Design is mainly our conscious human action to modify our environment. It affects our context at different levels and scales, from “micro” to “macro”. In relation to design and industry, diverse approaches of bio-utilization (as in bio-technology) and bio-inspiration in arts, architecture and design, as well as fields of research such as “bionics, and “biomimetics” are discussed. A key reference to current bio-inspiration, “Biomimicry” proposes using nature as “model”, “measure” and “mentor”. Proposing a bio-affiliation, “Biophilic Design” explores the benefits of nature in the built environment. Furthermore, two of the most relevant examples of contemporary imitation of nature which are strongly linked to Industrial Design and operate at a systems level are “Industrial Ecology” and “Cradle to Cradle”. The influence of bio-technology and bio-inspired design thinking in design for sustainability is discussed through case studies. Within this framework and from the point of view of design, biotechnology can have negative environmental implications (such as bio-utilization, or simply exploiting organisms to produce materials or substances for human consumption). However, biotechnology can also have positive environmental implications too, when used adequately within DfS objectives (for example, biodegradable and compostable materials from natural renewable sources). Main conclusions of the paper are that biological approaches can have both negative as well as positive environmental and social impacts. However, imitation of 1) form, 2) function, 3) process and 4) systems from nature, as well as adequate use of biological design approaches can help designers to develop projects which are more sustainable.
8th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices
