BCI — Reflecting on Biomimetic Design

12.12.2021, Backyard

Blue sky, some clouds, chilly, (36℉), 12:30pm

The objective of today’s observations was to think about how the way I observe nature has changed now that the Biomimetic Design course is completed.

BE

A lovely, sunny winter day. About 6” of snow fell a couple of days ago, so I spent a few minutes cleaning up the sidewalks after they plowed. This quick burst of work outside warmed me enough to be able to sit, breathe, observe, and enjoy my space once again.

The air was still, filled with songbirds enjoying their shelter in the elm and cedar trees. I heard a steady drip of melted snow fall from the roof and deck.

The air felt crisp on my face and cold as it entered my lungs, the wooden deck cold beneath me, and my hands and feet warm in my gloves and boots.

CONTEMPLATE

My thoughts wandered back to the birds and I wondered how they stay warm while it’s so cold, where they were during the blizzard, and how they’ll manage to find food to nourish themselves now that the seasons have changed. I wondered what their chatter was about, if they are truly as joyful as they sound, and whether their relationship to the trees is symbiotic.

I considered the snow and the fresh blanket we now have on the ground. I wondered how and where the rabbits have burrowed to keep warm and how this blanket of snow will protect the trees and plants beneath it from the wind and cold temperatures of the winter. It reminded me of when I was young and would build snow forts for hours, some under trees. Despite the cold air, these forts would be cozy and I would stay outside all day long until I was called in for dinner.

How does snow insulate? Does the whiteness of the snow reflect or absorb the heat? How have the plants, trees, and animals adapted to survive the extreme temperature shifts across seasons? We had so many days in the 90’s over the summer and now we have had highs in the single digits.

IMAGINE

As I continue to think about the transition of seasons and of daylight, I can’t help but think about how these methods of adaptation have evolved and could be incorporated into product design. I can say with certainty that I did not think in this same way at the beginning of this course. Through these 15 weeks, my process has become more refined, more explorative, and a bit more imaginative, thanks to these BCI sessions.

I now consider the functions that I observe and the strategies used to perform these functions. I think about entire systems rather than singular events, sounds, actions, etc. and I wonder how everything is connected; how does one event relate/aid/influence another? I ask many more questions. I wonder, ideate, and consider before I research. I love this ability to make more considerations on my own before resorting to the internet for answers. Being able to think through the process myself has allowed more opportunity to spark creativity and innovation.

I’m excited to incorporate this process to my design methodology, to connect more with nature, and to design with more intention with a full systems view.