We are practice-based design researchers who believe that nature has a lot to teach us about efficient and sustainable design. By studying biological systems and incorporating these principles into our designs, we can create solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also more efficient and effective.
 

Bio-Inspired Design is an interdisciplinary research project that sits at the intersection of biology, material science and textile design to enhance sustainable and circular practice.  Drawing on the research by Professor Julian Vincent, Dr Steven Naleway and their respective teams, the Bio-Inspired Design project focuses on how role of structure in biology could help us improve the efficiency, longevity, and recovery of the resources (substance and energy) within design.

 

The Bio-Inspired Design framework is centred around nine structures observed in biological materials and three sustainability pillars. As part of the Bio-Inspired Design project we have produced a free online course so that you can learn about the framework and see real world examples of it being applied within varied design contexts.

Whether you are a designer, engineer, student, or simply have an interest in sustainability, we welcome you to get involved with our community.

Our resources include the online course, case studies, workshops, research reports, and more. Get in touch if you would like to get involved and use our resources.