School of MAE

Level 2, by the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering.

School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering researchers are exploring how nature-inspired designs could help cities stay cooler using less energy.

How do elephants beat the heat?

Elephants can cool themselves thanks to the wrinkles on their skin. Their wrinkles help limit heat gain, dissipate energy by evaporative cooling and store water, acting as a natural air conditioner.

Can texture cool cities?

Small surface textures significantly affect how heat travels. The wrinkled tile design mimics elephant skin, which increases water retention and cooling performance compared to smoother surfaces.

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What could future cities become if we learned more from nature?

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Urban Nature Trail