The health and wellbeing of humans is inseparable from the health of our surrounding environment, and the interactions between the two are quite complex. Nature has long been a rich source of inspiration for many hoteliers, designers and architects. Nature also happens to be an endless source of wonder for biologists and engineers who seek to understand its inner workings.
It is only recently that human efforts to unfold the design and functions of natural systems have become a field of design in its own right. Biologically-inspired design or adaptation or derivation from nature is referred to as ‘biomimetics’. It means mimicking biology or nature. The practice of biomimicry looks beyond form and explores life’s inherent sustainability strategies, creating structures that fit form to function, use materials efficiently and adapt well to their environment.
Biomimetics has attracted the attention of scientists and architects alike because of its potential for contributing to the design of energy efficient buildings. The way forward is not so hard to envision. A sustainable future for hospitality will emerge if we design ecosystems that, on a functional level, mimic the natural environment and on a guest level, enable personal growth and transformation. Designers are innately curious, and biomimetics provides the opportunity to learn more about life’s water, energy and material-use strategies. This perspective broadens the design space to bring new solutions to the forefront.
Elevate Design by Creating Multi-Functional Ecosystems.
The concept of building designer ecosystems refers to a multi-layered and interdisciplinary approach to design. This requires one to go beyond aesthetics, and explore the intricacies of how natural systems function and interact. I use the word “ecosystem” to suggest a future-centric, sustainable approach to applied design with a primary focus on human wellbeing. It is imperative to understand that ecosystems are inherently complicated things that adopt their own life and evolution.
What can we learn about “functionality” in biological systems that can be translated into design? These systems are highly organised from the molecular to the nanoscale, microscale and macroscale, often in a hierarchical manner with intricate nanoarchitecture that ultimately makes up a myriad of different functional elements. Nature uses commonly found materials. Properties of those materials and surfaces result from a complex interplay between the surface structure and the morphology and physical and chemical properties. Many materials, surfaces and devices provide synchronous multifunctionality.
Similarly, hotels must expand its two dimensional offerings into multifunctional and congruent products and services. Start by asking, “How would nature solve this challenge?” Assuming the design team has the adequate knowledge to answer, this framing gives project teams an opportunity to explore new knowledge and brainstorm opportunities to solve challenges in new and innovative ways.
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