What Does it Mean to Mimic Nature? A Typology for Biomimetic Design

Abstract In an effort to produce new and more sustainable technologies, designers have turned nature in search of inspiration innovation. Biomimetic design (from the Greek bios , life, mimesis imitation) is conscious imitation biological models solve today's technical ecological challenges. Nowadays numerous different approaches exist that take from as a model for design, such biomimicry, biomimetics, bionics, permaculture, engineering, etc. This variety practices comes turn with wide range promises, including sustainability, increased resilience, multi-functionality, lower degree risk. How are we make sense this heterogeneous amalgam existing promises attached them? We suggest typology biomimetic would provide useful hermeneutic framework understand tensions pull variegated landscape directions. achieved through critical analysis literature fields philosophy order derive conceptual normative assumptions concerning meaning value nature. These two dimensions then intersected analytical grid composed six types, which enable classification possible approaches, practices, technologies according their specific guiding norms.