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

Author
Kapsali, Veronika [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
  • New York, New York : Thames & Hudson, [2016]
  • ©2016
Description
240 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 27 cm

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Engineering Library - Stacks TS171.4 .K37 2016 Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Summary note
    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.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references and index.
    Contents
    • 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.
    Other title(s)
    Applying nature's processes and materials in the real world
    ISBN
    • 9780500518489 (hardback)
    • 0500518483 (hardback)
    LCCN
    2015959500
    OCLC
    959536471
    Statement on language in description
    Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
    Other views
    Staff view