Biomimicry Resource Handbook PDF

2011 - The Biomimicry Institute and The Biomimicry Guild - 252 pages

The Biomimicry Resource Handbook: A Seed Bank of Knowledge and Best Practices contains over 200 pages of our most current biomimicry thinking, methodology, and tools for naturalizing biomimicry into the culture. Because of the richness and depth of our experiences with Biomimicry, this book contains verbal knowledge never before captured on paper and organizes it into a cogent, seamless presentation that helps answer the question, “Okay, so how DO you actually do biomimicry?”

At Biomimicry 3.8, we believe there is no better design partner than nature. But biomimicry is more than just looking at the shape of a flower or dragonfly and becoming newly inspired; it’s a methodology that’s being used by some of the biggest companies and innovative universities in the world. While reading this text you’ll be immersed into the world of Biomimicry the “verb”, you’ll gain a competitive edge, and a fresh perspective on how the world around us can, does, and should work. After reading the text, you’ll be well on your way to thinking in systems, designing in context, identifying patterns, and most importantly seeing the millions of organisms around us….differently.

Main Sections of the Handbook
myPathway | For participants in workshops and certification programs, in this section you’ll find the specifics of your course including course agenda and outline, course attendees, and the worksheets specific to your course. Any supplemental reading that complements your course but doesn’t otherwise go in the overall Resource Handbook will also be found here. We’ve included our Biomimicry DesignLens document here, encapsulating the graphical material and descriptions from the Resource Handbook that we are sharing under a creative commons license.
Biomimicry | This section introduces you to the meme (the idea) of biomimicry, or what we like to call the noun of biomimicry; it also describes biomimicry relative to other “bio-” terms. A glossary of terms frequently used in biomimicry is found at the end of this section.
Life’s Principles | This section goes deep into our most comprehensive tool. It’s found near the beginning of the handbook because it’s the most important and influential component of biomimicry.
Practice of Biomimicry | Here you will find an in-depth exploration of the verb of biomimicry. It includes our Essential Elements of Biomimicry, which describe the three complementary foundations: ethos, (re)connect, and emulate. If you are looking for something resembling a methodology, look here.
Spreading the Meme | We’ve included a whole section on sharing biomimicry with others because biomimicry is best practiced in community. With sub-sections on communication and networking, you’ll find plenty of practical advice on what you can do and how to do it, including tips from our best practitioners.
Case Studies | This section recognizes the importance of examples when both learning about and teaching biomimicry. It shares how to build your own collection as well as a few featured examples.
Giving Thanks | Our last section could very well be first—here we acknowledge Life itself, as well as all who have made this work possible, as well as recommended resources. We find it appropriate that this collection is found here, as without this community, biomimicry would be nothing more than a fantastic idea in someone’s head.


HANDBOOK FEEDBACK
“I just got my Resource Handbook and am so proud of all of you, and all of the work it took, and how beautiful, and thorough, and professional it is. I will consume every word, and then read it again, and again…”
Lisa Schmidtke, Certified Biomimicry Professional (2008)

“Janine’s book ‘Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature’ opened my eyes to this incredible discipline. That was the start. But it was this Resource Handbook that actually made it all actionable, applicable, and relevant to my career. The content is deep, wide, and really fantastically presented. It truly is a ‘seed bank of knowledge’ and the definitive resource on all things biomimicry.”
Colin Mangham, Biomimicry Specialist