In Episode 1 you learned that the Circular Economy is about closing resource loops, mimicking natural ecosystems in the way we organize our society and businesses. For designers, nature is a wonderful source of inspiration. In this unit you are introduced to real-world examples of nature inspired design projects. In the assignment that follows, we ask you to think about the way nature may inspire you to solve specific problems you may face.

Interface is the world’s largest designer and maker of carpet tile. Flora Poppelaars of TU Delft interviews Geanne van Arkel, Head of Sustainable Development at Interface. Geanne talks about the development of the Entropy carpet tile – a design inspired by nature.  

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

The Entropy carpet tile was inspired by autumn leaves. The idea of ‘random design’ inspired the development of a non-directional carpet tile, with varied patterning and coloring. Individual carpet tiles can be replaced without the need to re-carpet the entire room.