Extreme Adaptation: Sustainable design inspiration from alpine plants

Wow!How do they do that?

ADAPTATION: Saucer Shape (Parabola)

ADAPTATION: Saucer Shape (Parabola)

ADAPTATION: Saucer Shape (Parabola)

ADAPTATION: Saucer Shape (Parabola)

Design Application Ideas

ADAPTATION: Reflect and focus

ADAPTATION: Mounds

ADAPTATION: Mounds

ADAPTATION: Mounds

Aerodynamic

Trap bits of dirt, debris, dead leaves

Heat and moisture retention

ADAPTATION: Mounds

Design Application Ideas

ADAPTATION: Mounds

Those who are inspired by a model other than nature… … are labouring in vain.

- Leonardo Da Vinci

Biomimicry: The practice of developing sustainable human

technologies inspired by nature. - Janine Benyus

BIOMIMICRY

Burr to Velcro

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/photos/7-amazing-examples-of-biomimicry/burr-velcro

Artificial photosynthesis

© Jennet Poffenroth. Used with permission.

Biomimicry - alpine plants

Moss campion (Silene acaulis) as integrated energy system

• Mound

• Leaves

• Roots

Think like a plant!

ADAPTATION: use the wind

ADAPTATION: use the wind

ADAPTATION: use the wind

APPLICATION: harness the wind

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ADAPTATION: dark colours

ADAPTATION: dark and light colours

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APPLICATION: retain or reflect heat

Adaptation Game

Alpine Inspiration

ADAPTATION: Beauty

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Photo credit: Brian Haddow

Vaccinium uliginosum Blueberry or bilberry

Image Attribution:

All photos by Valerie Huff except the following:

Slide 1: Koo

Slide 9: Satellite Dish by A. Blythe. http://freefoto.com/abp/sat01.jpg Solar oven

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