Definitions & Concepts
This term refers to imitating the shapes, materials, or animals in nature for functional human designs.
What is biomimicry?
The shape of this bird’s beak inspired the redesign of Japan’s bullet trains.
What is a kingfisher?
The Eastgate Centre, a shopping and office complex, is located in this African country.
What is Zimbabwe?
The Eastgate Centre uses less than this percentage of the energy required for a typical building of its size.
What is 10%?
This word is used to describe copying or imitating something, especially from nature.
What is mimic?
This popular expression suggests that creative works are influenced by real-life observations and experiences.
What is "Art imitates life"?
This Asian insect’s silk production inspired the creation of strong sewing thread.
What is a silkworm?
The ventilation system of the Eastgate Centre was inspired by this insect.
What are termites?
The owners of the Eastgate Centre saved this amount of money by not installing conventional air conditioning systems.
What is $3.5 million?
The hard curved or pointed part of a bird’s mouth.
What is a beak?
Janine Benyus suggests that imitating the designs and processes found in nature is vital for this.
What is sustainability?
The broad, water-resistant leaf of this plant influenced the design of some umbrellas.
What is the lotus plant?
This natural structure features vents that allow air to circulate and regulate temperature, inspiring the Eastgate Centre’s ventilation system.
What is a (termite) mound?
Employees who rent offices at the Eastgate Centre pay this percentage less for energy than people in neighboring buildings.
What is 20%?
This term refers to the movement of air through a system, such as in a termite mound or a building's cooling system.
What is ventilation?
This book, written by Janine Benyus in 1997, helped make biomimicry a well-known concept.
What is Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature?
This shape of a kingfisher's beak allows it to enter the water at high speeds without making a lot of noise.
What is long and pointed?
The temperature of a termite mound is steadily kept at this temperature throughout the day.
What is 86°F (30°C)?
Supporters of biomimicry believe it will become this standard for modern architectural plans.
What is the gold standard?
This word means "modern or belonging to the present time."
What is contemporary?
A field that increasingly makes use of biomimicry.
What is architecture?
These two objects are both beautiful and functional.
What are sewing threads and umbrellas?
These elements found in nature influence biomimetic architecture, such as tree trunks, seashells, and bird nests.
What are natural structures?
Objections to biomimicry disappear when people realize these.
What are environmental and financial savings?
This phrase means "to have a friendly or positive relationship with someone".
What is "to be on good terms with"?