Cite Des Sciences Villette


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Cite Des Sciences Villette

Cite Des Sciences Villette

Biomimetics is the developing science of taking inspiration from nature to find practical solutions to problems encountered in the human world. The name biomimicry comes from the Greek words bios (life) and mimesis (imitation). Scientists have sensibly realised that nature has a lot to teach us. By opening their eyes to the wonders around them they have found some innovative solutions where life imitates nature.

Here are some good examples of successful biomimetic applications.

The Eiffel Tower Mimics Human Anatomy

Hermann Von Meyer was an important anatomist, working in the 19th century to gather new insights into the structure and workings of the human skeleton. In the course of his studies he remarked how the head of the femur (thigh bone) had a unique structure, which allowed the weight of the body to be supported slightly off-centre by bones in the leg. An engineer called Karl Cullman added to this discovery when he concluded that the ordered lattice of ridges within the femur made it ideal for carrying an off-centre load.

When the World Trade Fair was held in Paris in In 1889, famous structural designer, Gustave Eiffel had the task of building a tower, which would be a focal point for the event. He used biomimetics to find inspiration for his innovative design, in which he copied the intricate structure of the femur in the tower's iconic arches. The fact that the Eiffel Tower still stands today illustrates the importance of biomimetics and the enduring power of nature.