PAGE 03
C O N T E N T S
DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE
04
BIOMIMICRY FRONTIERS
06
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
08
BIOMIMETIC FUTURES MAP
10
KEY OPPORTUNITY AREAS
19
COMMUNITY SYMBIOSIS
33
NET POSITIVE COMMUNITIES
39
DISASTER RELIEF
45
CURRENT INNOVATION CATALOGUE
PAGE 02
52
How can we envision the city as an extension of nature’s ecosystems?
PAGE 05
D E C L A R AT I O N
O F
I N T E R D E P E N D E N C E We live in a world of interconnectedness. From the air, water and soil, to the energy and consciousness we share, we are governed by the visible and invisible flows of nature. Our connection is activated by a desire to thrive on this planet by stabilizing its flows. Though our survival mechanisms differentiate us, our actions reverberate into the flows that unite us, as ripples travel across a pond. Thus, nothing we create is lost, but rather the intent and outcomes of our actions are transferred into the world that surrounds us. Overlooking this intrinsic connection leads to a world plagued by perceived scarcity. This scarcity perpetuates the need for control and dominance, rather than shared cooperative interest. A world forged on the principles of abundance is quite the opposite. It thrives on collective conscience and reclaims abundance as a universal right. When a collective abides by a reciprocal meritocracy, individuals are acknowledged for their inherent values, contributing to the advancement of their larger community. In this world, individuals are free to contribute to the perpetual cycle of disruption and flourishing that society goes through, embracing the fluidity in all things. Creativity becomes the currency of change. This world of abundance can be achieved through a conscious emulation of nature, allowing us to build from the bottom up, embrace a culture of creativity and achieve the innovation required to disrupt larger systems. They require a deeper connection with place, as keystones to sustainable solutions. A paradigm shift away from selfish desires to humility and collaboration will enable society to sharpen its understanding of present living. Creativity is the currency needed to heed enduring cycles of adaptation, ensuring continual, locally attuned growth within communities.
PAGE 04
PAGE 07
Biomimicry Frontiers links academia to industry projects to develop theory, methodology and applications in biomimicry.
B I O M I M I C R Y F R O N T I E R S
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PAGE 9
R E S E A R C H M E T H O D O L O G Y
Biomimicry is a time-tested philosophy of design that acts as a guide to creating flourishing urban ecosystems that are locally attuned, responsive and enduring.
Co-creating with nature as a stakeholder inspires thought-provoking solutions as to what design solutions should be possible. By challenging traditional assumptions, biomimicry empowers clients to be at the cutting edge of design and innovation.
Through an academic partnership with Biomimicry Frontiers and OCAD, Tridel could push the envelope of innovation in sustainable living design.
PAGE 8
BI O M I M E T I C FU T UR E S MAP Tracing the future of urban living requires a framework that not only traces the impact of certain technologies and but isolates their viability through time. This methodology allows us to expand on the combination of existing technology with Tridel’s high-performing areas of ecological advancement, in order customize a future-oriented biomimetic approach. The biomimetic futures map is made up of 3 levels of biomimetic depth and possibility. Closest to the inside are ideas that are contemporary and feasible today while on the outside are the most deeply biomimetic and future forward ideas.
PAGE 19
K E Y O P P O R T U N I T Y A R E A S This section details the key opportunity areas isolated in the final ring of our biomimetic futures map. These thought-provoking ideas offer a synthesis of biomimetic trends matched to Tridel’s current sustainability initiatives. The purpose of this section is to propose new ways of envisioning sustainable efforts, as nature might approach these challenges. In our following section, Biomimetic Forecast, we offer an in-depth look at 3 categories, inspired by the thematic undercurrents found in this section.
How would nature approach urban living challenges?
