Biomimicry Institute - Home. The Biomimicry 3.8 Institute is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the study and imitation of nature’s remarkably efficient designs, bringing together scientists, engineers, architects and innovators of all ages who can use those models to create sustainable technologies. The Institute was founded in 2006 by science writer and consultant Janine Benyus in response to overwhelming interest in the subject following the publication of her book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. See Janine’s TED Talk video for her groundbreaking introduction to biomimicry. Today, the Biomimicry 3.8 Institute focuses on three areas: Developing our online database of nature’s solutions, AskNature.org.Hosting our annual, international Biomimicry Student Design Challenge.Growing our Global Network of regional biomimicry practitioners. See examples of biomimicry in action! Meet executive director Beth Rattner, our staff, and the Institute board.
Green Energy "Oasis" to Bloom in the Desert? A renewable-energy "oasis" slated to be built in 2010 may serve as a proving ground for new technologies designed to bring green living to the desert.
The planned research center is part of the Sahara Forest Project—but that doesn't mean it'll be built in Africa. Sahara means "desert" in Arabic, and the center is meant to be a small-scale version of massive green complexes that project managers hope to build in deserts around the globe. (See pictures of the planned Sahara Forest Project reseach center.) Experts are now examining arid sites in Australia, the U.S., the Middle East, and Africa that could support the test facility.
"The Sahara Forest Project is a holistic approach for creation of local jobs, food, water, and energy, utilizing relatively simple solutions mimicking design and principles from nature," said Frederic Hauge, founder and president of the Norwegian environmental nonprofit the Bellona Foundation. (Related: "Africa-wide 'Great Green Wall' to Halt Sahara's Spread? ") The Jerusalem Seminar in Architecture. Michael Pawlyn Michael Pawlyn set up Exploration in 2007 to focus on environmentally sustainable architecture inspired by nature. From 1997 to 2007 he worked with Grimshaw Architects and was instrumental in the design development of the Eden Project.
He was responsible for leading the design of the Biomes and proposals for a third major climatic enclosure. He initiated and developed the Grimshaw environmental management system resulting, in December 2000, in the company becoming the first firm of European architects to achieve certification to ISO14001. He has lectured widely on the subject of sustainable design in the UK and abroad and in May 2005 delivered a talk at the Royal Society of Arts with Ray Anderson, CEO of Interface. The presentation will describe three strands of biomimicry: architecture inspired by natural forms, natural systems and natural processes.
Download Presentation – PDF Format Workshop. Exploration Architecture - Environment. Sahara Forest Project - Home. Jordan Signs Up for Epic ‘Sahara Forest Project’ Jordan will be the location of the Sahara Forest Project which uses solar power to create clean water and electricity for agriculture Whilst deserts can be the harshest and most inhabitable places in earth, they are also the perfect locations for new-fangled green technologies such as solar power.
For example, Jordan has recently announced its support for the large-scale Sahara Forest Project which brings together solar power and desalination of seawater to provide sustainable energy and agricultural solutions in desert regions. The project aims to create carbon neutral energy, fresh water and food, contribute to forestation and all in the midst of desert lands. The project’s ability to alleviate food and water shortages is no doubt an important aspect, especially if the recent food riots that hit the region are anything to go by. The development site is a 200,000 square metre plot although a further 2 million square metres has been secured for future expansions. BCI-biomimicry - About us.