Nature Works / / biophilia, biomimicry, bioculture

n a t u re w o r k s biophilia, biomimicry, bioculture R andall | Ely | Fara | Gilliam | Medellin

n a t u re w o r k s biophilia, biomimicry, bioculture R andall | Ely | Fara | Gilliam | Medellin

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.

Psalm 96:11-12

contents Introduction | Robin R. Randall, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

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Guest Voices

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Foreword | Christine Chaney

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1 | Memory | Joseph Fara

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The emerging chasm between humanity and nature is proving to be more detrimental than previously understood. Evidence and research illustrate our bond with nature is critical to cognitive and memory enrichment.

2 | Faith | Jacleine Ely

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Faith enhances Bioculture. Bioculture enhances Faith.

3 | Protection | Season Gilliam

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We cannot forget the importance of our natural world and we must pursue its right in our everyday life. Society is in dire need to make behavioral changes to save and protect our natural environment.

4 | life | Oscar Medellin, LEED AP BD+C

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The biophilia hypothesis, biomimicry, and the resulting “bio� culture together, offer no service to the architect, much less to an architect who may hold a Christian-worldview.

Closing Remarks

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introduction Prayer: “Lord of all nature, help us to be the change YOU wish to see in the world.”

ARC600 – Topics in Architecture – Biophilia, Biomimicry and Bioculture At Judson University School of Art, Design & Architecture, we explore the church at work in higher education.

We reflect on our relationship with nature and the world around us to celebrate God’s creation and practice stewardship.

The following book is an outcome of our Spring 2015 classwork. Our aspirations are to share new thoughts and interpretations about these immerging fields of study through a Christian worldview.

Course Description: This course investigates sustainable design through the experiential lens of Biophilia, Biomimicry and Bioculture.

Students will gain an understanding of how biological and ecological research can inform design processes and effect the way we interpret the definition of sustainability. Students will be exposed

to regional, national and international practices pushing the boundaries of research and application in art, design, and architecture. This course will enhance student’s knowledge, research skills, critical thinking and sense of discovery.

Students will develop communication skills, both verbal and written, participate in investigative experiments to test theories, and produce a final project relative to their subject of study.

What is our purpose on Earth? How will we use our skills and God-given talents?

Serving as good stewards of our earth, we try to walk in Christ’s footsteps resting lightly on the Earth. God’s truth is written in all living things. Faith is the tool we use to translate his word.

As architecture students we are aware that we reside in this first intentional biophilic age (Living Future Institute).

Humans are no longer automatically exposed to nature in their everyday lives. This exposure to nature must

be designed into the environments we create in order for the benefits of nature to be actualized. Can Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture create that secure bond to nature? We explore that connection in four distinct ways, by four distinct authors.

We protect only what we cherish, both love and value. Do we value our own home enough to save it for the next generation and beyond? How can we fall in love with God’s creation enough to spark environmental responsibility?

This class searches for a way to speak and write about sustainability in a way that will resonate and motivate humanity to love nature and therefore care for our planet.

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3 Biophilia as ‘the innate tendency [in human beings] to focus on life and lifelike process. To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hopes rise on its currents.’ Edward O. Wilson, 1984 Biophilia is an instinctive and therapeutic bond between human beings and other natural living systems.

Terrapin Bright Green, 2012 Biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. Janine Benyus, 1997 Biomimicry asks the question - how has nature evolved to solve this problem?

Amy Coffman Philips, 2012 Bioculture is the merging of Biophilia and Biomimicry into our everyday lives through architecture, art, design and media. How humans integrate their relationship to nature into their words and actions.

Bioculture is a word used as the intersection of science and technology with nature, we link it to the arts translating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to ESTEAM (adding environment and art).

Through the readings of Biophilia, by E. O. Wilson, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, by Janine Benyus, and The Nature Principle, by Richard Louv, students reflected on the influence of the author’s text on their own individual perspectives.

The emerging chasm between humanity and nature is proving to be more detrimental than previously understood. Evidence and research illustrate our bond with nature is critical to cognitive and memory enrichment.

Memory – nature is therapeutic – we need it, it makes us better.

Author: Joseph Fara Faith enhances Bioculture. Bioculture enhances Faith.

Faith – belief that God created nature and humans need nature to thrive – task to care for creation.

Author: Jacleine Ely

We cannot forget the importance of our natural world and we must pursue its right in our everyday life. Society is in dire need to make behavioral changes to save and protect our natural environment.

