Wk+4

=**Lesson 4 In Class Assignment 1 **=


 * 1. Janine Benyus’ biomimetic principles: **

__‘Sticking naturally’__ – By mimicking the chemical make-up of the secretions of mussels use to attach to surfaces in water, researchers from the Columbia Forest Products developed a non-toxic, ultra strong glue that can be used for cabinetry, furniture and flooring surfaces. Contrary to popular belief - that indoor air is clean, the interior of buildings contains toxic chemicals contained in furniture, and building materials. The implementation of nontoxic glue for the assembly of a building and the materials within can greatly increase indoor air quality.
 * Design #1 **

__‘Echolocation’__ – the bat’s amazing ability to navigate in the dark using echo-location has always been a natural wonder in preventing collisions. By utilizing a similar sonar-like technology for the visually impaired, ‘Sound Foresight’, developed a cane that sends out sound waves ahead of the person using it. Thus, allowing for an early warning of obstacles within the range of the sonar and provide a tactile warning through the cane’s handle. Echo location can have profound impacts on the quality of lives for the visually impaired and allow for freedom of mobility.
 * Design #2 **

__‘Keeping the bugs out’__ – While history proves that antibiotics have deceased mortality rates since the discovery of penicillin, this has also led to the development of highly resistant strains of bacteria that antibiotics can no longer fend off due to the bacteria’s ability to regenerate as resistant strains over time. ‘Biosignal’, focused their research on a type of seaweed which inhibits bacterial growth. The ‘film’ prevents bacteria from colonizing by interfering with the signals used by microbes to communicate thereby preventing infection without assisting to create super strains of bacteria. This discovery can have far reaching implications for the prevention of the development of super bugs that we may no longer have a cure for.
 * Design #3 **

The practice of developing healthier, and more sustainable technologies inspired by nature makes economic, environmental, social sense. Nature has been tried and tested with the passing of time. Darwin’s “survival of the fittest”, states that organisms evolve and reproduce through selection of traits conducive to the survival of species. Hence, when we emulate characteristics and properties of the natural world we benefit from the perfection attained from nature’s long evolutionary past. We don’t have to spend money on new discoveries, but rather, find solutions within nature. Since Bio mimicry works in accordance with nature, we are less likely to breach the laws of nature; pollution, depletion of water, greenhouse gas, and the over consumption of fossil fuels and nonrenewable resources can be eliminated. Furthermore, we become good stewards of the planet. It is our responsibility to avoid the burden our children will encounter – we should strive to abide by the laws of nature. By looking at nature as a model we ensure sustainable designs arise from our identification, interpretation of nature. Biomimicry can inspire the development of technologies that can increase the quality of life on our planet while at the same time maintain good stewardship that will greatly offset the costs of correcting our mistakes.
 * 2. ****Bio mimicry as a business model: **

The term ‘Champions’ is derived from the concept that scientists, biologists, engineers, and architects can collaboratively find champions of the natural world that can help solve our problems. Hence, we should learn from other organisms and apply what we discover. Organisms can help solve problems we’ve yet to discover.
 * 4. ‘Champions’ according to bio mimicry and Janine Benyus: **

Permaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that is modeled on the relationships found in nature. It is based on the ecology of how things interrelate rather than on the strictly biological concerns that form the foundation of modern agriculture. In other words, permaculture is a design system based on //ethics// and design principles which can be used to establish, design, manage and improve all efforts made by individuals, households and communities towards a sustainable future.Permaculture aims to create stable, productive systems that provide for human needs; it's a system of design where each element supports and feeds other elements, ultimately aiming at systems that are virtually self-sustaining and into which humans fit as an integral part.Issues of population growth, climate change and dwindling resources must be overcome by the way we see the world. we have to develop a basic fundamental connection with all life in our planet to maintain balance. What we do to the earth will have far reaching consequences.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12px;">5. ‘Permaculture’: **