Page 15 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

Harun Yahya

writer and scientific observer from
Montana, was later taken up and
begun to be used by a great many
others. One of their accounts de-
scribes her work and the whole de-
velopment of biomimicry:
A naturalist and author of several
field guides to wildlife, she visited
Janine M. Benyus and her book Biomimicry
the laboratories of a number of sci-
entific researchers who are taking a
more modest approach to unravel-
ing nature’s secrets. The theme of “biomimicry” is that we have much to learn
from the natural world, as model, measure, and mentor. What these researchers
have in common is a reverence for natural designs, and the inspiration to use
them to solve human problems. 2
David Oakey is a product strategist for Interface Inc., one of the firms
making use of nature to improve product quality and productivity. On the
subject of biomimicry, he has this to say:

Nature is my mentor for business and design, a model for the way of life.
Nature's system has worked for millions of years... Biomimicry is a way of

learning from nature. 3
This rapidly expanding concept found favor with scientists, who
were able to accelerate their own research by drawing for inspiration on
nature’s incomparably flawless models. Scientific researchers working on
economic systems and raw materials—in the industrial field in particu-
lar—have now joined forces to determine how best to imitate nature.
Designs in nature ensure the greatest productivity for the least
amount of materials and energy. They’re able to repair themselves, are en-
vironmentally friendly and wholly recyclable. They operate silently, are
pleasing in aesthetic appearance, and offer long lives and durability. All

13