Hi Stefanie and other interested contributors,
Ants, Bees, Swarming locusts, Shoals of Fish and Flocking birds forms the
basis for the design and understanding of many complex systems. I am
currently studying the potential application of Complexity Theory ideas to
Design activity within a Sustainable context. The further I go, the more
appropriate it would seem to apply the understanding of biological system
behaviour to the interconnected man made systems within which we all exist.
There is a huge bank of diverse stuff relating to Complexity and I would
suggest that a very wide consideration of Biomimicry,i.e applying to system
thinking rather than just copying animal traits, is a very logical and
appropriate step.
Harnessing random and diverse behaviour, (see Scott Page : The Difference /
Swarm : Eric Bonabeau et. al), provides a direction for planning and also
prediction of sophisticated phenomenon. Iain Couzain
(http://icouzin.princeton.edu/ ) has done some fascinating practical work
with shoals of fish and locusts to assess the potential of a dominant
minority to influence group direction and much more. Although he is at pains
to caution the application to human situations, it is difficult not to draw
similarities within other domains.
Once you get bitten by the Complexity / Network thinking bug (or ant, locust
or bee !) I would suggest that all that you consider, whether it be
Biomimcry, Cradle to Cradle, Traffic, or Biology not only looks different
but makes more sense.
Let me know if you need anything more specifically as I have amassed a
reasonable bank of papers and references,
Best of luck,
Mark
Mark Ransom
PhD Researcher : Part-time
Cranfield, UK
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