Biomimicry

innovation inspired by nature

bio

mim

icry

the conscious emulation of nature’s genius

30-100 million species

x3.85 billion years of experience

=Well-adapted

design

we are nature

how will we bridge the gap?

biomimics at work

form process ecosystem

quiet our cleverness

“Humans will be truly sustainable …

…when our cities are functionally indistinguishable from our forests.” -Janine Benyus

Vancouver BC Local Champion: Bull-head kelp, Macrocystis neriocystis

(edible kelp, bull kelp, bullwhip kelp, ribbon kelp, giant kelp, bladder wrack)

Vancouver BC Local Champion: Bull-head kelp, Macrocystis neriocystis

(edible kelp, bull kelp, bullwhip kelp, ribbon kelp, giant kelp, bladder wrack)

Living Building Challenge SITE

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Feedback loops in the horizontal and

vertical planes

Living Building Challenge WATER

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Engage environment to manage

water flows and create habitat• Multi-functional surfaces – water,

nutrients, energy production

Living Building Challenge ENERGY

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Resilience through decentralized on-

site energy production• Fit form to function

Living Building Challenge HEALTH

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Create conditions conducive to life• Beyond surviving - thriving

Living Building Challenge MATERIALS

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Simple, common building blocks• Break down into benign constituents

– waste = nutrients and habitat

Living Building Challenge EQUITY

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Life on Earth is interconnected and

interdependent• Rights to nature – rights OF nature

• Incorporate diversity• Build from the bottom up

Living Building Challenge BEAUTY

Biomimicry Design Principle: • Beauty as a ‘well-adapted design’ indicator• Evolve to thrive– replicate strategies that work• Earth is subject to limits and bounds

“Each species is a

masterpiece…” E.O. Wilson

SITE• Feedback

loops in the horizontal and vertical planes

WATER• Engage

environment to manage water flows and create habitat• Multi-

functional surfaces – water, nutrients, energy production

ENERGY•Resilience through decentralization•Fit form to function

HEALTH• Create

conditions conducive to life• Maintain

integrity through self renewal

MATERIALS• Simple,

common building blocks• Break down

into benign constituents

EQUITY• Life on Earth is

interconnected and interdependent• Incorporate

diversity• Build from the

bottom up

BEAUTY•Well-adapted design indicator•Limits and boundaries