Plant movements are very suitable as concept generators for biomimetic developments in the fields of deployable and movable structure as used e.g. in architecture or engineering. Plant movements show a multitude of actuation principles causing countless types of form changes in a time range from milliseconds (e.g. suction trap of Utricularia) to hours and days (e.g. different growth processes). Therefore plant movements are very suitable as concept generators for biomimetic developments in the fields of deployable and movable structure as used e.g. in architecture or engineering. Two main topics of research in the Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg are the analysis of movements driven by changes in turgor pressure, such as the closing of the trap of Dionaea muscipula and the analysis of hygroscopic movements in conifer cones. The principles of the movements, the underlying anatomical features and their biological significance are illustrated. It is also shown how the movements can be analysed quantitatively by recording high speed or time lapse movies under controlled conditions in the lab and under field conditions in combination with macro- und micromechanical testing.