The Biomimicry Institute Newsletter September 2009

First Biomimicry Affiliate Institutions

Committed to integrating biomimicry into the classroom

"We're ready to sign!" exclaimed Raúl de Villafranca, professor of architecture from Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA) in Mexico City. UIA and Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD; Toronto) were the first two academic institutions to officially join The Biomimicry Institute's newly launched Biomimicry Affiliate Program (BAP); we anticipate the third school, Arizona State University to join later this month.

Read more about the Biomimicry Associate Program

Locally Attuned Biomimics

Biomimicry groups form in Bay Area, NE Ohio, and Toronto

A swarm? A pod? A gaggle? What would you call a group of biomimicry users and enthusiasts? Recently groups in several regions decided to locally attune in order to engage with others interested in biomimicry. Currently, groups are active in Bay Area, NE Ohio, and Toronto.

Bay Area

Jennifer Wood, a bio-medical engineer, was so energized by what she learned at one of our workshops in Costa Rica, she returned home to the San Francisco Bay area eager to find other birds of our biomimicry feather. With help from Institute staff member Diana Lee, also from the Bay Area, Jennifer graciously hosted the first "Bay Area Swarm" of ten Biomimicry Institute alumni at her home. 

NE Ohio

"The Northeast Ohio Biomimicry Action Network is a growing network of regional business and organizational leaders from all sectors of the economy interested in putting biomimicry to work at every design table."
http://biomimicryneo.ning.com/
http://www.e4s.org/content/biomimicry_network.asp

Toronto

"A hub for the Biomimicry community in Toronto and beyond."
http://biomimicryto.ning.com/

Your Neighborhood?

Organizing a biomimicry swarm in your area could provide new opportunities for collaboration, inspiration and networking. If you form a regional group on AskNature.org, Ning.com, or elsewhere, please tell us about it!

Biomimicry and Design Mexico Style

Workshop in Mexico City rigorous and inspiring

This past July, Iberoamericana University in Mexico City sponsored its third annual Biomimicry and Design Workshop. Raúl de Villafranca, architect and professor at Iberoamericana, coordinated the event and hosted the participants at his rustic camp on the bank of the Bobos River.

While learning the principles and processes of biomimicry, participants explored the local coastal mangrove forest, cloud forest, rainforest, rivers and desert. Inspired by agave, marram grass, baleen whales, cells, mangroves, honeybees, yucca, and bromeliads, participants designed urban and rural blocks for the region as their final project.

Accompanied by a mariachi band, participants received their diplomas and celebrated their success.

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