3
Benyus believes/that we face environmental problems,/not because there are no solutions,/but because we have not been looking in the right direction. Actually,/we can solve many problems,/especially in the area of design,/by looking to nature for inspiration.
Engineers in Japan had a problem:/Shinkansen trains made a very loud sound/when going into tunnels. To solve this problem,/the engineers turned to the kingfisher,/a bird that dives into water/without a splash. They found the solution:/they designed the nose of the train/in the same shape as the kingfisher’s beak.
The Eastgate Center in Harare,/Zimbabwe,/is famous for its environmentally friendly air conditioning system. The architects who designed this building/were inspired by termite mounds. Termites keep their living space/at a comfortable temperature/by opening and closing small holes/in their mounds. The architects used a similar system/for the Eastgate Center/and saved electricity.
Lotus leaves/are one of the most water-repellent leaves/in the world. Because of their rough surface,/even a little wind/causes water and dirt/to roll cleanly off. Now,/a rough surface has been introduced/into a new generation of paint,/glass,/and cloth. It is especially useful/for raincoats and sportswear.
Benyus believes/that we face environmental problems,/not because there are no solutions,/but because we have not been looking in the right direction. Actually,/we can solve many problems,/especially in the area of design,/by looking to nature for inspiration.
Engineers in Japan had a problem:/Shinkansen trains made a very loud sound/when going into tunnels. To solve this problem,/the engineers turned to the kingfisher,/a bird that dives into water/without a splash. They found the solution:/they designed the nose of the train/in the same shape as the kingfisher’s beak.
The Eastgate Center in Harare,/Zimbabwe,/is famous for its environmentally friendly air conditioning system. The architects who designed this building/were inspired by termite mounds. Termites keep their living space/at a comfortable temperature/by opening and closing small holes/in their mounds. The architects used a similar system/for the Eastgate Center/and saved electricity.
Lotus leaves/are one of the most water-repellent leaves/in the world. Because of their rough surface,/even a little wind/causes water and dirt/to roll cleanly off. Now,/a rough surface has been introduced/into a new generation of paint,/glass,/and cloth. It is especially useful/for raincoats and sportswear.