CR OW D SOURCED
S EMI -PE RME A B L E
R E S S OU R C E
C OM M U NIT Y
Ants leave a trail of pheromones to guide the
Cell walls in microorganisms are semi-
Nothing is lost in the animal kingdom, with
Nature is full of symbiotic relationships
rest of their colony to new food sources and to
permeable, allowing ions and organic
a trickle down effect from starting with the
between species. Egrets roost on water
warn against threat.
molecules to enter selectively, effectively
carnivores and ending with the decomposers.
buffalo’s backs to feed off the bugs that
WAY FINDING
S T RU C T U RES
DI S TR I B U TI ON
regulating the movement of substances in How could members of a condo community benefit
from
information?
intuitive,
and out of cells.
location-specific How could condo-dwellers regulate the
N E S TI N G
scatter while the buffalo graze, while How can this same pyramidal scheme be
providing the buffalo with security by warning
used to optimize resource efficiency within
them of a predator’s approach.
a building?
substances coming in and out of their
How could urban communities benefit
spaces?
from symbiotic relationships, sharing space resources and information?
M IG R ATION
END C YC LE
C OM M U N I TY
R OOTED
Across large tracts of land, many species
The death of a tree in the forest provides the
Remora fish use the slipstream created by
Trees in close proximity to one another not
migrate in search of food or mating grounds.
forest with resources, rather than acting as a
sharks to help them move large distance. They
only share the soil, but their root systems
This type of migratory behaviour also tends
burden to be disposed of.
also feed off of the shark’s kills or the parasites
connect to share resources and information
living on the shark’s skin.
with one another.
help us to improve the end of life for
How could large organizations provide
How could buildings and apartments act
buildings and infrastructures?
opportunities for small businesses, schools,
similarly by sharing information, heat,
or community organizations?
garbage disposal facilities and more?
CYCL ES
REC YC LE
to alleviate areas of with heavy population densities.
How could migratory cycles contribute to helping plan for disaster victims, or contribute to fostering nomadic urban lifestyles?
S TR UC TUR E
SYS TE M S
How could our understanding of lifecycles
H IBERNATION &
C O MMU NI C AT I O N
M U LTI P L AN E
UR B AN E NE RG Y
Bears turn calories into fat in order to stabilize
Mutualism allows several species, such
Life under a jungle canopy doesn't take place
In nature, the most energy dense areas
it and use it over a longer timeframe.
as ants, fungi and butterflies to benefit
on a single plane. There are species living
gather and release their energy on a
each other. Coordination between species
on every level taking advantage of what the
local level, creating highly efficient cycle
How could we collectively store our food
allows animals to stay attuned to the local
Panarchic microenvironments have to offer,
microecosystems.
and resources in an equally stable way
environment.
from the birds nesting in the canopy to the
FO O D STORAGE
W I T HO U T I S O L A-
to make their use less urgent and more adaptable?
LIVING
worms fertilizing the soil. How can mutualism be used to solve
FAR M I NG
How could urban ecosystems be more locally efficient in energy collection and
the common problem of isolation within
How can we full realize the potential
vertically built communities?
vertically growing cities?
use?
AUTONOMOUS
DISASTER
AR E A
C H AM EL E ON
Ivy is one of the most aggressive hunters
All species are at the mercy of natural forces
Caterpillars protect themselves in cocoon
Through the use of enzymes and refraction,
in the plant world. They will climb and move
greater
shield during periods of extreme vulnerability
chameleons are able to change colour at whim.
where they need to in order to get the sun
individualized
and change.
Octopuses are even capable of changing the
they require.
catastrophic events such as tsunamis and
S OL AR I VY
AV O I DA NC E than
M E TAM OR P H OS I S
themselves.
They
strategies
for
develop surviving
hurricanes. How can energy collection tools to use our
PAI N T
surface texture of their skin. How can we turn the act of gentrification into a metamorphosis that shields a
How could colour change based changing
existing structures hosts, in order to thrive
How can we shape our dense population
neighborhood’s charm and people from
requirements? Could structures become
without human intervention?
centers to embed survival strategies to
being lost?
a
large scale natural phenomena?
place for art, work, and temperature
control all at once?
PAGE 029
H B F U
O W C A N I O M I M I C R Y U T U R E - P R O O F R B A N E C O S Y S T E M S ?
PAGE 31
B I O M I M E T I C F O R E C A S T This section presents three opportunity areas that would best suit Tridel’s current sustainability initiatives. Leveraging biomimicry to develop these high-performing areas would allow for greater innovation potential and lasting results.
