Inspire Innovation: Become a Beta Tester

Introduction to the Practice of Biomimicry
Foundations of Biomimicry: First Course in a Series of Three Now Available in Beta

Biomimicry 3.8 Professional Pathways is excited to announce the Beta Release of our first online course in the Foundations of Biomimicry series, Introduction to the Practice of Biomimicry.

We're currently beta testing Introduction to the Practice of Biomimicry, which means we’re looking for any glitches, bugs, and opportunities to enhance the course before releasing it to the general public. The first 100 people to become beta testers can take the course at a 50% discount (a $74 value) in exchange for completing a feedback survey at the conclusion of the course.

Beta testing closes November 3, 2011


Reposted courtesy professional pathways and biomimicry3.8.

Biomimicry Pecha Kucha

Amy and Lindsay presented an introduction to biomimicry, Pecha Kucha style, at the Ryerson Woods on October 13th.  Since the slides aren't really visible in this format, I've uploaded them here.  Enjoy!

Foresight Green Drinks: New Solutions - Designing From Nature's Innovations

The Biomimicry Chicago core group will be presenting a Biomimicry: Designing from Nature's Innovations panel at the next Foresight Greendrinks in Chicago.  Come learn more about biomimicry applied locally and hear about our vision for a naturally inspired Chicago.

Wednesday, November 16th at 5:30.

Jefferson Tap & Grille.

325 N Jefferson St, 2nd Floor.  Chicago, IL 60661

Click here to register.

Biomimicry, the practice of learning from nature to solve human design problems, is emerging as a powerful tool for creating more sustainable solutions. Applied at a variety of scales, from individual products to buildings to organizations, biomimcry brings nature's 3.8 billion years of innovation experience to the design table.

This month's panel examines this quickly evolving practice, reviewing what it is, how it is being applied, the tangible advancements it has already produced, and the powerful potential for the future. Of specific interest to designers, architects, entrepreneurs, biologists, and related others, the conversation will be wide ranging and inspiring to anyone with a concern for a more vibrant and resilient future. Come learn more about this exciting field, and the new emerging network, Biomimicry Chicago.

Biomimicry at Pecha Kucha in Ryerson Woods

Lindsay and Amy will be speaking at a Pecha Kucha at the Ryerson Woods next Thursday, October 13th at 7:30pm.  Come learn about biomimicry in this fast-paced forum - 20 slides x 20 seconds each!  Press release after the cut:

Biomimicry 3.8 Unveiled!

Biomimicry at Pecha Kucha

Amy and Lindsay will be showcasing biomimicry at Pecha Kucha in Ryerson Woods on October 13th, 2011.  Japanese for "chit chat", Pecha Kucha is event for designers to meet, network and show their work in public.   This event features ten young designers and their work in the areas of sustainable design.  Come learn about biomimicry and other interesting topics at the next Pecha Kucha!  Visit their site for more information.

How will we design our future, sustainably?

At the next Greendrinks Naperville, Biomimicry Chicago emerging network leader Amy Coffman Phillips describes her journey to learn from nature to inspire sustainable design.  This introduction to biomimicry will inspire those that attend to learn from nature to design more sustainable products, buildings, and systems.  

How can a solar cell be inspired by a leaf?

How can a spider web help protect birds from windows?  

Come find out at the next Greendrinks Naperville and join the discussion!

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011.  7pm

Sugar Toad at the Hotel Arista

2139 City Gate Lane, Naperville, IL

Biomimicry Student Design Challenge

The Biomimicry Institute is excited to announce the next Biomimicry Student Design Challenge.  Available to students worldwide, and with prizes thanks to funding from the Merck Family Fund, students are challenged to form interdisciplinary teams and design a solution that results in more efficient energy utilization and ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Challenge's website is still under construction, but check it out, pre-register, and check back often for new posted information and resources.

Source: asknature.org

Biomimicry Regional Specialist Certificate 2012 - Apply Now!

The Biomimicry Regional Specialist (BSpecialty) Certificate is an eight-month training program for individuals who want to catalyze their biomimicry expertise as it applies to their field and who are interested in forming locally attuned biomimicry networks.  Cohorts are now forming in Western and Eastern North America as well as Europe - apply here!

