Denise Hargreaves

20214039

BA (Hons) Top-up Contemporary Design for

Interiors

University Centre at Blackburn College

Designing a Better Future

Contents

Page

Introduction 4-5

Chapter 1

The Threats Facing Humans And The Planet 6 - 12

Chapter 2

Possible Causes 13 -19

Chapter 3

Solutions 20 - 24

Chapter 4

Biomimicry Case Studies 25 - 32

Conclusion 33

Bibliography 34 - 36

Introduction

The purpose of this dissertation is not to establish whether climate change is real, as the

majority of the world wide scientists have already accepted that. Instead I would like to

discuss and establish where the problems may arise. The on-going and political debate about

this topic has found wide consensus about aspects of climate change.

The changes in the climate that have come about over the last few centuries have significant

implications for our lives; for the generations to come and for ecosystems which all humans

depend.

As a vigilant person in the ever changing world it is noticed that many professions are

currently struggling. The discoveries that have been made and then developed in past

centuries now seen out-dated in many parts of the industrialist world. Currently being

witnessed around the world is the short term political and economic benefits that have

overshadowed the long term environmental factors. This turbulence is accompanied with

wars, sweeping political movements and religious tumult that seems to be out of control.

What could possibly contributes to bringing these problems to crisis magnitudes? Could it be

the fact that we operate in a global economy which is dependent on the instant movement of

capital?

Changes are taking place like never before regard the speed of growth in the human

population, technology and in scientific discovery are overwhelming. Can humans solve the

issues today and if so how will they be tackled? The mentality of going about ones business

as usual while the more important issues are rarely discussed could actually raise the question

“are todays policies fit for a democracy?” (Szenasy, 2010).

The Threats Facing Humans and the Planet

Climate change is the most important issue of the 21st century. The global economy, and

civilisation itself, may collapse unless greenhouse gas emissions are controlled. Already

global warming touches every part of the planet and people everywhere are affected in their

lives. (Brown, P. 2006:Page13)

This seems to be a major topic of discussion (discussion being the operative word). What are

the issues that people and governments face if climate change is real? Many scientists from

around the world believe that time is short in regards to preventing irreversible climate

change. Brown states that there is as little as fifteen years to do something about this

problem.(Brown,2006,p13)

Climate change is affecting billions of people around the world. When observing the news

and reading about this topic, the developing countries have been dependant on agriculture to

make a living but sadly many go hungry due to the unpredictable weather patterns being the

cause of failing crops. Houghton (2004, p167) raised a serious issue when discussing the

disparity between developed and developing countries. He claims the less fortunate

developing countries face increasing problems and consequences of declining food

availability in addition to the increasing populations. This situation has raised the problem of

employment. With the changing climate and families unable to sustain themselves the

agricultural shifts see that many have had no choice but to migrate to places that there may be

a possibility of finding work in agriculture. Houghton expects to see an even higher number

of environmental refugees due to climate change. (ibid)

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”

Mahatma Gandhi

There has been a huge rise in the people that are affected by the floods around the world in

recent years. This is one of the effects of global warming but there are still many that

consider the debate to be over exaggerated. Chancellor Nigel Lawson commented on the

series of ‘Frozen Planet saying that Sir Richard Attenborough was an alarmist who was

without objectivity. Speaking to the Guardian, Attenborough opposed the statement when he

said “I am very, very cautious about making sensationalist claims about how disastrous

continuing climate change will be. The most extreme and sensationalist claim I make, is that

a rising sea level that keeps rising – and it looks as though it could well do – will flood some

of the greatest cities in the world, including London. It is an accurate statement and not an

exaggerated one.” (Rajesh M,2012,online)

The majority of these people affected by floods also live in the areas more prone to extreme

weather conditions due to our earths temperature rising.(climatechangechallenge,2012,online)

They experience the flooding, cyclones as well as the long periods of droughts that all

contributes to their vulnerability and ability to deal with life’s problems. Many of these

factors also lead to a deterioration of ones health. “Human health is dependent on a good

environment” states Houghton (p176).