The solutions focus on locally attuned strategies, that work in tandem with the natural ecosystem
Community sybiosis Net-Positive Society Disaster Response
C O M M U N I T Y S Y M B I O S I S This section explores the symbiotic relationships as the necessary societal structure that can ensure mutual survival, through the sharing of flows, information and resources. Using the themes below, we emphasize the necessity for interconnected living.
Key Opportunity Areas: Remora Structure Community Nesting Resource Filtration Root system
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PAGE 34
B I O D A T A S H E E T: L A R G E H E R D M I G R A T I O N the herd kept fertile a much larger
play around the globe for as long as
area than if they had been stationary.
humans have walked and longer. They
Since the disappearance of these
provide safety for the members of
great roaming buffalo herds, large
the herd and ancillary benefits for the
swaths of the American plains have
areas in which they migrate through.
undergone desertification as well as the
This phenomenon takes place in all
disappearance of certain key predators
environments and and migration paths span thousands of miles, from Canadian geese flying half way around the world to North American buffalo roaming an area as large as a million square miles.
In the example of the Buffalo, they roamed the great plaines of America, grazing and fertilizing as they went in great herds tens of thousands large. This not only provided resources to the soil but also to local
I N S I G H T
How can we use the movement of our highest concentrations in order to provide and ebb and flow to demands and needs?
predators. The seasonal traveling of
E X A M P L E
L I F E
F O R M
Mass herd migration has been in
Selective long rotation forestry minimizes intense disruption on forest ecosystems by removing only a small amount of trees per acre over a much larger area.
PAGE 037
Community Symbiosis
F O R E S I G H T S C E N A R I O
A world that encourages symbiosis between all entities has a large advantage over others. Looking out over your city from your apartment, you see life thriving everywhere you look. The buildings that surround yours are not the typical static, unchanging structures, they are alive with action, commerce, and community.
All the structures around are continuously growing, adapting and changing as per the needs and demands of their occupants. Schools grow out of the side of apartment buildings to support a local influx of children triggering a movement of teachers to help. The adaptation is so inhibited that it takes place overnight and seemingly without cost.
The speed and efficacy of these changes is made possible by the shift in thinking made by the living environment. Instead of retreating to our buildings and neighborhoods there is a sense of city unity that has created the interconnected services structure which has made everything possible. The free sharing of water, transportation, and information has linked every inhabitant as never before. Never before have we felt more proud to be citizens of our cities.
N E T P O S I T I V E S O C I E T Y Net positive communities not only strive for zerowaste, their objective is to positively contribute to the surrounding environment. Using the themes below, we have expanded strategies in nature that have increased the potential of the species and surrounding ecosystem involved.
Key Opportunity Areas: Resource Distribution End Cycle Recycle Multiplane Living
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PAGE 40
The Caesaria Tree is only one example of many mutualistic relationships that can be found within ecosystems. The Caesarea tree is considered a “keystone” plant because it sustains several species through its seeds, while
I N S I G H T
How might we encourage mutualistic relationships in urban city centers?
also ensuring it’s own longevity by having its seeds be carried out to more fertile grounds where seedlings have a better chance of surviving. Without the Caesaria tree, several birds, including the toucan, risk extinction. The interdependence of these species allows for the acknowledgement of mutually beneficial relationships between different species.
E X A M P L E
L I F E
F O R M
B I O D A T A S H E E T: C A E S A R I A T R E E
Kalundborg EcoPark can best be described a highly complex and evolving symbiotic ecosystem, exchanging material, energy and water.
PAGE 043
Net Positive Community
F O R E S I G H T S C E N A R I O
Humanity has abandoned the notion of
everlasting life, focusing instead on perpetual growth and evolution of their community. With this paradigm shift comes the elimination of “waste,� an outdated notion that has expired in light of distribution algorithms, which assign every by-product to its next succession. All used materials, food, and energy is seamlessly passed to the next person or organization that can make use of it. This process begins with a mindful understanding of cyclical production models, as well as stakeholder needs. Symbiotic relationships are then formed, in which mutual benefits elevate the parties involved. Even structures are designed to be broken down and reappropriated when they no longer serve their purpose. This new way of thinking has helped find the extraordinary value process and product. For years we have been held back by the static nature of our structures, which are often more costly to destroy than they are to abandon. This cyclical design principle allows for increased dynamism in our urban city centres.
