Patterns Applications

Design by Nature: Applications of Patterns

Adapted from Lisa Depiano’s slideshow; images from Ethan Roland, Andrew Jones, Lisa Depinao, Kay Cafasso, Brett Joseph, Jay Markert, Darren

Dohorty, and others

waves

Pattern Application: Waves

Waves: transfer of energy, increase surface areaApplications• Maximize wavy edge of a pond to increase

diversity of microclimates and planting space• Lay out beds on contour lines• Sea-street to slow the speed of traffic• Swales: to catch and store water in landscape

SEA Street, Seattle

Swales on contour

spiral

Patterns Application: Spiral

Spiral: regenerative, patterns of growth, concentrates or disperses

Applications• maximizes the amount of materials that can fit

in a given space• great for urban permaculture or small space

design such as herb spirals

Herb spirals

overbeck jet

Patterns Application: Overbeck Jet

Overbeck Jet: Natural streamlining of fluids and gases past fixed bodies

Applications• Windbreaks: to be used for moving air and

away to channel • Flow forms: to add oxygen to water and filter

out sediment• Keyhole beds: minimize garden pathways and

maximize growing area

windbreak

flow forms

lobes

Pattern Application: Lobes

Lobes: Maximizes edge in limited areaApplications• Increases surface area for greywater

treatment• Aquaculture systems• Pathways in garden design

Pond with lobed edgeGreywater treatment with lobed edge