EcoTraining Biomimicry course in Kruger National Park

[Corne Schalkwyk]

The course aims to bring engineers, architects and designers to nature to find solutions to their problems – The possibilities could be endless.A fascinating world awaits participants on the September Biomimicry course in the private Makuleke concession in the Kruger National Park. Learn to use examples in nature to solve problems we face today. The solutions are endless, think of advances in medicine, design and engineering. This short course set you on your way to use nature in your design and solutions.

Who should attend this Biomimicryworkshop?

• Architects, designers, structural engineers
• Existing professional field guides and field guides in training and or Interested parties
• Adventurous spirits looking for a learning holiday with a difference
• Tourists of all ages wanting an understanding of Africa's web of life and to gain a greater appreciation of the inspiring genius of nature

What you will learn

• An introduction to biomimicry
• History, philosophy and ethics of biomimicry
• Examples of biomimetic success stories
• The interface of design and biology
• How to apply biological knowledge to design challenges
• Biological and ecological principles relevant to design
• Sustainability challenges and potential bio-inspired solutions
• Practical application of biomimicry as a design & innovation tool
• How to facilitate biomimetic research & design

 

What you'll do:

• Solve a design challenge by asking "what would nature do here?"
• Practice applying the tools of biomimicry in a real world scenario
• Explore nature's genius through field-based activities
• Learn from(rather than just about) local plants, animals, and ecosystems
• Become acquainted with life's inherently sustainable design principles
• Learn how to translate nature’s genius into innovative sustainable design solutions.

 What you'll take home:

• An understanding of the power of innovation for conservation
• A method for bringing nature's ideas to the design table
• Tools and expert contacts for further explorations
• A whole new way of viewing and valuing the genius that surrounds us

 WHAT IS BIOMIMICRY?

“Bios” means life, “Mimicry” means imitate. Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and then emulating life’s genius to solve human problems and create more sustainable designs. Biomimicry is a branch of science, a problem-solving method, a sustainability ethos, a movement, a stance toward nature, and a new way of viewing and valuing biodiversity. (For a more comprehensive interpretation visit: www.asknature.org/article/view/what_is_biomimicry)

We are very excited about this work and the potential it has to contribute to the immense task we have ahead of us to address sustainability challenges. We believe biomimicry can play a key role in finding solutions. By learning from the organisms that have thrived over time, we’re hoping we can finally settle in as a welcome, essential neighbour with the other species on this planet.

You will open your eyes to a new world of possibilities. Contact EcoTraining for more detailed information on [e-mail] or have a look at our other nature related courses at www.ecotraining.co.za