Since the beginning of time mankind has dealt with nature as a role model, goal and challenge in its model of perfection. Nature is in many different ways a pool for the productive human being, but also a counterpoint to his/her own work. Both the energetic and constructively optimised forms as well as the adaptability and variety serve as role models. Natural scientists, engineers, architects and artists draw from the rich inspirational pool of nature, they learn from and are inspired by nature. The book is an outline of the history of the human examination of nature and presents a perspective for further possible lessons from nature.

Nature is in many different ways a pool for the productive human being, but also a counterpoint to his/her own work. This book offers a richly illustrated overview of the history of nature in architecture, civil engineering and art.