Sources + Further Reading
Patterns in Nature brings together examples of biomimicry, nature-inspired design, observation and knowledge developed across generations. These sources provide further reading for the stories included in the booklet.Biomimicry
The Biomimicry Institute — What Is Biomimicry?
An introduction to biomimicry as a design practice that learns from the forms, processes and systems of the living world.
The Biomimicry Institute — Biomimicry Design Process
The Institute's design process includes reframing human challenges as questions such as “How does nature…?” and looking for biological strategies that perform similar functions.
Biomimicry Toolbox — Learning and Applying Nature’s Lessons
Core concepts and methods for learning about and using biomimicry in design strategic thinking.
Burrs + hook-and-loop fasteners
Velcro Companies — VELCRO® Brand Fasteners
1941 — Swiss engineer George de Mestral developed the idea for a hook-and-loop fastening system after observing burdock burrs attached to his clothing and his dog's fur and examining their tiny hooks under a microscope.
AskNature / Biomimicry Institute — Versatile Fastener Inspired by Burrs
Versatile Fastener Inspired by Burrs Explores the biological strategy of hooked burrs and its relationship to the manufactured hook-and-loop fastener.
Kingfisher + Shinkansen
AskNature / Biomimicry Institute — High Speed Train Inspired by the Kingfisher
Describes how JR-West engineers looked to the streamlined form of the kingfisher's beak when redesigning the Shinkansen train's nose to reduce tunnel pressure and noise.
Lotus leaf + self-cleaning surfaces
AskNature / Biomimicry Institute — Surface Allows Self-Cleaning
Explains how the microscopic structure and water-repellent surface of sacred lotus leaves allow water droplets to roll away while carrying dirt with them.
AskNature — Paint Inspired by Lotus Leaves Creates Self-Cleaning Surfaces
An example of the lotus strategy being translated into microtextured, water-repellent coatings.
Termite mounds + Eastgate Centre
Mick Pearce — Eastgate Development, Harare, Zimbabwe
The architect's own project archive for Eastgate Centre, a 55,000 m² mixed-use development designed around passive environmental systems.
AskNature / Biomimicry Institute — Passively Cooled Building Inspired by Termite Mounds
Discusses the relationship between termite-mound research and Eastgate's passive, energy-efficient climate-control strategies.
Note: Scientific understanding of termite-mound ventilation continues to develop. The Eastgate story is best understood as an example of nature-inspired passive design, rather than as a literal reproduction of a termite mound's ventilation system.
Birds + the study of flight
NASA — History of Flight
NASA's educational history of aviation discusses Leonardo da Vinci's flying-machine studies and his attempts to understand flight through observation and mechanical design.
NASA — Introduction to the Aerodynamics of Flight
NASA's aerodynamics history notes Leonardo's study of wing motion and the relationship between a wing, the surrounding air and lift.
Traditional Inuit parkas + fur ruffs
This example represents Indigenous design knowledge developed through generations of living in Arctic environments, rather than a modern biomimicry invention.AskNature — Fur-Rimmed Parkas Create a Protective Boundary Layer
An overview of traditional Inuit-designed parkas, including the insulating qualities of caribou fur, garment ventilation and the function of fur ruffs around the face.
Cotel, A. J., Golingo, R., Oakes, J. E. & Riewe, R. R. (2004). “Effect of ancient Inuit fur parka ruffs on facial heat transfer.” Climate Research, 26, 77–84.
Experimental research examining how traditional Inuit fur-ruff geometries affect heat transfer around the face in wind. DOI: 10.3354/cr026077.
Oakes, J., Wilkins, H., Riewe, R., Kelker, D. & Forest, T. (1995). “Comparison of traditional and manufactured cold weather ensembles.” Climate Research, 5, 83–90.
Research comparing traditional caribou-skin clothing with manufactured cold-weather clothing using experimental and ethnographic methods.
Indigenous Climate Hub — Inuit Communities at the Forefront of Climate Change