Biomimetic design to encourage children’s aptitude for reading and counteract attention deficit

Nature has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration and reflection. We are surrounded every day, unconsciously, by bio-inspired solutions, especially in the field of architecture and design. In opposition, today’s digital technologies tend to “di-vert” men, creating attention problems, especially among the new generations which are no longer interested in reading. However, is it possible to think of a future without books? A home environment without libraries, a symbol of knowledge and personal wealth? Moreover, a study conducted by New York University, published in the journal Pediatrics, shows how reading aloud to children can prevent behavioural disorders like hyperactivity and attention deficit. From these reflections comes the project presented, designed to stimulate, with a hybrid object, young generations with attention difficulties.The inner configuration of echinoids’ spines has been a source of inspiration for the crea-tion of the structure of a library, with a circular plan, multifunctional and intergenera-tional. The cylindrical shape houses a canvas for projecting books and more. In this way it adds to the usual function of the library, storage and support for books, even the innova-tive function of multimedia transmitter. Thus, reading can become a moment of sharing, reflection, but also support for those who need to be followed in reading and learning. This project embodies the concept of hybrid library which combines and connects two generations in comparison, analog and digital, allowing each one to get in touch with other lifestyles, using different means and breaking down any kind of barrier and preju-dice within the domestic environment, linking different generations with different habits, around what should be the central focus of every society, culture. This project shows how biomimetic design can help children’s ability to read and contrast attention deficits.