Biomimicry Global Design Challenge
Biomimicry Institute Annual Competition - Fall 2018
2019 global finalists
The Biomimicry Global Design Challenge is an annual competition, hosted by the Biomimicry Institute and the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, that invites university students and professionals to address critical sustainability issues with nature-inspired solutions and is open to students and professionals anywhere in the world. The theme for the 2018-19 competition was climate change.
video submission
The Issue
Montecito, CA is an affluent town located on the coastal side of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is home to about 9,000 residents, including dozens of celebrities. In 2018, after the devastating Thomas Fire, a large debris flow was caused by the intense rains during the winter. This debris flow killed 21 people and caused $177 million in property damage. Because of climate change, these fires are becoming larger and these rains are becoming more intense. With this, the chances of deadly debris flows like the this one happening again are on the rise.
problem statement
Due to a fire, soil is left unstable, unable to absorb water, and temporarily infertile; increasing the chances of a debris flow.
objectives
Apply to burn scar, break up hydrophobic layer before rainfall, and add structure to the soil before rainfall.
goal
Soil that mitigates a debris flow.
constraints
Biological inspiration
Japanese maple seed
The seed’s ability to disperse, plant, and root itself into soil is a pattern of nature we sought to mimic in our own design as it deploys and anchors itself.
gannet bird
The gannet bird makes a 100 km/h dive safely by spinning. This movement inspired the spinning descent of our own design as it is deployed.
GUAYAQUIL DWARF FROG
The dwarf frog creates foam bubble nests for its young, The nests’ gradual disintegration inspired our design’s biodegradable composition.
solution
limonene pods
Small Limonene Pods will be disbursed over the mountainside and lessen the severity of debris flows. This presentation will delve into how we got here and how it works.
team members
Delaney Santos
Team Lead, Researcher, Prototype Designer & Fabricator, Photographer, Videographer, Video Editor
bridget bergman
Researcher, Presentation & Graphics Designer, Videographer
stefan grayhek
Researcher, Prototype Designer & Fabricator, Photographer, Audio Editor, Script Writer
rebecca kay
Researcher, Prototype Fabricator, Presentation & Graphics Designer, Videographer
justin poirier
Researcher, Ideator, Prototype Designer, Photographer, Script Writer