the development of the ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) padded cushioning that made up the exterior of the Humid and Tropical rainforest biomes at the Eden project. "Nature inspired the supremely efficient structural form and this was enclosed with an insulating polymer membrane that had one hundredth of the weight of a glass solution. The result is one of the lightest structures ever created and a building that is largely self-

heating using passive solar design principles.” (http://www.exploration-architecture.com/section.php?xSec=17)

Fig 36

Biomimicry is not a recent breakthrough discovery as Leonardo da Vinci looked to nature whilst creating designs for his flying machines, as did indigenous people and ancient tribes. It is simply learning the methods in which nature sustains itself, and adapting these methods into modern day practical design. It is vital that we treat nature with the utmost care and respect, as she is an ancient that holds all the answers and knowledge to all of man’s questions. To achieve the desired utopian world, where everything is self adaptable, self sustainable, and multi functional, the first essential step is to create a powerful connection with the natural world. A new approach to modern design must be instilled in the minds of the youth, for too long man has roamed the earth and dominated, domesticated, and destroyed nature. There must be a collected movement, and combined focus towards a greener way of living. As each day passes, we as a race are becoming more aware of our desperate state, and realizing that recent design has been extremely ego-centrical, where the design simply meets the designer’s needs rather than the general person. If ever there was a time for a change of structure, and an emphasis on the importance of sustainable and intelligent design that solves problems, it is now.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Ghandi

When using nature as a guide in the search for sustainable innovation it is essential to be as critical as possible, keeping in mind that;

“Nature runs on sunlight.Nature uses only the energy it needs.Nature fits form to function.Nature recycles everything.Nature rewards cooperation.Nature banks on diversity.Nature demands local expertise.

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Nature curbs excesses from within.Nature taps the power of limits.Nature is beautiful.” (Benyus 2002)

Before any sort of design, technique, or method can be put into use, it must be tested against nature itself, since our utmost goal is lasting over time. When applying Biomimcry to modern day design, there are three stages that must be observed and analyzed as a whole, since the natural world is made up of systems and chains, everything is connected, a minor interruption has the ability to cause a domino effect. The first level of Biomimicry, is the basic mimicry of the natural form, for example the streamline shape of a cheetah in aerodynamic design development, or its patterns for camouflage. Copying these designs may be useful to us in many ways, but there is no guarantee of any sustainable yield. The second level of Biomimicry is a deeper investigation into the natural process or what it is made up of, and how it self- assembles, how the patterned fur is grown without using chemicals or toxins, and how bones and muscles are developed. The final level is the mimicry of the natural ecosystem as a whole. The fur is part of the cheetah, which is connected to its environment, which is connected to its biome, which is then connected to its biosphere. We must ensure that the fur fabric that we are mimicking “is part of a larger economy that works to restore rather than deplete the earth and its people.” As Benyus says in an interview, “Practicing ethical biomimicry will require a change of heart. We will have to climb down from our pedestal and begin to see ourselves as simply a species among species, as one vote in a parliament of 30 million. When we accept this fact, we start to realize that what is good for the living Earth is good for us as well.” (www.biomimicryinstitute.org) In order to become a completely self sufficient and sustainable civilization, we must look to ‘Nature as a model, measure and mentor.’

"Doing it nature's way" has the potential to change the way we grow food, make materials, harness energy, heal ourselves, store information, and conduct business. In each case, nature would be model, measure, and mentor.” (www.biomimicryinstitute.org)

Man should used nature as a primary role model for design strategies and processes. After using nature as a model, it can the be used as a measure, to be compared against in order to “judge the rightness of our innovations. Are they life promoting? Do they fit in? Will they last as long as is needed and no longer?”Eventually we should evaluate our relationship with nature, and alter it in ways where we begin to work and coexist with nature, a part of nature. “Ushering a new era based not on what we can extract frm nature, but what we can learn from her.”(http://www.naturaledgeproject.net/TNEPKeynoteSeries-JanineBenyus.aspx)

Fig. 37

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

When observing nature and creating designs, we should no longer look for what we think will look aesthetically pleasing, or will serve one small function while using up copious amounts of energy to fuel it. Obviously to each his own, we are all designers in our own ways, as we have been put on this planet to create and design it willingly, to our satisfaction. There has been an excess of care free design and construction, and wasteful thinking, and it is the time for a change. Janine Benyus has arrived promptly and loudly with a concept that has the potential to bring the world out of the hole it has buried itself so deep in. Listening, observing, and understanding are key to a sustainable development of life, and by regenerating and renewing life for future generations, whilst passing on the knowledge and education, there could still be some hope for mankind. There are questions that surround each of us, everyday. Life is about problems, and overcoming these problems. These are the obstacles that test life and push it to the limits, yet they are also the obstacles that can lead life to a path of misery. It is the survival of the fittest, as in all cases with the natural world, however that does not imply everyone is against each other. It has become a challenge to biologists, architects, engineers, and designers across the globe, how can we learn from nature? Enough competition between cars and houses, financial gain and investments, greed, ego and material gain. These are strains of the past, reins that have tied us down to the world of consumerism, and have brainwashed the majority. I feel these questions are just being raised at this point of human existence, and we are facing these dilemmas, not because we are doomed and the answers don’t exist, but more because we have been preoccupied with the fantasy world, and have been looking in all the wrong places. Awareness is key, “It is time for us as a culture to walk in the forest again. Once we see nature as a mentor, our relationship with the living world changes…We realize that the only way to keep learning from nature is to safeguard naturalness, the wellspring of good ideas. At this point in history, as we contemplate the very real possibility of losing a quarter of all species in the next thirty years, biomimicry becomes more than just a new way of looking at nature. It becomes a race and a rescue.” (Benyus 2002) This time round, we should take an approach whereas our main priorities and intentions are not to dominate, domesticate, and conquer nature, but a more subtle approach. We must learn to live alongside nature, caress nature, and co exist with nature, so that we fit in with the structure of nature, and last as long as she does. “How should we grow our food? How should we make our materials? How should we power ourselves, heal ourselves, store what we learn? How should we conduct business in a way that honors the Earth? As we discover what nature already knows, we will remember how it feels to roar like a jaguar--to be a part of, not apart from, the genius that surrounds us.” (Benyus 2002)

