Wintersemester 2010/11,
BIO.logics KATALOG
Through the course of evolution nature has developed and constantly optimized its strategies and systems thus establishing its own logics for best design and performance of its organisms that are around for much longer than humans are. Therefore, not surprisingly, nature has been a constant source of inspiration and reference in the design of the human environment, serving as a model, metaphor or as a material for designers, architects, artists
and engineers.
The »model of nature« with its structures and organising principles, does not only inspire the widest range of concepts and design processes, but can also be expressed in a broad spectrum of forms, functions and textures. We can interpret nature's lessons on several levels to produce meaningful design. We can read it literally, thus focusing on its efficient use of materials and energy, its self-organising and self-sustaining principles, its diverse but symbiotic ecosystems or certain mechanisms for translation into new materials, products or systems. Nature can also be interpreted more metaphorically thus serving as a reference point for designs and systems that endorse values such
as lightness, balance, flexibility, participation, playfulness or a sense of wonder. Or we can study the physicality and aesthetics
of nature's materials, structures and forms, exploring their sensory qualities.
During the project »BIO.logics – Learning from Nature« students did not simply depict or imitate nature but used it as a starting point and reservoir of inspiration to explore the relationship between man and his environment. They studied the structures, principles and »technology« of biology as well as approaches to biomimetic design in order to learn from nature in their studio practice work. Within the context of textile and surface design, by investigating strategies and mechanisms observed in nature, they conceptualized and developed new materials, surfaces, systems, models, processes or objects as seen in this catalogue.