The Language of Nature

The interplay of sand, water and wind enchanted me. A miniature world formed playfully before my eyes, and it was so beautiful. I witnessed how rivers and land are created. The images of sand shaped by the rippling water, and the water adapting to the sand in return, held my attention for hours. On the beach, I became aware of the organic patterns that shape our environment.

By observing patterns in nature, I began to see them as one of nature’s languages. A way to read the natural world, understand and connect with it more deeply. Through its visual language, nature reveals its beauty and its ancient wisdom.

What do patterns teach me?

What stands out is that patterns are interconnected and often collaborate. Think of the exchange of nutrients through roots in trees, plants, and mycelium. Patterns adapt, align with one another, and work together.

Patterns are identical, but never exact copies.

Though patterns may resemble one another, they are never entirely the same. There’s room for flexibility and customisation. Solutions tailored to specific circumstances enable nature to remain in motion and to keep evolving. A tree that encounters a boulder often finds a way to grow around, over, or beneath it.

Free space

You can recognize patterns by a repeating base, surrounded by free space. That free space is where art and science thrive best: in the search for new, uncharted territory. Rigid frameworks driven by a desire for control make that free space disappear, restricting a spontaneous, intuitive way of working. Free space is essential to move toward new solutions. It exists to allow for play, experimentation, creativity, and the flexibility to move with natural energy.

Natural patterns have a function.

Patterns seen in various places often serve a specific function. The patterns visible in root systems, mycelium, or our lungs are likely the most effective ways to transport fluids. Branches twist like rivers through the air, blood meanders through our veins, and water flows in curving, fluid movements through the landscape.

Allowing water to meander through an area contributes to a lively dynamic within ecosystems. Both the landscape and species richness receive a powerful boost. The movement of water creates diverse niches for various organisms to thrive. Meandering water increases biodiversity. Such areas begin to function like sponges, absorbing and storing more water during periods of heavy rainfall that can be used during times of drought. Water that is allowed to follow its natural winding path creates the right conditions, leading to increased species richness on every level. Restoring a natural balance often results in abundance and a flourishing, healthy ecosystem that benefits the entire system.

Diversity

From observing patterns and natural systems, it becomes clear that today’s problems may best be solved by teams that are as diverse as possible. The more diversity in nature, the better and healthier it is. Teams composed of people from different social backgrounds, cultures, genders, and ages will be better equipped to find solutions for the challenges we have to face today.

Natural boundaries are irregular, never straight. A drop of ink on paper always follows the most logical path. Patterns adapt to their environment and work together. Nature on balance displays enormous diversity. Rich biodiversity reflects optimally healthy ecosystems; diversity stands for richness and is of added value. Teams that collaborate will need to be as diverse as possible to achieve the best results for our society and for the development of thriving, flourishing ecosystems.