Video: Introducing Biomimicry 3.8 - Janine Benyus
Biomimicry 3.8 co-founder and visionary Janine Benyus announces exciting changes on the horizon in the world of biomimicry. As Benyus describes, the upcoming changes reflect "..an ecosystem of initiatives" being networked and harnessed to nurture "...a world mentored and empowered by nature's genius."
Biomimicry 3.8 Institute
The Biomimicry 3.8 Institute is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2005 to promote the study and imitation of nature’s remarkably efficient designs, and to bring together teachers, students, scientists, engineers, architects, and innovators who can use natural models to create sustainable technologies. The Institute’s mission is to nurture and grow a global network of people who are learning from, emulating, and conserving life’s genius to create a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Comments
I think biomimicry can be a transformative way to integrate our lives with nature. It seems to be a design philosophy that's gaining a lot of force. I saw an interesting TED talk on the idea: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/michael_pawlyn_using_nature_s_genius_in_architecture.html and STV also linked a video about new design solutions: https://www.sustainabilitytelevision.com/video/tedxeast-bjarke-ingels-hedonistic-sustainability. From these videos my concern is that the innovative draw of biomimicry may cloud the intentions of certain design companies. Finding natural solutions is definitely good, but if we're only doing so to satisfy our consumption desires, is that sustainable?
I'm not sure what kinds of technology Biomimicry 3.8 is focused on developing, but I think we need to be careful to not let biomimicry develop into another tool under our belt that we use as a means to appropriate nature.