So far most of our lectures have been presentation based, so today it was quite refreshing to have a more of workshop type class. Each group was given different systems under which to summarise, their design principles, ours being Bio-mimcry. There was quite a lot of overlap, and I think at some point I will write all the principles down and attempt to 'cloud' them. Bio-mimicry was a whole different kettle of fish though – rather than have many design principles it more follows a thought process by which we can take systems or characteristics present in nature and recreate them (sustainably of course!) and integrate them with our lifestyles, materials or perhaps even thought systems. I’m quite tempted to visit the Bioneers Convention later in the year in Amsterdam – especially following the video presentation that we had. The speaker made the great point that nature has been R & D'ing for the last 3.8 Billions years!
Of all the pre-course reading I have done, industrial ecology was definitely on my radar of topics to look forward to. I really like the principle of how one man's waste is another man's raw material, and how you could apply this to industrial parks, or even regions as a whole. I do have some misgivings about the risk involved should one supplier of raw material go bust, and the potential for a domino effect for other companies reliant on that, but financial protections could be put in place and these risk are also prevalient in the current system. Daniel (our lecturer) is a great source of material, and it will probably take months for me to sift through all the recommendations of source material he made.
For the last part of the day we convened at one of the sanctuary buildings, and had a period of reflection on our time here so far, what we have learned and what relationships we have built up. As a Scotsman it can be difficult sometimes to engage in this way, but I did find the session really helpful and it was clear to see the benefits it gave to everyone, including the lecturers who have put such a lot of work in to make this programme happen. Seeing everyone open up what they previously had held back really brought our group together. I really have found the learning through the physical aspect of being here really helpful, it is a bit of shame to have to take this back and return to the books and essay assessment.
Of all the pre-course reading I have done, industrial ecology was definitely on my radar of topics to look forward to. I really like the principle of how one man's waste is another man's raw material, and how you could apply this to industrial parks, or even regions as a whole. I do have some misgivings about the risk involved should one supplier of raw material go bust, and the potential for a domino effect for other companies reliant on that, but financial protections could be put in place and these risk are also prevalient in the current system. Daniel (our lecturer) is a great source of material, and it will probably take months for me to sift through all the recommendations of source material he made.
For the last part of the day we convened at one of the sanctuary buildings, and had a period of reflection on our time here so far, what we have learned and what relationships we have built up. As a Scotsman it can be difficult sometimes to engage in this way, but I did find the session really helpful and it was clear to see the benefits it gave to everyone, including the lecturers who have put such a lot of work in to make this programme happen. Seeing everyone open up what they previously had held back really brought our group together. I really have found the learning through the physical aspect of being here really helpful, it is a bit of shame to have to take this back and return to the books and essay assessment.
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