It is thought that diseases such as diarrhoea kill around 11 million children a year along with

the millions who also die due to AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis

(practicalaction.org,2011,online). With the spread of these diseases people are becoming

more vulnerable than ever before. There has been progress made in the past with charities

such as Live Aid that that have raised millions upon millions of pounds to help with the

causes. Unfortunately these great efforts of many have been severely affected with the

increase of floods and droughts that have considerably impacted from climate change. This

sadly has exacerbated the outbreaks of Diarrhoea and Cholera, associated with dirty water

and warmer temperatures. Houghton makes the point “the greater likelihood of extremes of

climate, such as droughts and floods, will also bring greater risks to health from increased

malnutrition and from a prevalence of conditions more likely to lead to the spread of

diseases”.(Houghton.J, 2006,p.176)

There is also the issue of the increased human activity which is expected to continue to grow.

When considering early human activities with todays contrast, the initial impact on the

surrounding environment was very little. The primary search for a place of safety was the

main agenda for primitive humans. The activities of gathering plants for food, hunting

animals and using small amounts of local materials that were available to build a shelter for

protection were of main concern. Wood was used for the fuel to provide warmth and energy

for cooking. (Furness-smith,2004)p162

With the increased understanding from scientists of why changes in the climate are

happening many have invested great effort into the studies of human behaviour. The changes

in the activities of humans over the past centuries with the industrial revolution and in

emissions of greenhouse gases have caused earth’s temperature to rise. The 21st century is

now seeing a drastic contrast regards the scale of activities being carrying out. Furness-Smith

acknowledges that human activities are triggering what will lead to irreversible changes to

the earth and the demands that are associated with an increasing population and technological

way of life. (p.162)

To add to the growing list of threats facing the future is the deforestation of many of the

wooded areas on the planet. Humans have for thousands of years cut down trees in forests to

allow for their crops to grow and animals to graze. In Britain, if it was not for the

intervention of man the majority of the landscape would have been dominated by woodland.

Now however the remaining wooded area is only about 10 %. (Furness-Smith M,2004) It was

the latter half of the 19th

century that saw a huge increase in the expansion of agriculture

leading to a large-scale deforestation. Furness-Smith suggests that about one fifth of all

tropical rain forests was eradicated during the period from 1960-1990, then from 1990 an

area the size of England disappears each year from the tropical rain forests.(ibid)

The tropical forests are a valuable resource important for maintaining the climate of these

regions. It is estimated they contain a possible half of all the earth’s biological species, yet

Houghton suggests that only about half of the mature tropical forests that existed a few

hundred years ago still stand.(Houghton.J,2004) Al Gore in his book Earth in Balance

comments on how important these areas are in maintaining a balance in the environment, he

goes on to say that only a small area of tropical forest possesses an ecosystem that contains

thousands of plant and animal species. Each of these thrives on its own ecological niche in

close balance with others.(ibid)

In Pakistan there are grave concerns regards this matter also. The government there accept

that the loss of tree cover has led to serious problems with the degradational costs raising

each year. The Minister of Environment ‘Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi’ showed his deep

concerns and apprehension of a time when it may not be possible to manage such costs. Is it

only the costs that are of a concern to the minister of environment or the living conditions his

people have to contend with since such terrible floods in 2010? (Gronewold.N,2010,Online)

A water and environmental engineer with an extensive knowledge of his countries water

infrastructure says “I think after terrorism, the biggest threat we have is the environmental

decay”. He is highly concerned with the massive deforestation that has left Pakistan more

vulnerable. (ibid) This is only one of the countries that is suffering with the continuous down-

pores and infrastructures at the point of collapse. Today mankind are increasingly witnessing

the same reports around the world.

