Geo‐inspired science, engineering, construction, art and design

Abstract

Geo‐inspiration explores the potential of naturally occurring earth materials as an inspiration for the creation, design and utilization of brand‐new materials and products. It draws on 4.5 billion years of earth history, over which time our planet has evolved significantly, with the formation of an ever‐increasing number of minerals. Through time these have combined in different ways to form rocks—with different compositions, textures and physical properties—all at different scales and forms of complexity. Many of these properties can be directly copied, mimicked or even improved upon, resulting in breakthrough developments for use in today's world. One might therefore be tempted to take the well‐known geological uniformitarianism principle—first suggested by William Whewell, then developed by English geologist James Hutton, and re‐phrased and popularized by Charles Lyell—who said …‘the present is the key to the past’, … and turn it around to say instead: ‘… the key to the future is the geological past!’