Biomimicry in Textile Design: Rafflesia-Inspired Pattern Development from Royal Belum

Abstract

Textile design faces the challenge of balancing ecological responsibility with creative innovation, particularly in the development of sustainable patterns inspired by nature. This study addresses this issue by investigating how biomimicry, through the imagery of the Rafflesia flower in Malaysia’s Royal Belum Rainforest, can inform ecologically responsible textile design. A qualitative visual methodology was employed, using high-resolution photographic documentation as the primary data source. Photography served not only to capture intricate textures, colours and structures but also to mediate their translation into design. A total of 150 photographs were captured in situ and analysed using the Qualitative Colour Pattern Analysis (QCPA) framework. The analysis revealed an unexpected dominance of warm-toned segments and striking radial symmetry, both of which became central design drivers. These insights guided the creation of eight textile patterns, four abstract stylisations and four literal botanical motifs. Findings demonstrate that photography, when integrated with QCPA, deepens designer engagement with ecological subject matter and generates patterns that embody both aesthetic richness and environmental symbolism. The study contributes a replicable visual analysis process for bioinspired textile design. It advances Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land while offering pathways for culturally resonant, ecologically responsible and commercially adaptable textile practices.