Biomimicry - Kristin

So, what we've learned about biomimicry is interesting.. and it had me searching all over the place to find the coolest examples.

My first example is the Solar Lily Pads in Glasgow, UK:

Along the Clyde River in the city of Glasgow, there are solar panels in the shape of lily pads. This makes for a creative, interesting design and

a beautiful scene in the river.

Using the design of a lily pad to maximize the

collection of the sun's rays, these solar panels send electricity throughout the city. Most urban

design schemes generate more renewable electricity and usually focus on rooftop photovoltaics or wind turbines; it takes a creative leap to come up with Solar Lily Pads. It's perfectly natural and not at all harmful to the river. It is hopeful that more governments will use this technique in the future!

http://inhabitat.com/solar-lily-pads-planned-for-glasgows-clyde-river/

The next example of a sustainable design is located again in the United Kingdom. It is called the "Eden Project."

It is a 124-acre conservatory in Cornwall, UK. This series of domes hosts spectacular events such as

beneficial rock

concerts. It also has an eco-friendly

gift shop (full of "tree-hugger" treasures). Think of this as a bot

anic museum- it is meant to attract people to go inside and learn about sustainability. Everything

about it is made from natural materials; even the dome itself is made from plant-based matter. It is also very energy efficient, and the energy used to run the facility is purchased from regional wind farms... and

the car fleet is almost entirely run on cleaner-burning propane. This architecture is not only meant to be an amazing attraction, it is meant to put in our minds the thought of being green. It is meant to inspire us to action.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/eden_projecta_a.php

The last example is a cactus building in Doha, Qatar: The Minister of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture building.

This is a wonderful examp

le of biomimicry: the skin of one of the hardiest pants of the desert is applied to the design of the facade of a desert building. It has hundreds of smart shades that open and close depending on the strength of the sun. It also features an ancillary botanic dome on the side (like the "Eden Project") which furthers it's green rating. Not only is it cool to look at, but it's also eco-friendly! If we can use some of these designs, and even come up with our own, we can make this world a better place. It's understandable t

hat it's hard for everyone to "go green," but these simple buildings and structures are what we could be using to do that.

http://www.jetsongreen.com/2009/03/biomimicry-inspired-cactus-tower-by-aesthetics-architects.html