Nature inspired design is a creative approach that uses the principles and patterns of nature to create innovative and sustainable solutions for human problems. Nature inspired design can be applied to various fields, such as architecture, engineering, product design, art, and more^{123 .}

One of the benefits of nature inspired design is that it can help us create more harmonious and healthy environments in urban settings, where we often face challenges such as pollution, noise, stress, and lack of green spaces. By mimicking the forms, functions, and systems of nature, we can enhance the well-being and performance of people living and working in cities.

Here are some examples of nature inspired design in the heart of a metropolis:

• The Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, is a shopping mall and office building that uses a passive cooling system inspired by the self-regulating temperature control of termite mounds. The building uses 90% less energy than conventional buildings of its size¹ .

• The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, is a visitor attraction that consists of two large biomes that house thousands of plant species from different climates and regions. The biomes are made of hexagonal and pentagonal cells that resemble soap bubbles or pollen grains. The structure is lightweight, strong, and efficient¹ .

• The Gherkin in London, UK, is a skyscraper that has a distinctive shape and design inspired by the Venus’ flower basket, a type of deep-sea sponge. The building has a natural ventilation system that reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. The building also has a spiral pattern that creates an aesthetic effect and optimizes the use of space¹ .

• The Biomimicry Institute in San Francisco, USA, is a non-profit organization that promotes the practice and education of nature inspired design. The institute offers various programs and resources for designers, educators, students, and entrepreneurs who want to learn from nature and apply its solutions to human challenges² .

• The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India, is a Baháʼí House of Worship that has a stunning design inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and beauty in many cultures. The temple consists of 27 marble petals that form nine sides and nine pools of water. The temple attracts millions of visitors every year who come to admire its architecture and enjoy its serene atmosphere³ .

These are just some of the examples of nature inspired design in the heart of a metropolis. There are many more examples around the world that show how we can learn from nature and create better solutions for our urban needs. Nature inspired design can help us improve our quality of life, reduce our environmental impact, and inspire our creativity. 😊