Protection – for our survival and the planet’s Author: Season Gilliam The biophilia hypothesis, biomimicry, and the resulting “bio” culture together, offer no service to the architect, much less to an architect who may hold a Christian-worldview.

Life – Question everything Author: Oscar Medellin, LEED AP BD+C We will strive to live up to the directive found in Ephesians 4: 1-3, “Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

- Robin R. Randall, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

What if every single human action helped to care for our world and all living creatures?

Please help us write the next chapter . . .

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guest voices January 15, 2015 Catie Ryan Terrapin Bright Green New York City, NY

Catie is a senior project manager at Terrapin Bright Green. Since joining Terrapin’s staff in 2008, she has been responsible for developing green guidelines, recommendations, manuals and reports on environmental sustainability and human health in the built environment. In this capacity Catie has developed Biophilic Design metrics for Google’s Owner Project Requirements and global Project Guide and was a co-author of “The Economics of Biophilia” (2012), a seminal piece on the direction of the industry and business case for designing with nature in mind. She was also the principal author of a stateof-the-industry environmental report “The Promise of Algae Biofuels” for the Natural Resources Defense Council. As a policy paper, the report identified the core environmental benefits and concerns associated with the nation’s production and refining of algaebased transportation fuels, and made recommendations to policy makers and industry leaders for developing an environmentally sustainable biofuels industry.

January 22, 2015 Peter Lippman EIW Architects Perth, Australia

Peter C. Lippman is an Associate Director at EIW Architects in Perth, Australia. He has dedicated his professional career to researching, programming, planning, and designing learning environments.

Peter has worked internationally as an Educational Planner extending ideas about what learning environments are, today, and what the next generation learning spaces will be.

Peter’s presentation examined systems theory and spatial design in relationship to biophilia. The goal of this presentation was to offer a balanced perspective that recognizes the importance of creating learning environments that integrate the attributes of biophilia within and outside the physical parameters of the learning environment.

January 29, 2015 Christine Chaney Christine Chaney Creative Seattle, WA

Born and raised at the conflux of cornfields and woodlands in the practical midwest, then trained in architecture at Ball State University, Christine is deeply interested in making meaningful experiences for others. Mediums to date have been architecture, art, book and apparel design. Even if the other being only inhabits her designs for the length of an art viewing or the time it takes them to try on a garment or to have a lovely dinner, Christine wants you to feel at “home” while you are there, inspired and engaged. Christine also finds a deep resource for inspiration in nature’s structures and patterns, colors and textures, habits and processes.

February 5, 2015 Amy Coffman Phillips Biomimcry Chicago Chicago, IL

Amy Coffman Phillips is the founder of The B-Collaborative, an education and design consultancy, serving to catalyze and facilitate exciting, nature-based projects. She co-developed a Naturally Resilient Workshop for businesses looking to integrate biological resilience strategies into their strategic planning, and is facilitating the development AskPlace Chicago. Amy is a licensed architect, LEED BD+C, MBA and CoFounder of Biomimicry Chicago.

Amy presented a vision of a city that is authentic to its roots, both manmade and ecological. Drawing on work from biomimics around the world, she conceived of and is working to bring to fruition a “Prairie Project” that discovers the “genius of our place,” deep knowledge about the organisms and ecosystems that share our unique place in the world, and translates this information through biomimicry to make it accessible to designers, business owners, and policy makers. The result of this project, when realized, will be businesses, buildings, communities, and cities that are naturally sustainable, inherently resilient, and in tune with the context in which we live.

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February 12, 2015 Loren Johnson Legat Architects Chicago, IL

Loren Johnson is a graduate of Judson University’s Masters in Architecture program where he developed his thesis entitled “Architectural Mutualism: Ecosystem Dynamics and Architectural Theory.” Through practice and research, Loren continues to examine how ecosystem dynamics form models for how human structures may develop mutually beneficial interactions with native organisms. As an associate at Legat Architects, Loren is instrumental in implementing sustainable strategies and integrating educational environments that teach environmental stewardship. Loren shared with the Arc600 class a collection of systems thinking applications to enhance biophilic and biomimic design.

March 19, 2015 Jason McLennan Living Futures Institute Portland, OR

Considered one of the most influential individuals in the green building movement today and the recipient of the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Prize, Jason F. McLennan’s work has made a pivotal impact on the shape and direction of green building in the United States and Canada and he is a much sought after presenter and consultant on a wide variety of green building and sustainability topics around the world. McLennan serves as the CEO of the International Living Future Institute – a leading NGO that focuses on the transformation to a world that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.

