Page 188 - Design Thinking C11

By redesigning the front of the bullet train to mimic the shape of the kingfisher’s beak, they reduced noise,
improved speed, and enhanced energy efficiency.
This is a perfect example of biomimicry, a concept in which designers use components found in nature to
solve human problems. Biomimicry highlights how deeply interconnected natural forms and functionality are.
By observing and learning from nature, we can create innovative solutions to some of our toughest problems.

Examples of Biomimicry in Design
1. Velcro and Burr Seeds: The creation of Velcro was inspired by burr
seeds that stick to animal fur. The Swiss engineer George de Mestral
noticed the small hooks on the seeds that allowed them to cling,
and he applied this principle to develop Velcro, a fastener now
used globally.

2. The Eiffel Tower and Human Bone Structure: The design of the Eiffel Tower
was partly inspired by the structure of human bones. Gustave Eiffel studied
the femur’s arrangement of internal struts to create a structure that is both
lightweight and strong, giving the tower its iconic stability and elegance.

21 st #Information Literacy
Century
Skills #Critical Thinking
Watch the video on https://www.wired.com/video/watch/think-like-a-tree-did-you-know-
the-eiffel-tower-was-inspired-by-your-femur to understand the full story.

3. Self-Cleaning Surfaces and Lotus Leaves: The lotus leaf has a unique surface structure that repels water and
prevents dirt from sticking. This property inspired the development of self-cleaning surfaces and paints, which
use nanotechnology to replicate the lotus effect, making buildings and other surfaces resistant to grime.
Nature as the Ultimate Architect

Water Wax crystals
Debris
Epidermal cell
micro-structures
Leaf

Nature has evolved over billions of years, refining designs through natural selection. As a result, plants,
animals, and ecosystems are perfectly suited to their environments. This makes nature the ultimate architect,
constantly innovating and optimising for efficiency and sustainability. A fascinating example is the design of
termite mounds in Africa, which maintain a consistent internal temperature despite external weather changes.
Architects have used these mounds as inspiration for designing energy-efficient buildings, such as the Eastgate
Centre in Zimbabwe, which uses natural ventilation to regulate temperature without air conditioning.

21 st #Creativity
Century
Skills #Critical Thinking
For more information watch the video : See How Termites Inspired a Building That Can
Cool Itself | Decoder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=620omdSZzBs&t=2s

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