Weekly Architecture Fix, Vol. 12 | Biomimicry
We’re still here for you, even while social distancing
Greetings!
We’ve so enjoyed exploring various topics in architecture with you through these weekly emails. Behind the scenes, we’ve been developing new programming, which we’re excited to present to you soon. Thus, this will be our final Weekly Architecture Fix communication.
We’re concluding with a feature on Biomimicry, which many consider to be the future of design. Autodesk defines biomimicry in architecture as “the practice of designing buildings that simulate or co-opt processes that occur in nature.” There’s much to explore on this topic – we hope you enjoy the selection.
Warm regards,
DAF Team
Denver Architecture Foundation Resources:
- An uplifting podcast titled City of Opportunity.
- Download DAF’s complete Architectural Awareness Activities Workbook.
- Audio Tours teaser: Enjoy this overview of the Denver Civic Center Historic District.
- Ongoing: Take in the stunning photographs from our 2019 Y/OUR Denver Photo Exhibit, in partnership with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. Read the accompanying Denver Post article by Ray Rinaldi – “One of Denver’s best photo exhibitions right now is totally free — and you can see it in your PJs” and share/discuss with friends and family!
Feature: Biomimicry – Resources from the world wide web
“Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature. In a society accustomed to dominating or ‘improving’ nature, this respectful imitation is a radically new approach, a revolution really. Unlike the Industrial Revolution, the Biomimicry Revolution introduces an era based not on what we can extract from nature, but on what we can learn from her.” – Janine Benyus
Watch…
- Biomimicry short documentary
- The Promise of Biomimicry short documentary
- TED Talks:
- “Design at the intersection of technology and biology“ by Neri Oxman
- “Using nature’s genius in architecture“ by Michael Pawlyn
- “Building the Seed Cathedral“ by Thomas Heatherwick
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Listen…
- From 99% Invisible, “The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps.”
- From The Hive, “Biomimicry, Resilience & Economies of the Future”
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Read…
- Biomimicry in Architecture by Michael Pawlyn
- Material Ecology by Neri Oxman
- Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine Benyus
- Biomimicry articles from Dezeen
- Biomimicry articles from ArchDaily
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For Kids…
- Wild Buildings and Bridges: Architecture Inspired by Nature by Etta Kaner
- Sharing Biomimicry with Young People: An Orientation for K-12 Teachers from the Biomimicry Institute
Community Resources
From our cultural colleagues:
- Juneteenth Virtual Music Festival, plus watch 9News’ “The history of the Juneteenth celebration in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood”
- Virtual Denver Pride, plus read The New York Times‘ “How the Pride March Made History”
More timely resources:
- From designboom, “shigeru ban, kengo kuma, jean nouvel + renzo piano sign manifesto for a cultural revival” and “apple and google adjust maps & AI assistants in support of black lives matter”
- From ArchDaily, “Public Spaces: Places of Protest, Expression and Social Engagement”
- From The Architect’s Newspaper, “Un-making ARCHITECTURE: An anti-racist architecture manifesto”
- From ARCHITECT, “AIA Expresses Commitment to Ending Racial Injustice and Violence”
- From Dezeen, “Architects and designers create Google Docs spreadsheet listing black-owned studios”
- American Masters podcast: Author and activist DeRay Mckesson
Image curtesy of University of Stuttgart