Another issue is that of endangered species. With current trends of overfishing, studies have

shown that it is putting marine life at threat of extinction to many species. A study of the

world’s oceans showed that fish, sharks, whales and other species face this danger unless

there are swift changes.

In contrast Chancellor Nigel Lawson commented on the series of ‘Frozen Planet’ saying that

Sir Richard Attenborough was an alarmist who was without objectivity. Speaking to the

Guardian, Attenborough opposed the statement “I am very, very cautious about making

sensationalist claims about how disastrous continuing climate change will be. The most

extreme and sensationalist claim I make, is that a rising sea level that keeps rising – and it

looks as though it could well do – will flood some of the greatest cities in the world,

including London. It is an accurate statement and not an exaggerated one”. [Rajesh M,

2012,online]

Some people believe that all the disasters that seem to be increasing are actually a

punishment from God and that he is unleashing his wrath with landslides, typhoons and other

disasters. “I think it is tembatsu (devine punishment), although I feel sorry for disaster

victims”, said a leading Japanese Politician after the country was hit by a 9.0-magnitude

earthquake and a tsunami in March 2011. (Watchtower, 2011) A catholic priest declared “

God wants to awaken our deadened and indifferent conscience” when 79 people died in a

stampede in Manilla, Phillipines. (ibid)

This belief that God will bring a disaster to punish them is not a new thought. In 1755 there

was an earthquake, a fire and a tsunami that hit Portugal. A well know philosopher Voltaire

queried “Was then more vice in fallen Lisbon found, than Paris, where voluptuous joys

abound?”(The Watchtower,2011,p.4)

The centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, in Belgium reported that there

were 373 disasters in the year 2010 alone and as a result of this at least 296,000 died. (The

watchtower, 2011,p.4) The BBC News reported a French village that had an influx of

apocalypse believers who say that the world will end on 21 December 2012.(The

watchtower,2011,p.10)

If people are to call the disasters an act of God what did the bible say about such matters?

There are prophecies in the bible regarding “the conclusion of the system of things” in

Matthew 24:3, where Jesus’ followers asked when God’s time to end suffering was near.

Bible students compare the prophecies in Matthew 24:7 with conditions and attitudes

prevalent today as that talk about global war, famine, disease and ruining the earth. At

Revelation 21:4 “(God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more,

neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed

away.” – (The Bible, Revelation 21:4) A prophecy still to be fulfilled.

Possible Causes

Changes like never before in the speed of the growth in the human population, technology

and in scientific discovery are overwhelming. According to many scientists the global

temperature may be approaching a tipping-point, that delicate threshold where a slight rise in

temperature may cause a dramatic change in the environment. Some of the factors that

scientists believe lead to these changes are the increased human activity beginning with the

industrial revolution and the subsequent increase in the use of fossil fuels such as coal and

oil. The burning of billions of tons along with the destroying of forests through slash and

burn techniques has been a major cause argued Bunyard [1999,p.14].

If scientists are correct in there view of the climate warming then the planet has only just

began to experience the effects. To address some of these problems world leaders came

together to discuss the actions that need to be taken.

“The world must come together to confront climate change. There is little scientific

dispute that if we do nothing, we will face more drought, famine and mass

displacement that will fuel more conflict for decades”.(Awake,2011,p.12)

U.S. President Barack Obama

Despite such a huge amount of scientific evidence that the climate is changing there are a

small number of sceptics who say it is simply not happening or if it is then humans are not

the causes of such changes. The book published by Bjorn Lomborg (Cambridge University

Press,2001) ‘The Skeptical Environmentalist’ angered many and caused international

controversy tells the Scientific American Magazine. The Danish political scientist argued in

his book that the claims made by environmentalists are simply exaggerated about all the

pressing issues raised today with global warming are without support from an analysis of the

environmental data.

The mainstream scientists were angered by Lomborgs remarks and swiftly responded saying

his analysis was full of errors with his data only including an insufficient amount of literature

that had a biased view and limited understanding of science.

