While nature has been evolving, and thus improving itself over the past 3,8 billion years, mankind only started developing technologies about 10,000 years ago. Relatively recently, scientists, innovators and others have discovered that there is a lot to be learned from nature. In this case, learning is rather more like copying. What works in nature, and how can we apply that to improve our lives? That is basically what biomimicry is all about.

There are loads of examples that mankind has used in developing techniques that stem directly from the animal world. Scientists are presently trying to copy the extremely flexible octopus arm. This can be very useful in internal operations whereby the medical instruments have to reach certain organs without damaging other organs or nerves. For more information see: http://www.tudelft.nl/en/current/latest-news/article/detail/inktvistentakels-maken-toekomstige-operaties-flexibeler/

Without detectable forms of communication, ants have developed techniques to ‘air-condition’ their nests with a constant flow of air through the corridors. If we manage to copy that technique we might be able to build cities free of pollution due to clean air being sucked in and car fumes etc. ventilated out. See also: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/14993585. We don’t want to give away too many examples because many will be discussed during the Open Stadslab.

Don’t let biomimicry scare you off. Anything that has to do with art, nature and technology can be brought on the table during the Open Stadslab. Anyone who has the desire to fulfill an internship or work at BioArt Laboratories is welcome. The goal of the evening is mainly to get acquainted and be informed.

To conclude: nature is the inspiration for what we do at BioArt Laboratories. Nature provides us with the building blocks with which we can make further developments in the future.

We would appreciate your presence and input during our Open Stadslab. Please sign-up using the registration form and/or let us know if you have any questions. See you on the eleventh of May!