Numerical Methods II

To provide a general introduction to biomimicry viewed from the perspective of various different disciplines, but also to think about the various different disciplines involved in the practice of biomimicry and how they interact with one another. In addition to the natural sciences and engineering, we will consider history, philosophy, cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, art, design, architecture, and urbanism.

• The Imitation of Nature: History of a Concept (4h)
• Understanding Different Approaches: Biomimicry, Biomimetics, Bioinspiration, Bionics, and Beyond (2h)
• The Concept of Nature: What are we Imitating when we Imitate Nature? (2h)
• Nature as Model: Theory and Methodology of Imitating Nature (2h)
• Nature as Measure: Normative Dimensions to Imitating Nature (2h)
• Nature as Mentor: Epistemological Aspects of Biomimicry (2h)
• Non-Western Approaches to Biomimicry: Indigenous and Eastern Thinking (2h)
• The Biomimetic City: A Case Study in Interdisciplinarity (4h)