17 videos tagged biomimicry
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Ashok Khosla
What changes does society need?
Ashok Khosla thinks that the main areas for positive change concern technology, production systems and democracy. Technology could mimic and work with nature more than it has. This…
Recorded: 13 May 2007
C.S. Kiang
What is the future of design?
In the context of climate change and on-going resource depletion, Kiang briefly discusses design solutions like biomimicry. In his words, we need to re-think, re-design and re-engineer.…
Recorded: 13 May 2007
Bruce Sterling
What is the design manifesto ‘Shaping things’ about?
Bruce Sterling discusses his design manifesto, ‘Shaping Things,’ which he penned while teaching design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. In…
Recorded: 16 May 2006
Herbert Girardet
Can cities ever be sustainable?
Herbert Girardet discusses the practical and achievable ways in which cities can reduce their energy consumption. If the will is there, the means are available and have been proven.…
Recorded: 12 May 2006
Karl-Henrik Robèrt
What are the Natural Step’s key principles for sustainability?
Karl-Henrik Robèrt talks in greater detail about the key principles that underpin The Natural Step’s strategic framework for sustainability. In order to understand what sustainability…
Recorded: 21 April 2006
Sim Van der Ryn
What is the cutting edge of ecological design?
Architect Sim Van de Ryn describes what he believes to be the leading edge of contemporary design. He talks about biomimicry, which uses the way nature works as a basis for design.…
Recorded: 19 October 2005
Janine Benyus
What is biomimicry?
Janine Benyus describes how biomimicry works, pointing to its origins in early human history. She explains how and why western industrial nations are only now rediscovering the…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
Janine Benyus
What can designers learn from the natural world? (part 1)
Janine Benyus gives examples of how designers have used biomimicry to create more environmentally benign products. The German paint manufacturer, Sto, studied the surface of a Lotus…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
Janine Benyus
What can designers learn from the natural world? (part 2)
Janine Benyus looks at how biomimicry has enabled engineers to develop innovative, resource-efficient materials. In stark contrast to the typical “heat, beat and treat”…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
Janine Benyus
What can designers learn from the natural world? (part 3)
Janine Benyus gives more examples of innovations that have been inspired by nature. Pax Scientific, a US technology company, has developed…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
John Todd
How should we deal with sewage? (part 1)
John Todd believes the top-down, command-and-control approach to solving design problems, as characterized by the 20th century, is outmoded. The 21st century, by contrast, will…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
Janine Benyus
What can industry learn from nature?
Janine Benyus talks about how mature ecosystems like rainforests have inspired a number of industrial eco-parks. These are co-locations of companies that distribute waste and raw…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
John Todd
how should we deal with sewage? (part 2)
In addressing design issues from an ecological stand point, all manner of existing energy problems can be solved. With regards to sewage treatment, large-scale treatment facilities…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
Janine Benyus
What can designers learn from biologists? (part 1)
Janine Benyus talks about her current efforts to bring more biologists to the design table. She believes there is a vast wealth of knowledge in fields such as biology, zoology and…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
Janine Benyus
what can designers learn from biologists? (part 2)
In this second part of a two-part series, Janine Benyus discusses the pressing need to educate engineers, designers and even biologists in the field of functional biology. Nature…
Recorded: 16 October 2005
David Orr
What is ecoliteracy?
Professor Orr describes eco-literacy as being the capacity to understand nature’s systems. He explains why it is important to foster greater eco-literacy, especially amongst…
Recorded: 4 June 2005
Ray Anderson
How can business help the environment? (Part 2)
Ray Anderson describes how his company’s efforts to achieve sustainability have enhanced profitability. Costs are down and a new zero-emission carpet, created though biomimicry…
Recorded: 5 May 2005