An Ashoka Fellow, Jason is the founder and creator of the Living Building Challenge, widely considered the world’s most progressive and stringent green building program. He is the author of five books; The Philosophy of Sustainable Design, The Dumb Architect’s Guide to Glazing Selection, The Ecological Engineer, Zugunruhe and Transformational Thought.

April 2, 2015 Richard Louv Children & Nature Network Los Angeles, CA

Richard Louv is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network. Offering a new vision of the future in which our lives are as immersed in nature as they a in technology, he calls on us to better our lives by celebrating and protecting the living world. A journalist and the author of eight books, including Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, he coined the term“nature-deficit disorder” to describe an unwanted side-effect of our electronic age. The recipient of both the prestigious Audubon Medal and the Chicago Zoological Society’s George B. Rabb Conservation Medal, he serves on several national boards, including ecoAmerica and the editorial board of Ecopsychology. The former columnist for The San Diego UnionTribune and Parents magazine remarks that he would rather hike than write.

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foreword “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.”

-Albert Einstein

I was blessed with a childhood full of outdoor play along undeveloped river corridors and vast woodlands in rural Indiana. There were hours spent in the woods. Days alone riding my bike from small town to small town along the tow path of the Erie Canal; a childhood with limited TV, limited technology. We watched wild flowers in the woods close upon sunset as fireflies lit the sky. In this area of Indiana due to disconnected industrial farming, there are no longer fireflies.

Prior to the industrial revolution most people had intimate daily experiences in nature. Connection was necessary or your crops would fail. Your chickens wouldn’t lay eggs. Your herds would die.

Homes and villages were made from the materials found nearby. Local food was the ONLY option. Consumption was of necessity not a sport.

Mechanization of work and the subsequent flight from an agricultural

way of life has untethered us from natural processes. This disconnect allows a disrespect that destroys. But within recent years recognition of our part in the environmental crisis has awaken a new-found respect. An attempt to rectify the break is being made through new cross-disciplinary studies. Terms do matter when our linguistics directly reflect a need.

Biophilia, biomimicry, biometrics are studies bringing new life to our part to play in stewarding our planet to a healthier future.

The gift of my childhood gave me an innate respect and love for nature, even a desire to be it’s advocate. This does not inform my design practice.

It IS my design practice and way of life. To remain dogmatically tied to our RECENT past of disconnection will be the ruin of human kind on God’s (once) green earth. The time is now to awaken to a new connectedness, to a connectedness once known through

travail, now re-known not only through necessity, but also as a celebration of the gift that can be a natural, balanced world.

- Christine Chaney

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Memory

Memory + Nature J o s e p h Fa r a

The emerging chasm between humanity and nature is proving to be more detrimental than previously understood.

Evidence and research illustrate our bond with nature is critical to cognitive and memory enrichment.

1|1 Remembering Nature Memory + Biophilia What is Biophilia?

Have you ever wondered why so many people enjoy being outdoors, why they hike, fish, camp, or even own a pet? To many individuals the feeling of being outdoors and interacting with nature provides a sense of euphoria and a connection to something that may not be readily understood.

Biophilia is the inherent bond that humanity has for its natural environment. People have an affinity for all things living, whether it be plants or animals. Literature suggests that we have this affinity because of our historical contact with nature and our connection to creation (Wilson, 1984). E.O. Wilson (1996), author, biologist, as well as one of the greatest contributors to the biophilic movement, proposes our contact with nature shapes our brains. He also conjectures that our brains are pre-equipped for a specific view, one that would “persist from generation to generation, atrophied and fitfully manifested in the artificial new environments into which technology has catapulted humanity� (Wilson, 1996, p.165). He explains that we have been gradually separating

from nature as technology advances; however, our natural affinity for the environment remains, even though it is under-appreciated (Wilson, 1996).

Essentially, we need to reconnect with the earth in order to regain all of the benefits our surroundings have to offer.

Why is it important?

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The importance of human contact and an understanding of the world’s natural systems are directly linked to our physical, social, and emotional health as well as cognitive function.

Biophilic research has shown that human health and productivity can be influenced by the natural environment.

Journalist, Richard Louv (2011), believes that scientific research is at the fore front of discerning the relationship between time spent outdoors and mental insight. Recent research suggests that a significant number of individuals show an enhancement in intelligence when they are exposed to the living world (Louv, 2011). It is believed that there are two reasons for this occurrence: one, our senses are tuned from direct contact with nature; two, nature

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tends to enhance attention, creativity, and clear thinking (Louv, 2011). The implications are leading as they can be utilized in education, business, and our built environment.

