I think the recurring theme in nature will be optimization of space, but
with objects of similar shape and size. Wasn't there some work done on the
hexagonal packing found in some wasp nests and bumblebee honeycombs? Thus
as applied to human designs where optimization needs to be based largely on
objects of varying size, would nature provide a useful algorithm?
At 03:33 PM 11/2/00 -0700, you wrote:
>>Dario Landa wrote:
>>
>>The optimization criteria here is the optimal space utilization and
>>satisfaction of requirements contraints,
>>i.e. given the areas of space with different sizes,
>>the objects must be allocated in a way suchj that each
>>objetc obtains the needed space, no space is overused
>>or wasted and mayeb some objects might have a preference
>>for certain locations, proximity to others, adjacency,
>>and what is more, maybe the areas of space could be susceptible of
>>modification as a result.
>>
>>However, the highly constrained the problem is, there are
>>still two main objectives: allocation of all objects, and
>>optimum space utilization.
>
>Since you're looking for "tangible" space utilization, what about looking
>at organisms with spatial limits, e.g. corals, barnacles, sponges. In
>general, sessile organisms, even plants might provide some insight.
>Intraspecific space utilization would probably be more helpful that
>interspecific as influencing factors will be relatively less. I don't know
>of any work in this area, but its worth a look.
>Also, what about space allocation within an organism, either at the
>organ/tissue level or the cellular level? e.g. how are cells packed?
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