BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN
Biophilic, Biomimetic, and Bioclimatic+ Perspectives
Seattle, WA
July 20-23, 2022
Left: New York Times Building, Renzo Piano, Center: Levitated mass, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Michael Heizer; Right: COOKFOX Studio; Source: Terrapin 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/
BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN: Biophilic, Biomimetic & Bioclimatic+ Perspectives
RETREAT THEME: Bio-Inspired Teaching, Learning, and Practice
Despite the evolution of human – nature relationships and the long trajectory of “designing with nature,” from the earliest indigenous and vernacular dwellings to emerging high and low-technological innovations, the recent challenges of the global pandemic and climate crisis shine a light on the importance for humans to redouble their efforts to understand the interconnectedness of all life and the fragility of our beloved planet. How might we clarify, frame and/or reframe the “foundation and essential principles” of bio-inspired design (biophilic, biomimetic, bioclimatic, etc.) and their intersections with building science education and sustainable and regenerative design theories, strategies, processes, and methods for the benefit of humans, other species, and the planet?
The 2022 SBSE Retreat proposes a forum to share the best practices of bio-inspired design as well as an opportunity to find common ground in developing shared teaching and learning resources, definitions, case studies, methods, strategies, and practice. What frameworks might SBSE develop to elevate and integrate bio-inspired design approaches in our individual areas of teaching, learning, research and/or practice in response to the pressing issues of our day? As Beatrice Ungard from the Regenesis Group suggests, what if we consider how bio-inspired perspectives might shift from focusing on “fixing things that have degenerated,” to focus on what “new possibilities or ways of doing things that don’t exist now, but could in the future”?
Biophilic, biomimetic, and/or bioclimatic+ perspectives on design education encourage educators, students, and practitioners to investigate their personal relationships with the dynamic conditions of place, including other species, ecosystems, habitat, environmental forces, ecological conditions, and the health and well-being. How might bio-inspired design provide deeper insights into regenerative design intentions and strategies across design issues and scales for all life?
QUESTIONS & PROMPTS: Bio-Inspired Inspiration & Methods for Design Education?
What are the ecological, experiential, and atmospheric opportunities of biophilic, biomimetic, and/or bioclimatic+ perspectives to enhance design education & practice to meet today’s challenges and opportunities? What are the promise and distinctions between these design theories and strategies? How might bio-inspired approaches expand, inspire, and inform the design goals, methods, and strategies for architectural design education and practice?
● How do bio-inspired design approaches intersect with building science?
● Why do bio-inspired approaches to design education and practice matter in today’s global context?
● What are the potential ecological, experiential, and design benefits given current challenges and opportunities?
● What are the best practices for bio-inspired design education, research, and practice?
● What are the education, research, and/or practice gaps?