From Mitochondria to Water Harvesting: A Case Study In Biologically Inspired Design

Biologically inspired design, also called biomimicry, biomimetics, or bionics, is an important, widespread, and rapidly growing movement in modern design (Benyus 1997; Turner 2007; Vincent and Mann 2002; Vogel 2000). The paradigm espouses the use of biological systems as analogs for use in designing technological systems, seeking to leverage the millions of biological designs already existing in nature. This paradigm has inspired many pioneers in the history of design, such as Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers, among others. However, over the last generation, the paradigm has become a movement, inspired by the growing need for environmentally sustainable design and advanced by the desire for design creativity and innovation.