About this Event
In-Person Two-Part Class:
Saturday, March 12, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Sunday, March 13, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
There is little doubt that the future of our planet will necessitate tapping into the most cutting edge emerging technologies. But perhaps even more crucial is the need for the next generation of technological innovation to solidify its long-term strategic partnership with a stakeholder that has in recent history, been largely ignored: nature.
We’ll need cooperative efforts that minimize harmful impacts on the environment, and to develop new innovations that leverage nature’s time-tested strategies for how we actually build technologies and products. Estimates suggest that biologically-inspired innovation will grow to $425B by 2030.* By integrating nature’s 3.8 billion years of R&D into our portfolio, and investing in systems, processes, materials, and products that truly embed fundamental principles of efficiency, adaptivity, optimization, resiliency and regeneration, we can rethink how we design and build our future and catalyze new models to transform the way we live.
You’ll discover the power of nature’s genius and how principles found in nature can be used to solve the most pressing challenges of our time. Learn how to think, design, and innovate like nature does, and unearth 3.8 billion years of Earth’s evolutionary intelligence.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
- what biomimicry is all about and how it relates to various industries.
- the biomimicry design process.
- how to approach problems through the lens of natural principles.
- how to start doing biomimicry research and resources you can use.
- how to brainstorm, draw, and evaluate biological strategies and design ideas aimed at solving climate-related challenges.
*Bioinspiration: An Economic Progress Report
This class is planned to be in person but could change to virtual as we monitor COVID-19 cases.
COVID-19 Safety Notice: In accordance with NYC regulations, participants age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination (we recommend using the Excelsior Pass). This is a socially-distanced event. Masks are required to be worn for the duration of the event. If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend. You can find a list of symptoms and a self-checker tool on the CDC website. Upon entry, guests are required to fill out our COVID-19 health screening form, and show a vaccination card. Given the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the pandemic, please note that terms of this event are subject to change, and we will update you ASAP.
*Please note that due to changing city regulations we will no longer be accepting a negative test for entry, vaccinations are required.*
Meet the Instructor
Jacob Russo’s (he/ him) work focuses on integrative design strategies for sustainable architecture, biologically-inspired innovation, urban agriculture, and green infrastructure, with an emphasis on computational design and advanced digital fabrication methods. Jacob strives to collaborate on innovative, multidisciplinary projects that venture to define the future of urban development—including novel construction practices; biophilic, healthy and inclusive communities; circular economy; hyperlocal food, water, and energy systems; as well as storm preparedness and urban resiliency.
Jacob is also the Co-Founder and Team Leader at NexLoop. NexLoop designs modular biomimetic products and systems to collect and integrate on-site atmospheric water sources into sustainable and affordable urban food production. NexLoop was awarded the 2017 Ray C. Anderson Foundation Ray of Hope Prize in the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge.
You can find him via LinkedIn, personal website, NexLoop website, and Instagram @nexloop.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Genspace, 132 32nd Street, Brooklyn, United States
USD 105.00 to USD 210.00
