SHAASTRA-2023

THE WAY TO SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THROUGH THE

TREASURES OF BIOMIMICRY

Purpose :

The Purpose of this event is to understand that nature has already solved so many
problems, surprisingly in a sustainable way, which would pave the way for a great
discovery. Inventions and Discoveries happen every once in a while, but actually what
matters is, will that fulfill the sustainability which is more important.
Biomimicry teaches us that every tree, every plant, every animal, every organism is an
engineer. Each of them has an innovation that we can learn from. The bullet train was
inspired by the kingfisher. The Eastgate Centre building (in Zimbabwe) was inspired by
the termite mound. Wind turbines took inspiration from the humpback whale.
Learn to solve global challenges and the most pressing problems that we are facing today
- with biomimicry. Join a growing tribe of 'out-of-the-box' thinkers and dig up ideas from
nature in a more sustainable way.

Instructions:
1. Problem statements will be provided on unstop. Participants need to submit their
write-up briefing the idea description based on the topic given in the questionnaire.
You can download the problem statement by clicking on "Brief/case". Answers
should be in the form of bullet points rather than long paragraphs and all
problem statements are mandatory to answer.

2. The word limit for answer file is maximum of 2000 words

3. Submit your all answers in one PDF file named “YOUR NAME_S23”, for Ex:
“Aniket_S23”

4. Submit the answers PDF on Unstop-D2C

5. If you have queries or doubts regarding problem statements, feel free to drop an
email to biogen@shaastra.org

6. Make sure you enjoy the process along the way.

 In designing a model, there should be a strategy to follow, and here you are given one
called the 'BIOMIMICRY DESIGN SPIRAL'. (Click on the link to get more information about
biomimicry design spirals.) Let's walk through the spiral strategy step by step.

# DEFINE
First define the problem or opportunity that you want your design to address. First of all choose
one goal out of the 17 United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals . (Click here to know 17
United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ) Then find the problems prevailing in the society
related to the chosen goal. Don’t ask yourself “ What do you want to design? ” Instead ask
yourself “ What do you want your design to do? ”.
Q- 1: Write in brief which problem you want to address, define it and in considering the event
theme relate that with one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Know more about
SDG’s [here]

# BIOLOGIZE
Translate the defined problem into a biological context, which helps you to get advice from Nature.
Try to find biologically relevant functions based on defined problems. Ask yourself “How does
nature tackle that problem?”. Try to analyze the necessary functions your design model must
address.
Q - 2: Write down briefly about “what” you biologized in your problem which you define in the
above step.

# DISCOVER
As you know what features you want in your design model, look for the Nature models (organisms
and ecosystems) and ask yourself “Does that nature model suit your design model?”. Try to
discover the biological strategies of living organisms based on defined problems. You can find
different organisms [here]
Q - 3: Make a list of living organisms and their functions, context and biological strategy based
on the biological functions which you mentioned in the above step.

# ABSTRACT
Now study what features make nature’s strategy to work on that problem i.e., ask “What makes
nature's strategy to work on the problem?”. Try to convert biological strategies which you
mentioned in the above step into design strategies.
Q - 4: Abstract the design strategies from biological strategies and write them down briefly.

# EMULATE
This is the main step among all others where you have to look up for the elements/insights from
the abstracted design strategies. Then use them for developing the design model i.e., ask “How can
I apply these insights for developing my design model?”. Try to connect the design strategies. In
this step you should be done with your design model which was made with the help of Mother
Nature!
Q - 5: Write briefly about the design model after the Emulation process. Develop design
concepts.
 Here are some resources ( websites and video links) that can help during your work.

Biomimicry - Definition and Examples of Biomimetics | Biology Dictionary-This will give a basic idea about
Biomimicry and some insights you need to know.

Methods - Biomimicry Toolbox-This site will help you understand the 6 steps of the Biomimicry Spiral Design.

Applying the Biomimicry Design Spiral | Week 3 - Part 5 : Introduction to Biomimicry - YouTube Here is an
example video to understand the application of the Biomimicry Spiral Design,this will give you an insight about
how to proceed

Innovation Inspired by Nature — AskNature -This is the ‘Ask nature’ website which contains all the information
about various organisms and their properties which can be used to biognize the problem.Basically you can find
the organisms which you want to mimic to solve one of the 17 United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals
.

Work Examples - Biomimicry 3.8-This site will give you inspiration about biomimicry , here they will discuss
many examples.

Here are some examples that can inspire you:

Can Namib Desert Beetles Help Us Solve Our Drought Problems? | Think Like a Tree - YouTube

Can a tiny beetle help with global water shortages? - BBC World Service, 30 Animals podcast

10 Stunning examples of Biomimicry in Architecture - RTF (re-thinkingthefuture.com)

Biomimicry: 10 of the best examples of biomimetic design | BBC Science Focus Magazine

Biomimicry: 10 Creations Inspired by Nature - Aplanet - blog