Biomimicry & The Future of Cities

ABOUT

An informal evening of presentations and talks for people interested in the practice of Biomimicry. An opportunity to network and learn about a recently completed local "Learning Journey" in Cape Town as well as the concept of "Cities as a Forest" from an internationally respected Biomimicry Specialist Architect.

Speakers:

Sam Chevalier & Devon Concar: Eyeshigher Home - Looking at Nature’s Genius (Cape Town, SA)

A presentation on the outcomes of a Biomimicry Learning Journey, conducted in Cape Town. A Learning Journey that was mentored by Claire Janisch, Founder of Biomimicry South Africa, with the focal point being the design of a small home on the slopes of a mountainside residential property in Muizenberg. Aims of the project are to incorporate, where feasible, "Life's Principles" as described by the inspirational practice of Biomimicry.

Chris Garvin: Cities as a Forest (New York, USA)

"City as a Forest" aims to reconstruct the relationship between the ecosystem and the city in a mutually beneficial manner that supports all life. This is a regenerative approach to building design and community development. The goals of this effort are to connect people to natural systems, align local ecosystems with larger regional systems, and integrate comprehensive ecosystem impacts into planning and decision-making. Using this holistic approach, we can solve challenging urban problems while strengthening the connection between the built environment and nature.

Chris Garvin is an accomplished architect and sustainable design expert in NYC. After over a decade working as a sustainable architect, he co-founded Terrapin Bright Green, a strategic sustainability consulting firm dedicated to the rapid transformation of our built environment to create a healthy and sustainable world in 2006. During that time, Chris developed and executed a five-year Biomimicry innovation program with the State of NY to support innovation in SMEs. Furthermore, he has worked with Google and Interface to integrate bio-inspired ecological metrics into the design and operations of their facilities. Chris served as the managing partner and project lead for many of Terrapin’s engagements until departing in 2017. Currently, he is focusing his efforts on ecologically-driven solutions to reverse climate change and improve the health and resiliency in communities.

Tickets:

R60 entrance (Includes vegetarian snacks and a glass wine/beer/soft drink on arrival)

Cash bar available

DIRECTIONS