Types of contact (Louv, 2011) 1. Direct - Personal and physical experience of self-sustaining natural processes - Walking or running in a natural setting - Cross-country skiing - Mountain biking 2. Indirect - Interactions that include human intervention - Gardening - Landscaping - Playing fetch with a pet 3. Symbolic - Experiences without direct physical contact - Biomimetic and Biophilic forms in buildings - Paintings or photos of landscapes - Watching a nature program How we experience nature There are three distinct types of contact in which an individual can connect with natural systems: direct, indirect, and symbolic. For example, strolling through a park or camping in the mountains are forms of direct contact; whereas, watering a potted plant, or gazing at an aquarium describe forms of indirect contact.

The third form, symbolic, includes

patterns in fabric, photos of nature, or television programs featuring images of the natural environment, amongst many others (Kellert, 2005).

Although, symbolic forms of contact have been shown to be less effective than direct and indirect contact, they are important nonetheless.

No matter how one connects with the natural systems that inhabit our Earth, it is important to recognize that continued positive exposure enhances one’s overall health and wellbeing.

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Moreover, a picturesque and healthy ecosystem produces positive effects towards a person’s physical and mental state; whereas, a lack of natural exposure or being surrounded by an unkempt or degraded setting produces negative effects (Kellert, 2005). It has also been shown that certain aspects of nature have greater effects on the brain than others. For instance, trees and shrubs have a greater degree of “naturalness” in comparison to a mowed lawn (Selhub & Logan, 2012). In other words, the higher degree of “naturalness” causes a greater positive effect, which in turn, influences cognitive performance at a higher level.

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Types of systems There are many types of natural systems that people interact with on a daily basis. Some are quite obvious while others may be less so. We can interact with natural systems, such as atmosphere, animals, plants, and seasons. We can also interact with simulated systems like, daylighting,

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Examples of natural systems (Browning, Ryan, & Clancy, 2014) Climate + Weather Precipitation Animal behaviors Pollination Diurnal Patterns Night Sky Seasonal patterns Simulated systems Daylighting systems Wildlife habitats Natural materials Human bonds to systems - (Peter Lipmann) Microsystem - the immediate surroundings of the individual. These contexts include the person’s family, peers, school, and neighborhood.

Macrosystem - the culture in which individuals live. Culture meaning the ways of people. Cultural contexts would include socioeconomic status, poverty, and ethnicity.

Mesosystem - the relations between the different microsystems or connections between contexts (primary and secondary groups) Exosystem - the connection between a social setting in which the individual does not have an active role and the individual’s immediate context.

Chronosystem - the patterning of environmental events and transitions over the life of an individual, as well as socio-historical circumstances.

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1|2 Enrichment Can nature strengthen Memory?

Why are certain events memorable than others?

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What triggers us to remember some things and forget others? Do we choose to remember certain proceedings over others? Or, is it the magnitude of the experience that prescribes us a better recollection of our past? It seems that the most memorable events take place at extreme moments within a human’s life. One can remember more vividly incredible times of joy, such as the birth of a child or an exemplary feat over the normal everyday occurrence. In some studies, people have reported that forests are the ideal landscape to cultivate “transcendent experiences;” they are the unforgettable moments of extreme happiness, and those that are perceived as very important to the individual (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p.12).

Similarly, traumatic occasions that affect our livelihood, such as a car accident, or a time of conflict also remain within our memories.

Therefore, it seems that we cannot simply choose to remember certain occasions and forget others, but it is those that utilize the full potential of our brains that fully enmesh

themselves into our minds.

Additionally, we also store memories that do not fall into either of these two categories; memories that do not entail episodic limits. I argue that memories during these times, where we were not experiencing intense emotion, were supplemented by the senses. If we are to believe that multi-sensory exposure promotes a better memory, then what better environment than that of nature?

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Does nature improve memory?

The performance of an adult’s memory has the possibility of being disturbed by higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and by lowlevels of pro-inflammatory immune chemicals (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p. 63). Nature reduces the amount of cortisol and inflammation in our brains which subsequently improves both verbal and nonverbal memory.

Case study According to the article published in Psychological Sciences, “At the University of Michigan, researchers demonstrated that participants’ memory performance, and attention spans improved by 20 percent after 11

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“Nature has certain mechanism to record all memories of every life being.�

-Toba Beta

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just an hour of interacting with nature” (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).

Nature + the senses When we are outdoors, all of our senses are being used at a greater scale than anywhere else, and when our brains are exercised our memories are strengthened.

