Simpleware has been assisting in the process of providing the Eden Project with some exhibits for its Education Centre. Rapid prototyped models on the theme of Biomimicry have been developed from CT scan data to showcase the imitation of nature to develop scientific and engineering processes. The models are now on display at The Core - the Eden Project's Education Centre.
The display cabinets house a set of exhibits illustrating classic examples of Biomimicry and describe how for many years, we have turned to nature for inspiration in design and engineering. The scaled up RP models of a burdock seed, a dandelion seed and a piece of honeycomb will represent the inspiration behind Velcro®, parachutes and engineering structural elements including the hexagonal design of the Eden Project's own Biomes. The models are exact copies of real specimens collected locally and the original objects are displayed alongside the RP models with magnifying glasses to illustrate how small the objects are in their true existence.
University of Exeter, Centre for Medical Engineering and Technology (CMET) - University of Hull, Eden Project, Exeter Advanced Technologies (X-AT), Simpleware, SkyScan
The project was carried out as a result of a Partnerships for Public Awareness (PPA) grant, awarded to the University of Exeter by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).