On Tuesday 4th July, the University of Leicester Sustainability Team hosted an event, chaired by Prof. Turi King, where young entrepreneurs from local schools and colleges presented a range of sustainable and environmental solutions to some of the most significant global issues we face. These young people captivated the audience with their innovation and well thought out ideas, which were inspired by biomimicry.
Biomimicry is a method of design which is influenced by, and attempts to mimic, solutions to problems found in the natural world, and the five projects presented took their insights from their research and applied it to real world challenges and concerns.
We heard from Martin High School who presented a solution to the production of food in a world where space is at a premium. Taking their idea from the layers of plants found in various ecosystems like the rainforest, the students designed a small, layered construction, suitable for houses and flats, where plants could grow at different heights depending on their needs. The hydroponic system would recycle rainwater and fit onto a balcony or similar small space. Aimed at students initially, it was also hoped that the system would encourage sustainable thinking and promote wellbeing.
Newbridge School students were tasked with considering sustainably ventilated buildings which would have less reliance on artificial cooling systems in warm climates. The team broke down the challenge into two parts. Firstly, they wanted to prevent overheating and secondly, prevent cooler air from escaping. They found inspiration for part one in the Quiver tree. Coated in a fine powder, this tree reflects light, and the students felt this could be applied to roof tiles and walls. Crucially though the surface would be rough to diffuse the reflected light so as not to blind people or wildlife. To prevent cool air escaping the solution was to use sheep’s wool as an insulator which would trap the air in multiple pockets.
Students from Beauchamp College reflected on how to insulate buildings without the use of fossil fuels. Impressed by a range of natural solutions including Saharan Silver Ants, the ancient Spinosaurus, Pansy plants and Termite nests, they designed a triangular office building which would use convection currents to dissipate heat. The building would have hydrophobic properties and include tiny holes towards the top to allow heat to be released.
Castlerock School looked at solutions to housing that could adapt to rising sea levels and flooding. The presentation was wide ranging, and the design produced initial thoughts on how a habitable house could exist underwater. The challenges were widespread and suggested solutions included gas exchange tubes based on fish gills to extract oxygen from the water and remove carbon dioxide from the house. Electricity would be generated by water turbines and sensors would detect additional rises in water levels.
Finally, Cedars Academy explored efficient ways of sustainable travel. They first designed an aerodynamic coach based on the beak of a Kingfisher, the efficient airflow over an owl’s wing, and the nimble shape and size of a cheetah. This coach would then be combined with an app for efficient navigation and simplified routes. The app would use slime mould, an organism which finds the most economic pathways through an area to design the route maps.
The audience commented and asked the teams questions after each presentation and the students again impressed with their knowledgeable and thoughtful answers. Another concept that the students all seemed to naturally include was the wellbeing and mental health of the user of their designs.
Described afterwards as, among other things “wonderful” and “impressive”, what was even more remarkable was the students only had 2 days to research and create their designs. They brought a tremendous amount of curiosity and openness to the project specifications.
If they wish, it is hoped that these projects can be taken to the next step with the help of the university’s staff and students.
Special thanks to John Nellis for putting this post together. As always, feel free to reach out if you’d like to know more!
Sending good vibes,
The Sustainability Team ❤
UoL Sustainability 