However, when we are indoors, we are more confined and fewer senses are necessary to identify one’s existence in time.

When immersed into a natural environment, it is inherently essential for someone to locate themselves and use their tools to familiarize with the location. It is a more extensive task than when an individual is confined to a smaller, indoor space, but people can perform the more difficult task effortlessly when surrounded by a natural environment due to involuntary attention and calmness. For instance, there is a lot more activity to visualize and at a much greater expanse. We are using our brains effortlessly at a higher capacity which seems to create a greater imprint within our mind.

Likewise, we are also required to utilize all of our other senses.

The need to hear is greatly increased because of the sheer number of sounds that surround someone at any given moment. In order to identify these sounds, we need to separate them, connect them back to our experience and what we know, all the while keeping a sense of calm and relaxation. Adversely,

environmental “clatter,” such as traffic, sirens, and others promote stress and anxiety because we notice and process nature-based sounds in dissimilar ways than with urban sounds (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p.96).

According to an extensive array of studies, our sense of smell is most strongly linked to our memories.

The natural environment provides us with a much wider range of smells than we can experience indoors. A link between the environment and olfactory-provoking chemicals has been proven to stabilize mental attitude and incite “effortless attention” (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p.

76).

Similarly, we can feel a warm breeze, a snowflake, or excessively cold when we are outdoors. Having conditioned air indoors, reduces that link of feeling in one extreme way or another, and when something is familiar to us, we do not need to use as much of our brain to identify it.

Also, light produced naturally from our environment produces a positive interaction with the lightsensitive cells in the retina where it can promote “sleep, alertness, mood, and cognitive performance” (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p. 83).

“Scientists have discovered that nature can stimulate the senses by way of specific variables, including plant-derived aromatic chemicals, natural light and colors, various sounds, and negatively charged molecules called negative ions.”

(Selhub & Logan, 2012, p.75)

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1|3 Your Brain Remembers Time tested Humanity has been researching the effects of nature on the human mind as far back as the early Romans (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

It is a necessary topic that shows time and time again (through experimentation) that exposure to the natural environment indeed enhances a person’s cognitive function. Activities as simple as walking in forests, inhabiting rooms with adequate daylighting, and living near water promote mental health.

What is memory?

A memory must involve two things.

First, some sort of information needs to be processed within the brain and stored. Secondly, that information needs to be retrieved.

There are four major themes to consider when relating memory to brain function: connection, cognition, compartmentalization, and consolidation. Connection refers to the circuitry of the brain and how the specific parts communicate with one another to develop memory. Cognition refers to the

process in which memories come to be (from a psychological level) and the stimuli that provoke them.

Compartmentalization involves the localization of memory within the brain and the specific areas that store memories. The final theme, consolidation, pertains to the study of memory retention and how certain memories become permanent (Eichenbaum, 2012).

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Scientists conclude that there are two general categories of memory systems: declarative (explicit) and non-declarative (implicit).

A declarative memory involves facts and events; whereas, a nondeclarative memory includes skills, habits, priming, and learning.

“Declarative memory is knowing what and non-declarative memory is knowing how’” (Byrne, 2015).

Alzheimer’s + Dementia An essential goal for this subject is to prove that cognitive function can be maintained and strengthened throughout the aging process. If regular natural exposure assists in the slowing or removal of certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms

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“Biology gives you a brain.

Life turns it into a mind.�

- Jeffrey Eugenides

of dementia, we may be able to find additional links and patterns that can expose their causes.

A Purdue University nursing study showed that when patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease were exposed to brightly colored fish in aquariums, their eating habits and behavior improved (Gaidos, 1999).

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Another study showed that when similar patients were allowed to garden at various times and spend time outdoors they had better interaction skills, wandered less, and showed a reduction in agitation (Louv, 2011).

A 2006 study in Australia that involved 2,805 men and women found that daily gardening reduced

the risk of developing dementia by 36 percent (Simons, Simons, McCallum, Friedlander, 2006).

Case Studies Roger Ulrich, M.D. used an electroencephalograph (EEG) apparatus to measure brain activity while his study participants viewed scenes of nature. He and his team

discovered a direct relationship between natural scenes and higher alpha wave activity which results in an increased level of serotonin production.

Serotonin works as a neurotransmitter which is responsible for balance of mood (Ulrich et al., 1991).

