Biomimicry in the Field: Learning from Nature’s Genius
Two-part course: Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Ever wonder what makes a peacock’s feathers so vibrant? Or how ants can communicate along complex scent trails to find and distribute food? How do honeybees use swarm logic to regulate the internal hive temperature? And why do trees and other plants grow in a similar and repeating patterns?
These questions encompass the underlying inquiry and ethos of biomimicry, looking to nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to help solve our human challenges. Nature has 3.8 billion years of problem-solving experience, many of these problems are the same challenges humans are facing today. There’s a “living library” outside made up of animals, plants, microbes and fungi (to name a few) that hold the secrets to success for all life on this planet. Join us for a 2-day interactive workshop where you will learn not about, but from nature with a new lens of discovery.
On Day 1 we will:
examine the fundamentals of biomimicry by looking at nature’s form, function and ecosystems and then practice emulating these deep principles and patterns to create well-adapted human solutions that better "fit in" on our planet.
learn the fundamentals of what makes biomimicry unique from other disciplines, including Life’s Principles a set of guidelines that all life must abide by to survive.
On Day 2 we will:
meet at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for an immersive experience to hone your observation skills
learn about context pressures and enjoy getting to know a plant’s anatomy on a deeper level.
practice biomimicry in the field, so bring a human design challenge of interest!
Don’t worry, no prior knowledge of biomimicry, science, design or nature is required. All age levels welcome. And we encourage you to come with questions and curiosity! Biomimicry is not all about solving a challenge, but equally values the enjoyment of learning more about nature’s genius and admiring her beauty in a new and inspiring way.
