Bionic Partition
A new way of building airplanes, that could greatly reduce fuel use and carbon emissions
The Bionic Partition is a wall that separates an airplane’s seating area from the galley—but it’s not just any old wall. Using the complex 2D patterns of growing slime mold as a model for its geometric design, the 3D-printed structure is almost half as light as current models, with a cutout for emergency stretcher access and a fold-down seat for flight attendants. The lower weight reduces fuel use and carbon emissions, resulting in a major financial and environmental boon. Airbus has committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% until 2050. This collaboration is a step in the right direction, and could have a great impact in the future of commercial air travel.