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