"Natural Forms and Structures."

"There is nothing new under the sun"

This does not mean that everything has been built already but that the principle behind the design already exists. By examining structures in nature we can see where the principle exists and see how these principles are incorporated in structures today. One thing we have to keep in mind when comparing natural and manmade structures is that nature uses live materials while man uses inert ones and the two do not always behave in the same manner. An example of this is if you buy a pair of shoes the soles will wear over time, whereas the soles of bare feet actually grow thicker with excessive use.

We also have to remember that nature has had a much longer time to perfect its designs and just like man learns from his mistakes so to does nature. Living things have evolved structures that are so complex and so efficient that often mans best efforts look clumsy in comparison.

Natural structures can be divided into three categories:-

Structure in Plants.

If you look closely at a leaf you can see how the main rib tapers from the base, the point where the whole weight of the leaf is borne from. The other ribs spring from the centre rib in a regular pattern and taper from the centre to the edge. The whole leaf can be looked at as the way nature has evolved a mechanically sound structure that elegantly performs its desired functions in the conditions in which it grows. A leaf is a perfect example of a lightweight structure in nature.

Click on the icon to look at more examples of the structure of plants.

Structure of Animals.

The image opposite illustrates the structure of an insects eye, which is composed of many parts and all these parts have to be held together and supported. This is done by a geodesic dome grid on the outside surface of the eye which by its nature takes the shape of a hemisphere. The whole structural framework of the domed grid is held firmly in position and this in turn provides a stiff and strong support for the cornea. This enables the insects eye to function efficiently. The concept behind the geodesic domes which Buckminster Fuller designed are the very same as the structure of an insects eye.

The insects eye is not the only place where geodesic forms are found in nature. They also occur in many cell structures, such as spherical groups of carbon atoms called buckyballs as well as viruses, enzymes and even small organisms.

Click on the icon to see how the structure of rabbit and a tortoise is similar in principle to buildings constructed today.

Structures that Animals Build.

Insects and animals play a more active role in the building of their homes. The web of the spider, the dam or lodge of a beaver or the structure of the termite are designed in such a manner so as to support the creatures activities. The diagram opposite is a section of the honeycomb cell structure from a beehive. The honeycomb is constructed in such a way that it can contain the maximum amount of honey for the minimum amount of wall surface. This in turn requires the minimum amount of energy by the bees when constructing the beehive.

Click on the icon to see the principles behind the weaving of a spiders web.

To see how the bee's honeycomb is constructed click on the bee.