Most are aware that fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas supply most of the energy

that is needed in modern society yet it is the demand from people who need fuel to power

their cars and energy for electricity in homes and industries that is a major factor that is

contributing to climate change. Also the demands for furniture and household appliances,

computers and televisions, clothes and carpets (to name but a few) are using energy in the

production of these goods and then transported all around the world to keep up with the

demands of wanting the latest gadgets and comforts. This equates to more carbon emissions

being released into earth’s atmosphere. Are humans going to give up their modern way of life

and the throw away culture that is currently being witnessed to help prevent further global

warming?

Agriculture has also been recognised as being a major contributor to climate change, through

the production and release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous

oxide. Our forests play an important part in our eco-system that has taken billions of years to

evolve. Trees help absorb almost 20% of man made emissions according to

[climatechangechallenge.org]. By cutting down more trees this will allow for more co2 build

up in the atmosphere and a detrimental effect on the emissions if the rain forests are being cut

down faster than they can be replaced. Furthermore often these forests have been cut down

to make way for agriculture and industry or housing developments which in turn will produce

even more CO2.(ibid)

Despite the importance of the issues surrounding the global environment, politicians have

many other issues also to contend with. Developed countries are interested in maintaining

their living standards which means being in employment and growing the economy. Yet the

developing countries are struggling to contend with the large increases in population and their

basic survival with low employment and low wages they still are looking for the rapid

industrial development. Houghton states that a balance needs to be struck between the

provision of necessary resources for development and the long-term need to preserve the

environment [2004,p.225].

The general view of politicians in Nuuk ‘Greenland’ consider the Global Warming issues will

lesson the hardships of local people by opening up economic opportunities. Despite the

popularity of Greenpeace lobbying for good causes they seem to be rather the opposite in this

part of the world with the islanders more focused on the prospect of an Arctic oil rush after

the discovery of traces of gas by the British Exploration company ‘Cairn Energy’.

Currently Greenland is financially dependent on Denmark but if the traces prove to be

accurate as to the amount of reserves below the arctic seabed then in time it could produce

considerable wealth to the people there. It is believed that this region could be worth up to

$7tn. For a country who have struggled with daily life in the freezing temperatures in winter

that can drop to as low as -70c it gives the residents good reason to celebrate. The

government have all the big oil companies queueing up in the hope of being granted an

exploration licence. (Guardian, 2010,online)

Environmentalists regard this discovery of the gas and oil reserves as a potential disaster

waiting to happen like the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. If plans go ahead to drill while the

glaciers and icebergs around continue to melt as a direct result of global warming this will

only be exacerbated should the Arctic be allowed to give up its reserves. A local singer when

asked about the implications of any major find in Greenland was lacking excitement. "I guess

what I would like to see is the government tread very carefully. I am worried they are rushing

ahead too quickly [with oil licensing]," she says."Most people here – possibly 80% – think

this drilling can only be good for Greenland, but we have already seen the traditional ways

of doing things being eroded, and people herded into [modern town-housing] blocks." Nive

Nielsen

[Guardian, Terry Macalister,13 September 2010,online]

While a 44-year-old shop assistant is more positive about the prospect. "We have always

believed there was oil and gas off this island; we've been waiting for something like this to

happen for decades. I hope it will provide income for Greenland, so we can finance our way

to becoming a more independent nation." Kenni Rende [ibid]

Governments around the world are torn as to which way they turn with so many important

issues to consider. The British Government saw that the Conservative Party at the time of

campaigning before being elected that they had promised to cancel a third runway at

Heathrow and dismiss any plans to expand Gatwick and Stansted, David Cameron’s slogan

was “vote blue to go green”. This was to help with the global issues surrounding climate

change. The election promise was welcomed with delight however the agenda may have

cooled off for the time being with the government now changing its current course with

economic growth taking priority over environmental issues. [Guardian,2011,online]

