While the idea of learning from nature is not new, humans have been emulating natural forms and systems for centuries. In recent years, modern technology and the pressing demand for sustainable solutions have brought biomimicry to the forefront of engineering and architecture. As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and rapid urbanisation intensify, biomimicry offers a way to design and build in harmony with the natural world.

Biomimicry in Action: Case Studies

The Kingfisher and Bullet Train Design

Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains travel at remarkable speeds of 240–320 km/h, carrying millions of passengers annually. However, their initial design caused a loud “tunnel boom” as atmospheric pressure waves built up and released when exiting tunnels, disrupting nearby communities.

The solution came from nature. Engineers studied the kingfisher bird, whose streamlined beak allows it to dive into water with minimal splash. By mimicking the shape of the kingfisher’s beak in the train’s front-end design, they eliminated tunnel booms, increased train speed by 10%, and reduced electricity use by 15%.

Air Filtration System inspired by Butterfly Wings

Air pollution, particularly indoors, poses significant health risks, with indoor air often being two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Inspired by the nanostructures on butterfly wings, Metalmark developed 3D nanostructured materials with a high surface area. These materials enhance air filtration systems by breaking down pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particulates without releasing secondary contaminants, offering a cleaner and safer indoor environment.

Butterfly Nanostructure Inspires Metalmark Air Purification. Image source: Driving Vision News.

Lightweight Water Collection System inspired by Darkling Beetles

Access to clean water remains a critical challenge in many parts of the world, where tainted water causes diseases like diarrhea, malnutrition, and malaria. Namib Desert’s darkling beetle offers a solution. This beetle collects water from fog and dew using specialised bumps on its wing scales, directing the droplets to its mouth.

The Warka Water Tower in Ethiopia emulates this process. Its bamboo frame supports a mesh material that condenses atmospheric moisture into liquid water, which is collected in a reservoir. The structure is affordable, easy to construct, and provides a sustainable water source for communities.

Image source: Warka Water

Termite Mounds and the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe

In architecture and urban design, biomimicry leads to more sustainable, efficient, and harmonious structures.

In Harare’s warm climate, the Eastgate Centre avoids traditional air-conditioning by incorporating passive climate control inspired by termite mounds. The building’s high thermal capacity materials store and release heat as needed, while fans and strategically placed openings promote airflow. This design reduced upfront costs by 10% and continues to save energy, making rents more affordable.

Although termite mounds’ role in internal airflow has been re-evaluated, the Eastgate Centre remains a stellar example of biomimetic architecture.

Image source: Archestudy & Wikipedia

Sustainable Urban Planning Through Biomimicry

Biomimicry isn’t limited to individual structures. It’s also reshaping cities.

• Eco-Friendly Urban Infrastructure: Urban wetlands, mimicking natural filtration systems, manage stormwater while creating habitats.
• Waste Management: Systems inspired by natural decomposition processes promote recycling and composting, reducing landfill waste.
• Water Conservation: Cities in arid regions adopt water-saving strategies from desert plants, designing systems that capture, store, and reuse water efficiently.

Challenges of Biomimicry

Despite its promise, biomimicry faces several hurdles:

• Technical Complexity: Translating natural processes into engineered systems demands advanced technology and expertise.
• Cost: Research and development can be expensive, though costs are expected to decline with technological progress and economies of scale.
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Implementing biomimicry requires collaboration across biology, engineering, and design – a rarity in many industries.

Biomimicry and Green Building Certifications

While biomimicry is rarely a standalone criterion in green certifications, it aligns with many frameworks, such as:

• LEED
  

  Innovation credits for nature-inspired designs.

• Living Building Challenge
  

  Emphasis on ecosystem-inspired holistic design.

• WELL
  

  Biophilia credits for health-focused, nature-inspired designs.

• SITES
  

  Direct links to ecosystem services and regeneration.

• Biomimicry 3.8 Certification
  

  Direct evaluation of biomimetic qualities.

Conclusion

In biomimicry, we ask, ‘What would nature do here?’ Not just to make something sustainable, but to make it regenerative.

– Janine Benyus

Biomimicry bridges the gap between human innovation and the natural world. By learning from nature, engineers, architects, and urban planners can create designs that are not only functional but also sustainable. As we face global environmental challenges, biomimicry offers a path to build a future that benefits both people and the planet. Continued research, education, and policy support will ensure that this approach flourishes in the years to come.