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<\/a>The cover of Terrapin Bright Green’s excellent publication on Biophilia<\/p><\/div>\n
hosted by Urban Green Council in NYC. The evening included some networking, basics on biophilic design as defined by Terrapin Bright Green in their \u201c14 Patterns of Biophilia\u201d publication, and case studies of some gorgeous buildings that included aspects of nature, references of nature or spaces eliciting the scope of nature.<\/p>\n
Some of the presentation included defining a few of the \u201cbio\u201d terms in modern design work. I will lay these out for you below, as it is important as background info and inspiring to see how often we are not only allowing nature to inform us (finally) but how often we seek those connections actively to inform our work as architects, engineers, product designer and business owners.<\/p>\n
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Quick summaries of some of the individual \u201cbio\u201d disciplines:<\/p>\n
<\/a>Burrs bring us Velcro.<\/p><\/div>\n
Biomimicry<\/strong> – using our innovative spirit to mimic nature’s<\/p>\n successes.\u00a0 This means doing things such as adding nubs on wind turbine blades to ease passage through air and reduce drag, just like the nubs on a whale’s fin. Understanding that burrs stick to things, so, voila: Velcro.\u00a0 These use totally different materials and applications, but involve a transfer of principles.<\/p>\n Bio-remediation<\/strong> – using flora or fauna to solve toxic issues. For example, some flowers will uptake lead from the soil, reducing the lead content in the soil. Oysters are another excellent example and are being farmed specifically in some places to improve water quality and clarity.<\/p>\n Biophilia<\/strong> – referencing nature in several different ways to create connection between humans and nature.<\/p>\n Fiterman Hall at BMCC (a DASNY project) illustrating views, daylight and images of nature.<\/p><\/div>\n There are three categories defined by Terrapin Bright Green: Nature in the Space (plants, animals, water), Nature of the Space (shelter, view, etc.) and Natural Analogues (patterns or visuals reflecting nature). Check out \u201cThe 14 Patterns of Biophilia\u201d available free at Terrapin Bright Green’s website.<\/a>\u00a0The term “biophilia” literally means “love of life or living systems\u201d and was first known in E.O. Wilson’s book, Biophilia, published in 1984<\/p>\n Bio-utilization<\/strong> – using nature\u2019s systems to create\/support higher performing systems. The paramount example is green infrastructure practices, such as vegetative roofs and pervious paving. Here is a link to excellent information on successful Green Infrastructure work in Syracuse.<\/a>\u00a0Created reefs also apply here as they mimic the natural soft barriers that help to mitigate storm surge damage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Terrapin Bright Green used the term \u201cbio-inspired\u201d as an umbrella term for all of these concepts. I\u2019ve been in a mental funk ever since I heard this. I, with absolute respect to TerrapinBG, don\u2019t feel this term has the right connotation to indicate the true power of the bio-realm in design. The term \u201cbio-inspired\u201d means to me that the architecture is being shaped or influenced by the natural references and inputs and inclusion. But I saw in the case studies presented that nature was also being influenced and shaped by the built form. In fact, the inclusion of nature does not only celebrate nature, but manages to elevate the beauty and importance of the<\/p>\n Reused trusses, views, internal courtyard, all celebrating each other.<\/p><\/div>\n construction and architecture, and bring it into more prominent focus. Most basically, they provide frames of view for each other. In a deeper sense, they inform the choices by the intelligent interplay off of their respective existing attributes. It\u2019s like a good cheese together with an appropriate wine \u2013 neither stays the same and both are bolstered by the pairing. Or as in a good marriage – each partner is reflected in the actions and thoughts of the other and even the struggles that shift the balance can reveal strength and beauty in the connection. So we need a term that indicates the symbiotic relationship of the pairing.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been playing with several labels to come to one that may connote these synergies, because I am worried that by using the term bio-inspired we may miss out on the core benefits of including nature in our design process<\/span><\/strong>. In fact, the process itself is better when inspired by natural approaches and allowing organic development of goals. We need to understand the experiential design, the sculptural, illustrative design AND the functional design aspects in weaving nature and built form together if we will excel. Not just bring nature in, but design with<\/span> it. Not just design a building but let the forms inform us as to what natural patterns and approaches will succeed.<\/p>\n Bio-inspired<\/em> feels too one-sided to me. I really like bio-interplay<\/em>, but a couple of serious folks told me this is too light a term and does not reflect the importance of the disciplines included.\u00a0Bio-interdependence <\/em>is probably the closest in definition to what I wish to illuminate, but is unwieldy and pedantic. We also can use bio-connection<\/em> (seems like an on-line match site), bio-fusion<\/em> (maybe to apply to food inspirations?) or bio-informed<\/em>\u2026several of my cohorts have also petitioned that \u201cbio\u201d is overused, but I can\u2019t seem to get past that. Nature or eco or green are all terms that would certainly undersell.<\/p>\n The term that resonates with me is bio-synergy<\/strong>. Synergy means \u201cthe interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.\u201d (dictionary.com) it also means \u201cthe cooperative action or two or more muscles or nerves, or the like\u201d. This is just about perfect to encompass our growing understanding of the interactions between natural and build environments. It goes a long way to clarifying that it is not the overlay of one onto the other, but the awareness and active design with our complete environment that will resonate in our improved health, function, joy, and resource use. Reciprocity is a must.\u00a0Bio-synergistic design practices <\/em><\/strong>include all facets of working with nature, including those listed above. It will also flex and evolve to include more eastern design sensibilities, of which I know little, such as Feng Shui,<\/p>\n Feng Shui compass<\/p><\/div>\n that build upon compass points and water flow to inform occupant health, happiness and future prosperity. We can also include \u201cgrown\u201d building materials as that industry gains ground, like the newest in self-repairing concrete being developed in the Netherlands.\u00a0Here is a recent news piece on this amazing innovation.<\/a>\u00a0We can and must include any design process or result that weaves nature and built forms together for greater mutual success.<\/p>\n What drove me to find this umbrella label, bio-synergy<\/strong>, is my realization that I cannot study just one piece of this incredibly powerful nature-in-design puzzle. I have always been pulled to include earth, air, fire, and water in my life and in the spaces I create. I am fascinated with the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio and the modular man, each mathematically striving to understand nature\u2019s influences.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>