California researchers used an fMRI to show that natural views positively

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This area is rich in opioid receptors that have a direct connection to the brain’s dopamine levels (Selhub & Logan, 2012). Therefore, viewing nature can potentially trigger feelings of wellness, happiness, and promote the motivation required for positive behavior.

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Korean researchers also used an fMRI machine to see the difference that an urban scene has on the brain versus a natural scene. They discovered that urban scenes activated the amygdala and anterior temporal pole. The amygdala is known to become active in response to danger. If the amygdala evolves into an overactive state, the mind tends to emphasize negative memories and experiences

over positive ones. Natural exposure can reduce the activity of the amygdala, thus bringing one’s mind back to a balanced state (Kim et al., 2010).

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1|4 The Disconnect Nature is losing its appeal. To many, it is not exciting enough and might even be considered boring. Nature is having a hard time attracting humanity over technology and its offering of instant gratification through information and connectivity. A study by the Academy of Sciences has shown that nature-based recreation has decreased by 50 percent in the last four decade (Cordell, 2008).

The technological separation Initially thought, technology was supposed to make life easier and allow more free time for all of humanity. Unfortunately, the opposite is true as we are more likely to be stressed out, anxious, distracted, depressed, and less likely to embrace our natural environment.

“A 1965 Time Magazine cover story told us that, “In time the computer will allow man to return to the Hellenic concept of leisure, in which the Greeks had time to cultivate their minds and improve their environment, while slaves did all the labor. The slaves, in modern Hellenism, would be the computer (Time, 1965).”

In fact, many of us have become

“slaves” to our screens whether we succumb to the television, cell phone, tablet, or computer. Our attention to our screens consumes most of our time and energy. Even when we are not using some device, it is a rarity that our leisure time is just that, leisure. The problem is that technology has blurred the line between work and home as we can be accessed at anytime, anywhere. We can work from home, check e-mails on the train, and take business calls in the car. We are constantly “connected,” and therefore, constantly available. Some of us even check our e-mails on vacation...which is supposed to be a time of leisure.

“If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.” - Lyndon Johnson, 1964 The agricultural separation Very rarely does an individual or family cultivate their own produce.

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25 gardens are diminishing. It is too easy and too commonplace to simply get all we need from the local grocer.

The removal of this direct interaction with the soil, the seeds, and the plants, has assisted in our perpetual disconnection from the earth.

The internet

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The internet is without a doubt a valuable resource, but total immersion in the digital world is reducing our ability to pay attention and think clearly (Selhub & Logan, 2012). Creativity and imagination are also waning. We no longer pursue natural information or seek out our own understanding, instead we “Google” our way to the answer. The myriad of information and stimulus that comes with the internet is keeping us in our seats with our eyes glued to a screen, and taking us away from the outdoors.

Effects of the disconnect Nature is losing its appeal to the modern world. The flashiness and instant gratification that comes with technological advances seems to be overtaking the peaceful, calming experience of nature. Unfortunately, fewer people still desire an outdoor adventure.

There is a direct correlation between our “screen culture” and the modern stress epidemic. Likewise, modern society is witnessing higher levels of mental health disorders, childhood learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, sleep deprivation, intelligence declines, as well as

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an overall reduction in happiness (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Numerous studies report that developed nations have reported a decline in IQ levels beginning in the late 1990s, or the dawn of digital mania (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Furthermore, the discovery of directed attention fatigue has been recognized as an outcome of our modern, fast-paced world.

It is a symptom of over stimulus and constant attention grabbing mechanisms, which reduce the mind’s ability to focus on the task at hand and prohibit unnecessary distractions. This inability causes the mind to be over-worked, overstressed, and fatigued. It is important to note that natural exposure does not promote mental fatigue. Mental fatigue and distraction work against an individual’s ability to remember, especially the task they are focusing on.

When an individual becomes mentally fatigued, their bodies reciprocate. Exercise is usually foregone because they are too tired to do so (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Mental fatigue can also lead to more dramatic symptoms and diseases such as anxiety, depression, and other health problems (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Memory, attention, executive control, and information processing are known to be deficient in people with those same symptoms (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

1|5 The reconnect Attention Restoration Theory Dr. Stephen Kaplan’s (1995) attention restoration theory (ART) is a resultant of the initial cognitive-nature theory that was created as a possible remedy to the discovery of directed attention fatigue from modern living.

His theory suggests that nature enhances cognitive restoration from the chaotic daily life of our modern world. Dr. Kaplan (1995) outlines four components to his restoration theory (p. 173).

