ALL JUST RUBBISH? - ETH Sustainability

17
ETH SUSTAINABILITY - ALL JUST RUBBISH?
Biomimicry
Workshop and Lectures
Thursday, June 30. All Day.
The main learning outcomes will be an overall
understanding of biomimicry and how it is distinct from
other biology-based design approaches, a detailed
understanding of ecosystems-thinking and how this can
be applied to designing systems that approach zero waste.
We will discuss the overlaps between biomimicry and
Cradle to Cradle and what this implies for materials used in
design. Also covered will be the understanding of how to
integrate a range of biomimetic approaches on one project.
We will start with an introduction to biomimicry followed
by questions and answers. Then, we will have a detailed
talk about designing out waste by applying ecosystems
thinking. Afterwards, we will role-play an ecosystem
thinking group game. Finally, we will talk about new
developments in biomimicry materials and have a look at
integrated biomimicry – The Sahara Forest Project
(saharaforestproject.com).
Further Reading*
[24] Hawken, Lovins and Lovins, „Natural Capitalism“, 1994.
[25] J. Benyus, „Biomimicry – Innovation Inspired by Nature“,
TED Talk 2005; „Sustainability in 7“, Core77 2011.
[26] D. MacKay, „Sustainable Energy - Without the hot air“,
UIT Cambridge Ltd, 2009.
[27] R. Allen, „Bulletproof Feathers“, Chicago U. Press, 2010.
* available online: bit.ly/S3read
Michael Pawlyn
Director
Exploration Architecture, London, UK.
The Sahara Forest Project
Michael Pawlyn set up Exploration Architecture in 2007 to
focus on biomimicry – an emerging discipline offering
innovative architectural solutions inspired by nature. From
1997 to 2007 he worked with Grimshaw and was part of
the core team that designed the Eden Project. In 2009 he
opposed renowned environmental sceptic, Bjorn Lomborg,
and more recently delivered a TED talk. He has taught at
the Bartlett, AA, and at Schumacher College. His areas of
interest include innovative structures and processes
inspired by nature, industrial ecology and biomimetic
technologies with near-to-mid-term applicability. He is
currently working on the ambitious ‘Sahara Forest Project’
and an RIBA book titled ‘Biomimicry in Architecture.’