1. Lecturers:
Andrea Broom (Graphic Design), Bruce Snaddon (Graphic
Design), Real Futerman (Industrial Design), Elna Lubbe (Surface Design)
Title of Project:
Biomimicry: An introduction and field study
Project Discription:
The Biomimicry approach to design entails the imitation of nature's remarkable strategies
which have been developed through aeons of research and development. This means that
nature is employed in the service of design for the creation of conditions conducive to life for
all on the planet. Bios= Life, mimesis = imitation. Nature is thus looked to as model for
emulation, mentor for aspirational ideals and a measure for sustainable benchmarking.
In the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's faculty of Informatics and Design, five
lecturers in Industrial, Graphic and Surface design are currently running a five-week module
where 70 students across these three disciplines have firstly been introduced to the
Biomimicry methodology developed by the Biomimicry Institute.
After exercising their proficiency with this design tool, students have been tasked with looking
at the new Fringe district in Cape Town with a view to developing the city's capacity for
innovation and creativity in the project of revitalising it economically, socially and structurally.
The Fringe district has been earmarked as a place of potential for inclusive re-development
on many levels, and plans to model their efforts around the Science Park/innovation hub
concept successfully implemented in other cities around the world.
The educational value of the approach in terms of design thinking will be assessed by the
educators, involved through student reflection and response. A paper will be generated and
presented in September at CPUT's international design and research (DDR) conference in
September.