Let's get a critical mass going here in Chicago!

BioLink: Four Futuristic Technologies Inspired By Sharks

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

As we come across particularly interesting Biomimicry related articles, we will post links to spread knowledge in our local region.  This article by @TreeHugger talks about four technologies that were inspired by sharks and while we don't have any sharks in the Midwest, they have quite a bit to teach us. 

• Paint That Creates More Efficient Windmills, Airplanes and Ships
• Shark-Inspired "Skin" for Cars to Improve MPG
• Shark Skin-Inspired Material Stops Bacterial Breakouts
• Basking Shark Inspires Improved Hydropower Turbine

Also, please check out the twitter feed to the right and follow @amycoffman for real time updates about local biomimicry!   

New Biomimicry Learning Opportunities!

Biomimicry Chicago is excited to pass on incredible learning opportunities offered by the Professional Pathways of the Biomimicry Group:


2012 Biomimicry Specialty Certificate Program Application Opens August 16
The Biomimicry Specialty certificate program is an eight-month biomimicry training program designed to equip individuals with the biomimicry core values, methodology, tools, and resources. Graduates of the program add value to their work to simultaneously drive sustainability and innovation with this unique biomimicry skill set.  Learn more about the program and pre-apply here!


Intro to the Practice of Biomimicry Launches Online September 2011
The first course of a three-part, highly interactive online series on the Foundations of Biomimicry will be released September 2011. The course, Intro to the Practice of Biomimicry, is the most accessible and in-depth introduction to the world of biomimicry. Here's a sneak peek of what will be available this September...

Find the Latest Updates and Photos on the Pro Pathways Facebook Page
Join the growing Facebook community for news and events from the Biomimicry Professional Pathways, including the latest and greatest from the emerging biomimicry networks from around the world.  Check out their page here and give them a 'Like'!

For more information, contact Erin Leitch, Director of Professional Pathways for the Biomimicry Group.  (406) 543-4108 Ext. 209.  Biomimicry_Professional_Pathways@mail.vresp.com

Links and Learning

Check out our new "Learn More" tab for continually updated resources to learn more about biomimicry as well as our "BioLinks" tab to connect with biomimicry networks worldwide.  Welcome to the network!

2011 Biomimicry Education Summit - Cleveland, Ohio - June 27-29

Looking to learn more about teaching Biomimicry?  Then check out the 2011 Biomimicry Education Summit in Cleveland! We're excited to announce a special opportunity for educators and professionals interested in biomimicry education. The Biomimicry Institute's 5th annual Biomimicry Education Summit: Next Generation Education will be held in Cleveland, Ohio from June 27-29. The Biomimicry Institute is offering a special discounted price of $250 for educators (regularly $400) and $400 for professionals (regularly $550) for people affiliated with Biomimicry Chicago. Email us for the promo code! Internationally renowned green chemistry expert, John Warner, will keynote the Summit. Take a look online to see the stellar line-up of panelists who will address all aspects of biomimicry education, from K-12 and informal education (museums, zoos, etc.) to university education and the need for biomimicry-trained professionals in the workforce. You will have the chance to display materials from your biomimicry classes and exhibits, and find information on inspiring success stories from members of BiomimicryNEO (Northeast Ohio), another regional biomimicry alliance. You can also network with members of BiomimicryNEO at an evening event on Tuesday, June 26. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to learn from your peers and help shape the future of biomimicry education! Register today.

Getting started...

Biomimicry Chicago, when fully formed, will create a regional network of biomimics - learning from nature, cross-pollinating innovative ideas, inspiring locally attuned design, and accelerating the path to a more sustainable Chicago.

  
Please contact us with any questions.


Lindsay James                                                                             

Director of Sustainability                                                  

InterfaceFLOR                                   

Lindsay@biomimicrychicago.com       

(312) 402-5887                                                  


Amy Coffman Phillips     
Architect & Sustainability Consultant     
Liquid Triangle Sustainability Consulting
amy@biomimicrychicago.com
(312) 523-5955