How to Build a Sustainable World - AskNature
World’s First Database of Nature-Inspired Design Ideas Launched
Nov 26, 2008
Janine Benyus, founder of the non-profit Biomimicry Institute, and Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson announced a new online database called AskNature.org during a closing keynote address at the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild conference last week, reports Stacy Malkan, of the Biomimicry Institute (Malkan, 2008, “How To Build a Sustainable World: AskNature.org”, press release).
The Practice of Nature-Inspired Innovation
Biomimicry is the practice of innovation inspired by nature. Benyus invented the term to describe a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. A nature writer and champion of nature-inspired innovation, Benyus defines the quest of biomimicry as "the conscious emulation of life's genius. Innovation inspired by nature." (Benyus, Janine. 1997. Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. Quill William Morrow. New York. 308pp.).
“The core idea,” said Benyus to over 25,000 conference attendees in Boston last week (November 2008), “is that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. After 3.8 billion years of evolution, nature has already found the solutions to the sustainability challenges humans face.” More and more businesses are adopting biomimetic methods to solve their design challenges. For instance, the architectural firm HOK, is planning a community development in India, according to Malkan, that intends to create its foundation structure through the use of mimicking tree roots. Another example is the design of a roof that sheds water during the monsoon season and also stores water for use in the drought season, mimicking what trees do.
Database of Nature-Inspired Design Strategies
AskNature.org is the first of its kind, a database of innovative “Nature-Inspired” design that is a free tool for architects, designers, engineers and innovators of many other disciplines. It is essentially for anyone dedicated to the creation of a more sustainable and healthier world. Integrated with WIlson's Encyclopedia of Life, AskNature.org is part search engine and part social network; a place where biologists and innovators can meet, exchange information and design. The site is essentially a public-domain library, organized by function and supported with illustrations and understandable language.
AskNature.org is sponsored by Autodesk, a world leader in design innovation technology, according to Malkan. “Autodesk sees biomimicry as a revolutionary design concept that can help influence better design decisions,” said Malkan. According to Malkan, the site also features the “Thank a Genius” program, which encourages the investment of a portion of profits from bio-inspired innovations toward preserving organisms and ecosystems that inspired the breakthrough.
