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Echinodesign: A New Model for Facilitating the Dissemination and Effectiveness of the Biomimetic Design Culture

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Biomimetics, Biodesign and Bionics

Abstract

The chapter presents a novel approach to carry out biomimetic research and disseminate the culture of bio-inspired designs. It describes the results of an interdisciplinary project, named Echinodesign, i.e. a design-driven biological investigation aimed at understanding the characteristics, principles, and logic of echinoids as well as at facilitating the development of innovative inspired products and services. In particular, the echinoids are marine invertebrate organisms, commonly known as sea urchins, which have a long history as inspiring models for transferring bio-inspired solutions. Through a hybrid approach between biology, design, and engineering, these organisms with their unique functional features were re-interpreted and applied in different design fields, including furniture, biomedical, lighting, and sports. The resulting inspired design products were finally shown in a dedicated exhibition, proposed as a tool to disseminate and amplify the results of the biomimetic research.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    https://www.riccicliamo.it/en/the-second-life-of-sea-urchins/

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Acknowledgements

Although the approach and contents of the essay are shared by the authors, it should be noted that V. Perricone wrote and edited the introduction, paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 and conclusion; the introduction, paragraphs 2.1, 3, and 4 and conclusion are edited by C. Langella; G. Pontillo edited paragraph 5; and R. Angari edited paragraph 6 and provided graphics and pictures.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anthon Dhorn of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Valentina Perricone

  2. Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    Carla Langella

  3. Department of Design, University of Study of Florence, Florence, Calenzano, Italy

    Gabriele Pontillo

  4. Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Aversa, Italy

    Roberta Angari

Authors
  1. Valentina Perricone
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  2. Carla Langella
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  3. Gabriele Pontillo
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  4. Roberta Angari
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Valentina Perricone .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Design, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Amilton José Vieira Arruda

  2. Department of Industrial Design (DDI), Graduate Program of Architecture, Urbanism, Landscaping (PPGAUP), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

    Felipe Luis Palombini

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Perricone, V., Langella, C., Pontillo, G., Angari, R. (2024). Echinodesign: A New Model for Facilitating the Dissemination and Effectiveness of the Biomimetic Design Culture. In: Arruda, A.J.V., Palombini, F.L. (eds) Biomimetics, Biodesign and Bionics. Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51311-4_4

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