Bibliography

Sites:http://www.biomimicryinstitute.orghttp://www.biomimicryguild.comhttp://www.asknature.org/http://www.exploration-architecture.comhttp://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureofthings/http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10http://www.peterrandall-page.comhttp://www.calera.comhttp://www.crystalinks.com/buddha.htmlhttp://www.jstor.org/pss/237475http://www.tree.org/b1d.htm

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

http://www.ecolo.org/lovelock/lovebioen.htmhttp://www.naturaledgeproject.net/TNEPKeynoteSeries-JanineBenyus.aspx

Books:

Benyus, Janine. Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature. Harper Perennial. 2002.

Dickens, Charles. The Pickwick Papers. Penguin. 2000.

Levine, Neil. The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Princeton: Princeton UniversityPress, 1996.

Lovelock, James. The Ages of Gaia. A Biography of Our Living Earth. W. W. Norton & Company. 1995

Pesic, Peter. Wrestling with Proteus: Francis Bacon and the “Torture” of nature. University of Chicago Press on behalf of The History of Science Society. 1999

Trismegitus, Hermes. The Emerald Tablet of Hermes.IAP 2008.

Wright, F.L., An American Architecture. Bramhall House. 1955

Videos:

Janine Benyus: Biomimicry in Action. TEDhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_GFq12w5WU&feature=channel

Janine Benyus: 12 sustainable design ideas from nature. TED http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n77BfxnVlyc

William McDonough: The wisdom of designing Cradle to Cradle. TEDhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoRjz8iTVoo&feature=channel

Articles:

Biomimicry, The Science of Copying Natural Designs. Buzzle. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/biomimicry-the-science-of-copying-natural-designs.html

Darwinism of Architecture. How Biomimicry will evolve architecture. Baumeister, Dayna.http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.commentview&comment_id=162

Good vs Evil. As above so Below. Levant, Nancy. 2007. http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/levant/070822

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

How Buddhism can protect nature. Dr. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh.http://www.4ui.com/eart/166eart1.htm

Learning from Nature: Upbin, Bruce. 07/22/09 http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/22/biomimicry-ted-nature-technology-breakthroughs-biomimicry.html

Molecular Scale Biomimicry. Nature Biotechnology. Murphy William L. ; Mooney David J.http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v20/n1/full/nbt0102-30.html

Illustrations:

Fig 1. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org Fig 2. http://www.jennifermeihofer.com/darshana.jpgFig 3. http://www.usconsulate.org.hk/pas/kids/images/wright.jpgFig 4. http://allisonkprice.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/fallingwater.jpgFig 5. http://www.jacobswe.com/FLW%20WEBSITE/prairie-iStock_000000160679_1.jpgFig 6. http://www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/1996-7/weekly/060297/news/pic_6.gifFig 7. http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/Biomimicry-header-image.jpgFig 8. http://www.odystoy.com/tc/attach/1/2832350065.jpgFig 9. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/826414232_958df8094a_o.jpgFig 10. http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/files/imagecache/feature/files/features/print/velcroWEB.jpgFig 11. http://twistedphysics.typepad.com/cocktail_party_physics/images/butterfly.jpgFig 12. http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/v/ve/verzerk/711594_peacock_feathers_5.jpgFig 13. http://biodsign.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/morphotex.jpgFig 14. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/case-studies/case-studies/transportation.htmlFig 15. http://almiskeenah.blogsome.com/images/spider_silk_glands.jpgFig 16. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/case-studies/case-studies/industrial-design.htmlFig 17. http://www.seasky.org/wallpaper/assets/wallpaper_sea/brittle-star-1280.jpgFig 18. http://www.energy.harvard.edu/files/images/Biolenses.img_assist_custom-400x300.jpgFig 19. http://www.sharklet.com/technology/Fig 20. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/case-studies/case-studies/toxics.htmlFig 21. http://www.seabean.com/seasons/hurricanes/jpg/Frances2004_SeaPurse_1.jpgFig 22. http://buildandrebuild.com/tag/biomimicry/Fig 23. http://idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2-dolphins.jpgFig 24. http://users.cybercity.dk/~kam2079/images/Sonar-mini.gifFig 25. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/359335040_893d6bf987.jpgFig 26. http://www.peterrandall-page.com/EdenProject/stone7/install-1.htmFig 27. http://www.copperconcept.org/images/refpic3289.jpgFig 28. http://gliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/eco-water-theater-003.jpgFig 29. www. grimshaw - architects .com/ Fig 30. http://c.tlcollect.com/guggenheim/598565439/large/4001020131525285_z.jpgFig 31. http://www.mevagissey.net/edenbanner2.jpgFig 32. http://www.arclighting.de/weblog_01/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/07-dubai-palm-island.jpgFig 33. http://masoodmemon.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/the-world-islands-dubai.jpg

Jad Alexander Ghaziri – LD3004 K0720251

Fig 34. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/080708_water01.jpgFig 35. http://mikebm.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/scarlet-night_-sydney-opera-house.jpgFig 36. http://www.archinect.com/images/uploads/082908_111508.jpgFig 37. www.biomimicryinstitute.org