Biomimicry for a Sustainable Built Environment

Presented by AIA Seattle in partnership with AIA Committee on the Environment What is biomimicry? Biomimicry is a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and imitates them to solve human problems. Applications range widely, from architecture, product design, and engineering, to software development, communication systems and organizational evolution. Join us to learn more. In this inspirational lecture and workshop, Biomimicary Guild biologists Rose Tocke and Taryn Mead , and architect Suzanne Charest , will introduce the emerging discipline of biomimicry and demonstrate the viable sustainable solutions that arise when inquisitive humans ask nature for solutions to our design challenges. The evening lecture will present images of nature coupled with the technologies inspired by them to tell the story of a world in which humans fit in with the environment, meeting our needs while simultaneously creating conditions conducive for all life. Building on case studies relevant to architectural interests, Rose Tocke will introduce the time-tested adaptations of the genius around us and provide the fodder for new questions, the answers to which will help create a vision for a sustainable future. Through the conscious emulation of Nature's Genius, designers can imagine innovative sustainable solutions that will transform our world by mimicking nature's forms, processes and ecosystems. During the following two days, the workshop participants will learn how to use the Biomimicry Guild's methodology for biomimetic design innovation. The team will introduce several tools to assist designers in the biomimetic design process and facilitate hands-on opportunities for applying these tools to a design challenge. Who should attend? Architects, designers, landscape architects, engineers, planners, students and others curious about learning from nature and working toward a sustainable world. Event Schedule: June 11, 5pm: LECTURE, Seattle Central Library. An introduction to Biomimicry for designers and the public, chock-full of case studies and very current information on innovations in the field. 1.5 LUs JUNE 12-13, 8am-5pm: WORKSHOP, Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center. Hands-on activities to engage architects in biomimicry as a design methodology. 13 LUs Visit the event website for more information or to register.