Biomimetics 12 Background

Changes to SEM 2007 Paper

My plan is to focus on the implications of applying systems thinking to sustainability, along the lines suggested by James Kay. Two patterns will be highlighted:

• Multi-functionality (re-use the beetle/candy wrapper example, but focus on why we tend to create new materials when faced with design problems)
• Conducive to Life (focus on non-equilibrium thermodynamics and self-organizing systems, link to challenges of creating sustainable designs that are more than 'point solutions')

Julian Vincent's work on BioTRIZ (Biomimetics—its practice and theory) and energy use in nature fit well with these two patterns. It seems reasonable that beetles use structure whereas we create new substances simply because energy is a very scarce resource. Fossil fuels have allowed us to 'step outside' of the system, at least for a little while. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics suggests that energy can cause organization and structure to emerge, but only within limits. At some point, higher energy levels can cause turbulent or chaotic behavior. Julian's estimate that energy is involved in 5% of natural solutions and 70% of human solutions might imply that we are creating turbulent/chaotic systems, which may explain why most designers spend large amounts of energy (figurative and literal) on control. Could reducing our energy usage actually make things easier? One example is passive climate control - when properly designed, it works with available resources to heat and cool, without complex control systems.

I want to wrap up the paper with a tighter review of the evolution of the Patterns from Nature project. I am intrigued how a concept as simple as a Pattern has forced us to ask really hard questions about what the ecosystem principles mean. I have some ideas about using the outward spiral graphic to illustrate our journey. Lastly, I plan to close with the idea of a Pattern Language as a living framework that can help designers better conceptualize problems, tap into resources, and most importantly, know where the gaps are.

Process

I would like to do the initial draft and first pass of editing using the Wiki. The material will then be integrated into the Word document for further and final editing.