D I S A S T E R R E S P O N S E In Canada, disaster relief is predicted to cost $900M a year, over next 5 years. This higher than average prevision is testament to the influence of climate change on our built environment. The following section offers new approaches to structuring society around more responsive
Key Opportunity Areas: Disaster Avoidance Migration Cycle
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PAGE 46
winds by bending up to 90 degrees insteadof breaking. This is made possible by the segmentation of their trunks.
How can our structures have built-in strategies to respond to extreme weather conditions rather than withstand them?
E X A M P L E
Palm trees survive in Hurricane
I N S I G H T
L I F E
F O R M
B I O D A T A S H E E T: P A L M T R E E
Segmented Ultralight Morphing Rotor (SUMR) Wind turbine bends to survive hurricanes. This lowers the cost of blades, which can be produced using less material.
PAGE 049
Disaster Response
F O R E S I G H T S C E N A R I O
In today's world what we call natural disasters are common place. Instead of fighting against them as we did in the past, we have accepted their inevitability and have learned to live with them and use them to our advantage. Our structures are designed to absorb the strength of the storm by bending as opposed to breaking. Windows are now made of flexible polymers allowing them to aboard hurricane force winds without breaking. All jambs contain sponge like materials that expand at the presence of water in order to stop flooding from entering our homes. Along with restructuring our cities to absorb the strength of nature we have become seasonal migrators. Whereas before, we would migrate to warmer temperatures in the winter for pleasure we now migrate for both pleasure and need. The new system of easy migration has made displacement effortless removing stresses from the infrastructure and environment at key moments throughout the year.
PAGE 051
W H AT I S I M M E D I AT E LY A C T I O N A B L E ?
I N N O VAT I O N C ATA L O G U E This section presents a selected collection of references, both biomimetic and sustainability-driven technologies that are currently in production and could be ready for direct implementation.
WAS TE :
WA S T E :
ENERGY:
E N E R GY :
Nexloop
FARM: Shop
Encycle Swarm Logic
Solar Ivy
Used rainwater to create the opportunity for
An experimental urban farm that uses
controllers optimize electricity usage Inspired
Created by SMIT, these photovoltaic 'leaves'
closed-loop small-scale food production.
aquaponics to grow crops in symbiosis with
by the hive mind, Encycle creates a network
are designed to generate wind and solar
http://challenge.biomimicry.org/en/custom/gallery/view/8131
fish to reduce agricultural waste.
of devices which track energy uses and
power.
http://farmlondon.weebly.com/farmshop1.html
optimize total power usage through the
http://www.asknature.org/
reduction of peak demand usage.
product/256b9f497821497773d9f0c442ab367a
WATER
FOOD
Ecomachine
OR G AN I Z ATI ON
John Todd Ecological Design
Noocity Growbeds
http://www.asknature.org/product/
Have devised a locally attuned wastewater
Promotes urban agriculture by providing
b2bf9d9da17beacbbe34a7359f376bc6
management inspired by ecosystems, which
affordable and accessible equipment.
purifies wastewater without the use of harsh
http://noocity.com/en/produtos/growbed
chemicals.
C OL L E CT ION
Prosolve370e Is a facade coated with titanium dioxide, that
Intelligent AI
absorbs toxins generated by traffic once
Inspired by the brain, creating intelligent AI
activated by daylight. http://www.prosolve370e.com/
http://www.asknature.org/product/
Sky Greens
would consist of transitioning current linear
d0a39e225aea22ee036e9602369c6ee0
Is a hydraulic, low carbon vertical farming
computer processing to parallel forms of
concept motivated to find realistic solutions
processing.
