Examples and Applications
9.11.2019
Some examples of design, art, engineering, and architecture are direct applications of solutions based on principles of nature. These principles can be expressed in mathematical patterns, geometric shapes or functional propositions that resemble, or seek inspiration in, natural references.
Leonardo da Vinci, an exponent of the field of engineering, said that despite its great genius, mankind will never find a more beautiful, economical and objective invention than nature. The observations and experiments described in his journals, among which it is possible to find the first idea of submarines, hang gliding, war tanks, bridges and dozens of mechanical pieces, are clear examples of the inspiration he derived from natural models.
In the field of architecture, there are two examples, both built in China, for the Olympic Games of 2008: the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest – inspired by elements of nature, and named after them. The basic structure of the first building is based on bubbles and, although none look the same, they all follow the same general pattern (Fig 9). The second building is based on the plots and tresses of a nest, replacing the traditional straw with steel.
Turning to industry and mechanical engineering, one cannot overlook the invention of the airplane based on the analogy of birds, and also respects the golden ratio. Another smart creation that simultaneously solves the problem of high resistance and lightness of mechanical parts is the honeycomb, developed from the geometry of the honeycomb of beehives. Also within the industry, it is interesting to highlight the creation of Velcro, based on the structure of bur...
Robert Le Ricolais (1894-1977), a French architect and engineer, used the reticulated pattern of Radiolaria – marine protozoa – as inspiration. Through his research, he developed structural principles that resulted in strong, lightweight and durable structures. The goal was to build “infinite strength and zero weight” structures. The same researcher studied the corrugated shells – Pecten (Fig 3) – producing rigid plans and corrugated surface tubes [4].
Frei Otto, from the Lightweight Structures Institute, University of Stuttgart, organized a program with biologists, architects and engineers (also mathematicians, ecologists, philosophers, and sociologists) with the objective of extracting useful ideas from biology. These can be found in the tensioned structures that he used to cover the Olympic Stadium in Munich, among other structures. These membranes were inspired by the horizontal webs built underwater by the aquatic spider, Argyroneta, known to retain air for the sub-aquatic development of their eggs. This concept was also used by Jacques Rougerie in the design of an underwater village to accommodate 250 divers
Another interesting natural structure to be studied is that of the sea urchin. The foam-like structure that connects the thorns to the main body of the sea urchin (Fig 11) gives support to the thin outer wall, resists buckling up, and allows it to bend without breaking. In their research, Lorna Gibson and GN Karam distinguished different internal structures of the tubes, which were analyzed as cylindrical cartridges. The theory of cellular material shows that the rigidity of the cell structure is a result of the densities achieved, which can vary according to the geometry of the cell structure. The recent development of the process that allows the production of metal cylindrical tanks, having a foam or honeycomb core, demonstrates the importance and applicability of the research carried out.
The knowledge that was concealed in nature can now be extended to lightweight tubular supports, such as the ones found in the suspensions of race cars.
The examples discussed above demonstrate the existence of intelligence in nature, responsible for the constitution of every little particle. In nature, nothing seems random and everything has its place and shape needed to better serve the whole. The wisdom of nature has still much to unveil to man, but this will only be possible, as the philosophical traditions say, when humans feel committed to their surroundings and responsible for the proper application of the teachings.