Łucja Kłósek

A good day to learn from nature

Biomimetic design treats nature as the main inspiration, analysing its mechanics present in any form of life. What if there is design potential in the world we usually don’t see? Imagine walking in shoes inspired by one of the smallest, yet the strongest animals on Earth.

For me, a good day is always related to nature; I developed a big connection to it while growing up in the countryside of the Polish mountains. I also consider Mother Nature as the best designer. We can learn a lot from her. I’ve always been inspired by the world of animals and plants, and how their features can play a part in design. In my graduation work, I researched the special abilities of tardigrades: the cryptobiosis process and strength of their claws and shield-like cuticles. I find it so fascinating how a 1mm small animal can also be the strongest, almost unkillable creature in the world.

TARDI(GRADA) explores biomimicry through the research on micro-animals called tardigrades, also known as “water bears, " or “moss piglets”. Their ability of protection against extreme conditions became the main inspiration, which led to experimentation with workwear. The result is a collection of four shoes, inspired by safety footwear and tardigrades’ characteristic features: claws, which structures were used in the soles’ anti slip pattern, and shields-like cuticles that became the influence for protection of the upper part. The branding created together with the collection celebrates the beauty of the micro world and connection to nature. Through combining both scientific and design approaches, TARDI(GRADA) challenges the usual aesthetic of safety footwear with a new possibility by implementing biomimetics in that branch of industry.