4 components of a restorative environment: 1. Being away Described as a form of getting away from one’s current environment, it does not necessarily have to be physical removal, but can simply involve an altering of one’s view or closing the eyes an imaging a natural scene.

2. Fascination People are inherently fascinated by the natural world be it insects, plants, or water. The ART version of fascination deals with a “soft”

pretext like watching a sunset. The act attributes to a sense of cognitive refreshment.

3. Extent The extent component involves viewing scenes with broader scopesof-view. The outside world contains a myriad of examples, such as a flower grove, a vast prairie, or an oceanscape. The depth of the scene can enhance relaxation and intrigue.

4. Compatibility Compatibility rests its backing on the notion that people leave satisfied after exposure to a natural setting. We feel fulfilled because our attention and expectations are met with little effort from the user.

Kaplan’s work suggests that exposure to nature produces both a calming effect on the participant and focuses the mind. The mind becomes free to detect patterns effortlessly and subsequently relax.

ART theory tested In 2008, a group of researchers prompted mental fatigue in their

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Following testing, the participants were separated into two groups. One group took a walk in a natural setting and the other through a city street.

Then, they asked the participants to take an additional exam. The group that took the nature walk showed a significant increase in performance in comparison to their counterparts (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).

In a variation of the same study, the research suggested that simply viewing photographs of nature prior to testing improved executive attention which plays a pivotal role in our short-term memories (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).

Reconnecting

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Even after all of the stressors and hyperactivity of the modern world, many studies have shown that exposure to the natural environment reduces stress, improves mental clarity, attention, and cognitive function, including memory. For instance, an exercise as simple as taking a walk outside can help maintain mental acuity.

Other methods of re-connection: - Shinrin-yoku - A Japanese concept which literally means “forest air bathing.” It involves walking through a forest while taking in the environment with all of the senses (Shirin-yoku).

- Keeping a plant in your office or home can improve attentiveness.

Oils derived from nature can help

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you stay alert or settle down from stress (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

- Exercising outdoors has been proven to be more beneficial to the body and mind than in a gym (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

- Owning a pet (dog or cat) can reduce stress.

- Gardening - “Off-the-grid” excursions - Horticulture and wilderness therapy Amy Coffman Phillips Amy Coffman Phillips presented the importance of preserving nature and how we can educate ourselves through re-connection. She believes that in order to create better living environments especially within our cities, we need to “reconnect with our roots.” Being from the Midwest, it is vital to our ecosystem that we maintain our prairies because of their resiliency and their ability to clean the environment. She emphasizes the human relationship with nature and how we can reconnect. Through a project called “The Prairie Project,” people can reconnect, re-learn, and rethink what it is to understand the genius of nature. By actively engaging in guided prairie walks, people have the opportunity to educate themselves and connect back to their environments. Utilizing the tools of biomimicry, which have evolved over millions of years, we can use our natural habitats as precedence to better sustain our own lifestyles.

1|6 Learn Memory + Education How we learn

Multi-sensory learning

The current educational system promotes information transfer which focuses solely on the shortterm memory. Students absorb information, take a test, and let it go.

To promote long-term memory we require “full connection” (Louv, 2011).

When truly present in nature, we use all of our senses concurrently, and this is an optimal state for learning.

“An eleven-year-old girl who has made a deep connection with a horse can tell you an extraordinary amount of information about horses, and she won’t even know where it’s coming from. She’ll be able to tell you this information through animated, engaging storytelling. I always remind people that if we do nature connection effectively, the information will come along for the ride” (Louv, 2011, p. 32). - Jon Young The educational connection The natural world can assist with our understanding of perceived connections, as well as fine-tune our knowledge. Students that have been allowed to garden have shown improvements in learning behavior and their overall attitudes toward school.

Spatial design Landscape architect, Dr. Rodney H. Matsuoka, studied 101 public high-schools in southeastern Michigan and found that there is a direct correlation between nature exposure and student performance.

When greener designs are utilized for schools, attention and learning are greatly improved, and student absenteeism is reduced (2010).

Natural light and views play a vital role in a student’s ability to learn.

“A Canadian study showed that greening school grounds not only improved academic performance of students; it also lowered exposure to toxins and increased teachers’ enthusiasm for being teachers” (Louv, 2011, p. 29).

Nature-deficit disorder Nature-deficit disorder, as described in Richard Louv’s (2011), “Last Child in the Woods,” is the growing disconnect that children are

experiencing with their natural environment. Circuitry and screens are overtaking our youth’s intrigue.

The gap is threatening the future of humanity in its health, economy, spirit, awareness, and stewardship (p. 2).

