Learning from Nature
Biomimicry is a relatively new field that involves emulating nature’s forms, processes, and systems to design and build products and services that support and nurture life. Janine Benyus is a pioneer in the biomimicry arena; she wrote the seminal book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. Biomimicry has been popular in the design of materials and products, and is gaining momentum in business and social innovation. In her TED talk, The Networked Beauty of Forests, Suzanne Simard explains that forest networks are organized in similar ways to our neural networks and social media networks. The pattern and design of nature is a treasure trove from which we can learn.
The process of biomimicry includes four phases: identifying context and function, discovering design principles from nature’s deep patterns, brainstorming and creating solutions, and using Life’s Principles as a measure of success. Alchemus Prime takes biomimicry a step beyond the design of systems, products, and processes and into the realm of shaping behavior, teamwork, and social innovation. Through our model, we explore ways of learning from plants, animals, and birds, that live in balance with nature. Alchemus Prime also focuses on drawing wisdom from indigenous knowledge to better understand how to nurture the delicate relationship between people and nature in ways that translate into innovative solutions for our clients.
To explore biomimicry further, see our Resources page.