While fossil fuels cause global warming the governments continue to give a great deal of

support to such power sources. Meanwhile the environmentally beneficial renewable sources

attract political scrutiny and the 500% greater subsides given to oil, gas and coal rarely seem

get a mention.[ibid]

December 2011 saw the climate summit in Durban, South Africa. A key issue business

survey found that the bottom of European company concerns was global warming compared

with it taking second place only the year previous. This may well have been effected by the

imminent concerns caused by the European debt crisis in Europe; the earthquake and nuclear

crisis in Japan, the Arab uprisings, competition to secure affordable natural resources and

concerns about rising poverty and inequality of key issues on the agenda.

Despite the climate being the least concern among businesses it was still considered a

successful breakthrough with a deal being made by the EU’s climate change negotiator

Connie Hedegaard. China, the U.S and India agreed to reduce their emissions for the first

time. (Independent,2011,online). Some may raise the point that without any specific targets

for cuts in emissions this agreement will have little impact on how businesses behave.

Craig Rosebraugh’s new documentary ‘Greedy Lying Bastards’ highlights the influence

(some comment deceit and corruption) of the fossil fuel industry. In a sneak peak – Pieter

Tans, senior scientist (NOAA) comments how a lot of skeptics are not behaving as skeptics

but as lawyers. He states that as a scientist you find out how the world really works and its

not whether you or someone else wants to win an argument (although it may appear that way)

but the goal is always to get the truth. He continues to say that it is scientifically considered

unethical if you present a case in which one aspect is greatly highlighted and you deliberately

remove or don’t talk about all the evidence that seems to contradict your case. He adds as a

scientist you are not really allowed to do this and it is not good for your reputation. Finally he

ends saying this is the reason the skeptics do not behave like scientists but lawyers by

pretending to engage in a scientific argument. (Leo Hickman,2012,online)

In the past new technologies were developed to solve problems as they arose. Humans have

been very effective at doing this however in the case of global warming and the concerns

about the future, the damage has already been done. Human activities have caused

environmental problems and are still doing so. (Houghton,2004) Are the issues going to be

managable for people to deal with today and in the furture ?

Solutions

With all the uncertainties of the true impact of Global Warming impacts a key idea is that of

Sustainable Developments. There have been some significant movements over the years that

have shifted political agenda. Many politicians have expressed their concerns and

responsibility for the environment.

‘We have a full repairing lease on the earth. With the work of the IPCC, we can now say we

have the surveyors report, and it shows there are faults and that the repair work needs to

start without delay. The problem does not lie in the future, they are here and now; and it is

our children and grandchildren, who are already growing up, who will be affected.’

Margaret Thatcher (Houghton,J,2003,p.225)

There were past design efforts that were ahead of their time. The inventor of the first diesel

engine Dr Rudolf Diesel was trying to promote the same as today, one hundred years on. He

invented the first diesel engine which ran on a variety of different fuels. This was the same

principle as the bio-fuels when he demonstrated how a vehicle could run on peanut oil yet

less harmful than fossil fuels and non-toxic and totally bio-degradable. (Doxford Engine

Friends Association, 2012,online) Strangly he disappeared in 1913.

The green technologies that are now available are becoming a favoured purchase by some.

Figures published showed that in April 2011 there was a surge in solar panel installations on

UK household roofs as largely homeowners took advantage of government subsides, the

Guardian reported. The attraction of making nearly £1000 a year led to a solar gold rush with

the introduction of feed in tariffs that repay for generating green energy.

Published in a leading science journal was the new microbe research which is said to be a

technological breakthrough. Scientists have genetically engineered a low carbon fuel from

algae. This ancient way of farming seaweed that has been around for a thousand years would

be a solution to one of the crisis’ faced in finding a replacement for fossil fuels. It grows at a

much faster rate to normal plants – ten times faster and does not require any type of fertiliser.

There are still challenges in making the technology commercially viable but “the potential is

certainly there , not least because most of the earth is covered in water” Graziano said “If

they can get the scale up and the costs down, it has huge potential.” (Carrington.D,2012,

online)

It is important to recognise also that the balance and close relationship between humans and

the world is vital. Rachel Carson in her book Silent Spring comments on the important part

humans play in the global eco-system. (Houghton.J,2004) Carson states that it would be fair

to say that each generation should leave the earth in a better state than they found it in or at

least as good a state. (ibid)

At the United Nations conference on the environment and development held at Rio de Janeiro

in Brazil in June 1992 the link between humans and the harmonious relationship to nature

was high on the topic for discussions, with it being said that ‘human beings are at the centre

of concerns for sustainable development and all being entitled to a healthy and productive

life in harmony with nature’. (Houghton.J,2004,p.198) So in the past new technologies were

developed to solve problems and there now is tremendous potential to develop with science

and new technologies in looking after the earth. The future challenges such as pollution,

dwindling natural resource and climate change should be faced head on. With education and

further research both industry and governments can play the central role in building a better

future. The prospects for such green technologies that will mean for a healthier planet and a

healthier way of life can also grow the businesses of the future. They just need to be

implemented in a careful, responsible and balanced way for future generations.

Until recently there has been little attention given to biofuels, however with pressure from

governments around the world due to the environmental impact that fossil fuels have on the

planet and the ever dwindling resources that humans have become dependent on we are

seeing car manufacturers beginning to invest in the research for mainstream vehicles.

Currently there are many varieties and not all are said to be environmentally viable so more

research is needed in finding the best alternatives for petrol and diesel or aircraft fuel.

Some green campaigners have had goals in the introduction of hydrogen cars with it

eventually allowing fuel to be generated from renewable energy. Lotus and Intelligent

Energy have been working to develop a car and have it ready for use for the Olympics 2012.

The car will look and drive just like a London black cab but it will actually have some cutting

edge technology under the bonnet. Like an electric car it will not produce any emissions but

will have the edge over the electric cars as it will only take a few minutes to fill the tank.

(Jha.A,2012,online)

Houghton suggests that a central component of a sustainable future is the fuel cell that has

high efficiency (fifty to eighty per cent) in converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity

and is pollution free. (Houghton.J,2004,p.314) The only output other than the electricity that

it produces is water. With the ability to be made in a large range of sizes these cells can be

used for many purposes. They can be used to power transport vehicles, be a source of energy

for homes and commercial premises or in industry.

Nasa used liquid hydrogen since 1970 to propel the space shuttle and other rockets into orbit.

The fuel cells powered the shuttles electrical systems which produced a clean by product –

pure water, which the crew then would drink. Houghton adds “there seems to be little doubt

that they will come into widespread use within the next decade” (Houghton.J,2004,p.314). If

from an environmental point of view the importance of this technology was recognised as one

of the leading reasons for its rapid development, the hydrogen economy could take off.

Iceland is setting the example to other countries by having much of its electricity come from

hydroelectricity or geothermal sources. It aims to be free from the use of fossil fuels by 2030-

2040. (Houghton.J,2004)

Climate change minister Greg Barker made an announcement when he met members of a

new initiative on marine energy. A renewable energy from the waves or tides is generating a

huge amount of energy in the South of England equivalent to the power generated from eight

coal – fired power stations while reducing emissions and fighting the fight against global

warming. With its contribution to the energy market it also supports thousands of jobs in this

sector worth as much as £15bn to the economy to 2050. (wavehub,2012,online)

Another example of the technology that can be further advanced took seven years of planning

a project which saw a plane complete a 24 hour test flight before landing in Switzerland. It

was one step closer to the aim of using only the energy from the sun to fly around the world.

By recharging its batteries using the 12,000 solar cells from only the rays of the sun during

the day it was a success for the project co-founder Bertrand Piccard who said “You land in a

new era where people understand that with renewable energy you can do impossible things”.

(The Guardian, 2012,online).

