Lab+8

 =**Using Nature as a Design Guide**=

Question 1 By mimicking different elements of nature engineers have designed technologies that are as fast and efficient as the inspirations they are mocking. Adopting elements from bird’s engineers developed the high-speed train. There are two main elements that were implemented, decreased noise and increase speed. In order to reduce noise the high-speed train incorporated the  small serrations similar to those on owl feathers. In order to increase speed the high-speed train mimicked the slender beak of the kingfisher bird. This design includes efficient function by being efficient while functioning.

In order implement a minimalist design while still maintaining function and strength, engineers of the bone furniture mimicked bone structure. This design is inspired by bone structure and how it evolves over time. Though the structure is hollow it is still sturdy and strong. Developers of this design aim to achieve the greatest brawn will the smallest amount of matter.

The self-cleaning pipeline was inspired by the human body’s ability to heal open cuts and wounds. By mimicking the function of platelets in the bloodstream engineers developed an application that incorporates specially designed platelets for industrial pipelines. This application, which is released into the flow of pipelines reaches any cracks or leaks within the pipeline and heals it by sealing it. Radioisotope materials that are an ingredient in the material indicates to engineers where along the pipelines these leaks have occurred allowing them to permanently reinforce the pipe.

In order to develop self-cleaning paint designers looked to the lotus leaf for inspiration. By studying the microscopic structure of the lotus leaf engineers developed a non-toxic paint that repels water and therefore also cleans dirt away if water is used on the paint. "The simple, elegant mechanics developed by nature often make sense in a human context, too." //– Janine Benyus//
 * __Question 2__ **

Nature is based on the notion of survival of the fittest. In nature everything is designed to live and prosper and therefore is never lacking in important survival elements. All forms in nature work and therefore they survive. The design incorporates the best elements and pulls them together in order for an organism to survive. Benyus’ quote illuminates these components of the way nature works.

Benyus is trying to present that in order to go green we should think green. Sustainable design is best inspired by nature because sustainability is the very essence of nature. Therefore by being inspired by nature designers can design technologies that are not only efficient and sustainable but also in sync with nature.

By using nature as their guide, Benyus advises engineers to study the way nature has evolved over billions of years to design non-polluting, energy efficient manufacturing technologies. She emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature by getting inspired by self-sustaining design that is illuminated in natures design. Overall, Benyus aims to display that by learning from Mother Nature humans can develop technologies that encompass all needs and wants by designing starting at the root of the desired function.