Is it Time to Consider Biomimetics for Sustainable Education? Lessons from the Nature for “Smarter” Learning Environments

Biomimicry, the practice of imitating nature to solve complex human problems, holds significant potential for sustainable education in the face of global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change impacts. Advocates called for the integration of smart educational technologies to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional educational practices, which can be through biomimicry, as it taps into nature’s smart strategies to tackle complex challenges in a sustainable manner. This study presents a systematic review of the literature on biomimetics in education, aiming to explore the implementation and effectiveness of biomimicry in educational settings. The findings reveal that biomimicry can expand educational opportunities by fostering the development of smart learning environments (SLEs). Six specific areas of biomimicry are identified as potential case studies for SLEs, namely: sustainable education through biomimicry pedagogy, systems thinking as a foundation for SLEs, process thinking for SLE operation, smart architecture for sustainable learning environments, the interplay of forms and functions in nature to support SLEs, and innovations in SLEs using surfaces and materials. This study provides lessons to help inspire and shape better futures of education through “smarter” designs of learning environments and experiences.