The prospects for such green technologies are achievable and will mean for a healthier planet

and a healthier way of life while at the same time offering opportunities to grow the

businesses of the future. They only need to be put into action.

Biomimicry case studies

Biomimicry or biomimetics is a science that studies the natural processes and models in

nature. The innovators and educators that are behind the studies are re-imagining the way

humans live. One thing that they have learned is that organisms never stop innovating.

When their habitat conditions change they learn to adapt and evolve. The world of

biomimicry has undergone many changes over the last few years and is now seen sprouting in

every corner of the planet with continuing growth and success. They continue to ask the

question “how would nature scale biomimicry”?

Inspiration is taken from the detailed examination of the systems and processes nature use

and transferred in order to solve human problems. It is mother nature that has been inventing

for billions of years. The world is full of wondrous ideas and has an endless list of inspiring

inventions. If humans were to immolate these design principles it would help solve the many

challenges facing the uncertain future.

Biomimicry 3.8 refers to 3.8 billion years of brilliant solutions. The work of this institution is

to distribute natures wisdom throughout the world using their network and try to begin to

create a world powered and mentored by natures genius.

One of the most famous cases of biomimicry was the invention of Velcro band fasteners. The

swiss engineer George de Mestral took his inspiration from burrs that stuck tenaciously to his

dogs hair. When he examined the burr closer under a microscope he could see how the tiny

hooks on the end of the spines caught anything with a loop. This lead to the design of Velcro

with the two strips of a hooked material opposite each other, one with a loose-looped weave

and one with a small loop. A simple yet clever design.

In May 2008, a team of Olympic swimmers took inspiration from some of the best swimmers

in nature during their training with the close study of sharks and dolphins. A team of coaches

and researches wanted to make sure that their athletes would benefit from the examination of

marine swimming abilities. Russel Mark commented on the excelling at the dolphin kick can

make or break a swimmer's race. This is when a swimmer pushes off walls and swims

underwater without moving their arms, very similar to how a dolphin swims.

(Viegas.J,2008,online)

"Some of our athletes are now wearing what are called 'shark skin suits,” Russell Mark,

biomechanics coordinator for U.S.A. Swimming, told Discovery News. The sharkskin

swimsuit received much press attention with its design to replicate the overlapping scales of a

shark called derma denticles. The groves disrupt and allow the turbulent swirls of slower

water to pass over the suit faster. Funnily enough these suits are now banned in major

competitions because of the advantage they are believed to give the swimmer. In this case

nature did it too well for the athletes.

The shark skin is also very clever in the way it can discourages parasitic growth such as algae

and barnacles. The architecture and pattern on the skins denticles keep the bacteria from

being able to land and adhere. A company called ‘Sharklet Technologies’ now are putting it

onto surfaces in hospitals to keep the bacteria from landing. This is better than covering the

surfaces with anti-bacterials or harsh chemical products that many organisms are becoming

resistant to. (Mother Nature Network,2012,online) What a clever design in nature that many

have taken for granted now is working to help resist the growth of bacteria and save many

lives.

If we are to progress with the sustainable revolution there are big changes that need to come

about. As mentioned in Michael Pawlyns talk he comments about three important factors to

be considered for the future. One being the radical increases in resource efficiency that are

needed. Also a change from a linear to a closed loop system meaning we find a use for our

waste and finally changing from a fossil fuel economy to a solar economy. For all of these

suggestions the solutions are found in the cases of Biomimicry. Using natures genius in

Architecture and Design would bring amazing transformations in the way people live and

how the planet can benefit us.(Tedtalks,2012,online)

With the 3.8 billion years of research and development in nature it makes sense to use this

wisdom to benefit humans and the environment. In his talk about Biomimicry, Michael

comments on some of the projects that have been explored. With the issue of tackling the

radical increases in resource efficiency the example of the eden project was discussed. Here

the design brief was to create a very large green house, it may sound quite ordinary but the

challenge arose from the ever changing and quarried site and irregular land. The clues to

finding the solutions where in examples of biology. It was soap bubbles that helped

architects create a building form regardless of the final ground levels and by studying pollen

grains and radiolaria carbon molecules it helped devise the most efficient structural solution

using hexagons and pentagons.

