Lab+6

Lab 6: Biomimicry
--- --- Japan's 500 Series Shinkansen bullet train is capable of speeds of up 200 miles per hour. Most amazingly is how quiet the train is while running on such speeds. This bullet train's design has been inspired by a number of different avian elements. Allowing reduced noise is the design of small serrations which echoes the natural design of owls feathers. Furthermore, the train's nose is modelled after the beak of a kingfisher allowing the reduction of sonic boom as the train exits a tunnel into the the open air, similar to how the kingfisher limits its own resistance when diving into water. Having lived in Japan for a number of years, I appreciate this design from past experiences of more efficient travelling.
 * Look over examples of her biomimetic principles applied to products in the slideshow and write a short, one paragraph synopsis for each of your three favourite product designs. Describe why you like the design in your responses.**

Portland's Columbia Forest Products have developed a strong glue that is also toxin free. Inspired by the secretion of mussels which the creatures use to stick to surfaces underwater. Columbia Forest Products develops a range wood products ranging from furniture to flooring, hence glue is necesary in many of their products. The concept of a toxin free glue attracted my interest as it seems most glues I use are indeed toxic. Furthermore I assume that a fair number of businesses dealing with wood products also utilize toxic glues. This example simply fascinated me because of how simple nature's inspiration was.

Artist Joris Laarman has designed a line of furniture which relies on the natural designs of bone structures. The inspired designs rely on the strong architectural matrix of support based on how bone structures develop over time. The resulting furniture is partially hollow yet remains strong much like bone structures do. This bone inspired design has moved on to inspire General Motors in developing car parts lighter yet just as strong as traditionally designed car parts. This kind of design is interesting as it opens the door to saving on raw materials while still managing to create strong and reliable structures that are just as effective as their conventionally designed counterparts.