Al Bahar towers
Vortex Generator
for urban farming.
http://www.asknature.org/product/
Feature computer controlled sun shades
Pulls inspiration from the trout to create
http://www.skygreens.com/about-skygreens
f17a8c01ec9d55d8f4a9bff9d5de190d
which allow for responsive temperature and light control.
a low-cost and efficient in house water treatment.
Vermicondo
http://www.asknature.org/
Is a worm composter designed by Levitt
product/758086ea100a43deb15975f807bddd06
Goodman Architects, as a meaningfully designed alternative to current
WAS TE :
PACK AGI NG
vermicomposting product offerings on the market. http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/vermicondoworm-composter-by-levitt-goodman.html
Wiki Foods Inspired by the skin of a grape, Wikifoods provides an alternative to food waste by creating edible outer shells. http://quantumdesigns.com/wikifoods/
Save food from the fridge A project by Jihyum Ryou examines cases of food symbiosis in order to reimagine our relationship with food preservation. http://designtaxi.com/news/351703/Korean-Designer-Reimagines-FoodStorage-Preservation-Without-A-Fridge/
AI R :
Q UAL I TY Fe2 Owlet Axial Fan: Quieter HVAC system based on owl’s wings composition. http://www.asknature.org/product/ f6fa7aad8c550b605c8e864f613e4f87
Natural ventilation / Double-glass building skins: Allow for passive air circulation throughout the building.
http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/property/ towering-triumph-for-unusual-pair-of-buildings-in-abu-dhabi
IN - HOME
S E RV I C E S :
Aquaporin Membrane Water filtration
Shark paint
Aquaporins separate water from fluids.
Contains a coating that reduces drag and UV
http://www.asknature.org/collections/product/
damage, among other properties.
Managing+Energy#slide_19
http://www.asknature.org/product/09b2f1ecaf4ba1641a99fbb9a9df6f59
Stain-Resistant Textile Finish
Lotusan self-cleaning paint
Stain-resistant fabric with less fluorochemical
Harnessing a similar function as the lotus leaf
usage.
that repels water, this paint was created to
http://www.greenshieldfinish.com/
keep surfaces maintenance-free.
P R O DUCTS
MA I NT ENA NC E
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/sto-lotusan-a-
Univesrsal Construction Pannels
biomimicry-paint.html
increase an owner or renters ability to modify the house to their needs without
Hydrophobic de-icing
permanently changing the space
Patterned surfaces over flat walls of roofs
http://ecorglobal.com/about-ecor-sustainable-building-materials/
contribute to repelling or removing ice with
INNOVATION
very little force. http://www.asknature.org/
Tesla PowerWall A battery designed by Tesla to be charged
Parker Hannifin’s Cergom Hose
using electricity generated from solar panels
Based on the structural integrity of
and aiding with self-consumption.
honeycombs, this hose withstands greater
http://www.teslamotors.com/en_CA/POWERWALL
levels of piping wear and tear. http://www.safehose.com/ParkerProducts.
Nest Thermostat
asp?catID=703
Self-programming thermostat that adapts to the consumers need to optimize the
TBD, Self-healing Materials:
efficiency and cost of temperature regulation.
Damage-sensing, self-healing materials
https://nest.com/ca/thermostat/meet-nest-thermostat/
are normally comprised of shape-memory polymers embedded with a fiber-optic
Ice Energy
network. http://www.asknature.org/
Low-energy air conditioning unit that reduces
product/78db777befc7a0725f03172743370f80
energy costs. http://www.ice-energy.com/
Ecovative MushroomÂŽ Insulation Insulation is developed from funghi fed by agricultural byproducts. http://www.archdaily.com/473052/insulationgrown-from-funghi
Image Sources Nature Images http://dpcphotography.tumblr.com/ Bio Data Sheets http://www.asknature.org/strategy/4825d47b2259b33332642f 8addd6ec17 http://www.asknature.org/strategy/ fb410d8500af30a5daf5b647954b7fa5 https://www.fastcoexist.com/3056375/inspired-by-palm-treesthese-wind-turbines-bend-and-fold-away-during-hurricanes http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-22118044/stock-photo-palmsat-hurricane.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_buffalo#/media/ File:Serengeti_Bueffel1.jpg