When deciding on the correct material to be used it was necessary for the architects to find an

alternative to glass because of its limitations in terms of the size of each unit. There are many

examples in nature based on pressurised membranes so a team of people began to explore a

material called E.T.F.E which is high in strength poluma. This is put together in three layers,

welded around the edges then inflated. The material can be made about seven times the size

of glass and only about 1% the weight of double glazing. This breakthrough lead to an

ongoing positive cycle that facilitated another, then another.(Tedtalks,2012,online)

The large pieces of lightweight E.T.F.E meant there was less steel needed in the frame which

meant more sunlight was entering the building which then meant not as much heating in

winter. Big savings were made in the foundations with there being less overall weight in the

superstructure of the building. Michael suggests that the overall weight of the structure is

less than the air inside. (ibid)

Humans usually have a way of using the resources available which is to extract them, turn

them into short term product then dispose of them. The Eden project shows how to take ideas

from nature and use these examples to resource efficiency but with a fraction of the resource

input. The way nature works is very different to humans, it has natural eco systems so the

waste from one organism becomes the nutrient for something else in that system. There is a

world of beauty and efficiency to explore with nature as a design tool. There are some clever

projects that have tried to imitate this process.

Another example of Biomimicry is the cardboard to caviar project by Graham Wiles . It was

introduced into an area containing lots of shops and restaurants producing food, cardboard

and plastic waste that was ending up in land fill. Here the new system had a use for all the

cardboard waste. The organisers were paid to collect the cardboard waste from restaurants, it

was shredded and then sold to equestrian centres as horse bedding. When that was soiled

they were paid again to collect it. It was then put into composting systems which produced a

lot of worms which they were then fed to syberian-cergin (a fish) which produced caviar

which was then sold back to the restaurants. (The able project,2012,online)

This system transformed a linear process into a closed loop model and it created more value

in the process. Graham Wiles has continued to add more elements to this turning the waste

streams into schemes that create value. Just as natural systems tend to increase in diversity

the same applies to the number of possibilities on this project. This example shows that the

big problem of waste could be transformed into an opportunity.

The Modius Project is aiming to put together a number of activities so that the waste from

one can become a nutrient for another. Michael Pawlyn mentions a restaurant inside a

productive greenhouse in Amsterdam that would have an anaerobic digester. This would

allow the bio-degradable waste from the local area to be turned into heat for the greenhouse

and electricity to feed back into the grid. A water treatment system would treat the waste

water and turn it into fresh water generating energy from the solids using plants and micro-

organisms. Michael also suggests that a fish farm would be fed with worms from the compost

and supply fish back to the restaurant. The waste grains from the coffee shop could be used to

grow mushrooms. These examples that are suggested bring cycles together for the process of

food, energy and waste.(Ted.com,2012,online)

The final project to be discussed is the Sahara Forest project which is developed at the

moment. This is a model for how humans could create zero carbon food, an abundance of

renewable energy in some of the most water stressed parts of the planet as well as reversing

desertification in certain areas. The seawater greenhouse is designed for arid coastal regions.

It has a whole wall of evaporator grills that are trickled with sea water. The wind blows

through and it picks up a lot of moisture which is cooled in the process. Inside the greenhouse

is cool and humid so cleverly the plants need less water to grow.

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biomimicry/sharkskin-swimsuit

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Namibian fog-basking beetle

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FILM

Leo Hickman(2012),TheGuardian,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/jan/20/greedy-lying-bastards-oil-

filmmaker [23rd January, 2012]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP7SMCtGt_g&feature=youtu.be [26th

January,

2012]produced and edited by James West