Bio-inspiration:
Art + Science
Lifescaped undertakes science and art related to bio-inspiration – the human use of technology, behaviour and design found in nature. It is the lab and studio of the scientist and artist Professor Andrew Parker, and was launched by HRH Prince Charles in 2015. Lifescaped is the home of Pure Structural Colour, the world’s brightest colour and has implications for sustainability.
Areas of research
This globe pinpoints some case studies of Lifescaped’s scientific research in bio-inspiration.
Select a location to discover more about Lifescaped's research.
Nike is a licensee of Lifescaped’s colour technology
Lifescaped's product categories
Lifescaped’s scientific projects fall into the categories of: (i) performance (or function), (ii) aesthetic and/or (iii) environmentally supportive. The videos here explain our work in each category.
Research
Lifescaped conducts research on plants and animals, including fossils, to uncover the scientific principles behind their adaptations to different environments. We examine the structures and chemicals that perform different functions, particularly those applicable to our own technologies and healthcare. We also examine systems in nature that may improve the way that humans operate.
Art
Andrew produces abstract artworks using Pure Structural Colour. He also produces watercolour/gouache and oil/acrylic paintings, and glass/light sculptures, that capture characteristics of Pure Structural Colour. Patterns and forms incorporated in Andrew’s artworks take inspiration from patterns, developmental processes and evolutionary events in nature.
Education
Lifescaped develops courses for schools and universities on bio-inspiration. This includes school courses for different ages and university courses in both science and business/humanities.
Design:
Pure Colour Studio
Pure Colour Studio is the design arm of Lifescaped. We start from the science of nature and produce designs for the human senses. The end result is an evolved (optimized) visual effect or pattern that is stylized and adapted for commercial products.
Blue Jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii)
“ I feel that biomimetics is a far better solution in terms of sustainability and integration with Nature than relying on transgenic technologies, which can have real potential complications. Nature has the best answers, without waste. ”
TEDx
Andrew Parker’s TEDx talk at the Sydney Opera House, 2013.