Personal Experience My childhood and teen education spanned the latter half of the 1980’s through the early 2000’s. Most of my classrooms had very few windows, if any at all, creating a dungeon-like environment. Consequently, this was not an environment conducive to positive mood. Recess was the most important part of the day for me because I was able to experience the outdoors. Unfortunately, early thinking encouraged classrooms to have very few windows, thinking this would ensure student safety as well as minimize distraction. As a student, I had a feeling of imprisonment that was only enhanced by the lack of natural exposure. I cannot be certain whether this lack of exposure impaired my learning at all, but I do know it made for a lot of my agitation while in school. While never being diagnosed (like many of my peers) with ADD or ADHD, it certainly was difficult to pay attention in such a bleak environment.

The intelligence disconnect Society continually looks for other methods to improve cognitive function and enhancement of a person’s intelligence. We have turned to pharmaceuticals and promoted a boom in the “pill-popping” solution. Many people take “natural” supplements to promote mental 30

health, such as ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, as well as a myriad of others. Similarly, neuro-enhancers, such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil are taken by many college and high-school students, as well as businessmen even though they were never approved for that purpose.

“On some campuses, one quarter of the students have reported using the drugs, according to Stix” (Louv, 2011, p.26).

We rarely look to our natural environment for assistance, even though the evidence is there to prove its benefits towards the mind.

Green classrooms “Forest schools” have become popular due to their effectiveness in the promotion of learning. There are various types of these schools that range from those that send their students outside for a couple hours a week to those that do not have a building at all (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Peter Lippman Peter Lippman presented his thoughts on a biophilic approach towards educational reform.

Through evidence-based design, he believes that “education is experience through environment.”

Classrooms and other learning environments need to have views to the outside world. They need to be connected to the environment, and create a place that encourages exploration. He promotes that spatial design requires multi-functionality to enhance multi-sensory learning.

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1|7 Connect Communal Connection Utopic aspirations

Christine Chaney

“You almost never find one person being connected to nature and the whole community not being connected to nature,” he says. “There are cultural practices that get the whole community involved in what amounts to ‘nature-connection practice” (Louv, 2011, p.31).

- Jon Young

Christine Chaney presented to us her novel approach towards sustainable living. She lives in a community that proudly promotes their netzero lifestyles. She uses nature as an inspiration for her work and finds that it provides a sense of understanding to both the visual aesthetic and the process. Simplicity is key for her endeavors because it is biomimetic in that “nature never overcomplicates.” Nature has also taught her patience and acceptance, as well as connection. Her architectural designs are minimalist in nature and utilize biophilic and biomimetic approaches. Her re-connection with nature allows her to understand its importance and that we need to be “doctors and tenders of the Earth.”

There are and always have been groups of environmentally savvy individuals that find one another with similar values to create their own habitats. Breaking from the average over-consuming attitudes towards modern living, they develop sustainable lifestyles. These utopias are formed all over the globe, and they are reconnecting with nature (as all should) in holistic ways.

Many utopias emphasize regeneration. They recycle products, reuse others, and use only what is necessary. They show that humans do not need to live lavishly with an abundance of properties, and happiness can be achieved without gluttony.

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1|8 My mind Personal memory Loss Personal experiences with memory loss My brain throughout life My efforts throughout life have sometimes been reckless and without regard to my brain. As a result, there are three specific situations where I have experienced brain trauma. I have been diagnosed with three mild concussions and have sustained other various head injuries through the likes of sports and other activities. My decisions and experiences have proven to have an effect on my memory which I can attest to, is prohibitive.

The premise of this paper is to promote the cognitive benefits of nature, and I am an ideal candidate.

My own memory has a series of gaps and blanks. A significant portion of my memory is unattainable while other portions can only be sparked by outer influences, such as another’s recollection or some other memory stimulus.

I also consider myself to be an “outdoorsy” person. I enjoy what the world has to offer and outdoor exploration provides me with much

personal intrigue. Throughout my life, I have repeatedly gone camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, biking, and many other outdoor activities. If I could, I would spend all my hours outside.

The most vivid memories I can recall, and even those that take place within the gaps, typically occur in a natural setting. I can specifically recall the smell, taste, feel, and sounds of very specific periods that involve being immersed in nature. More often than not, these memories are times of complete immersion and do not take place in a man-made setting, such as on mowed lawn. I believe that there is a direct relationship between my most vivid memories and the natural environment. I am writing on this topic because I believe we are working around the obvious. Our memories are vital to our being, and everyone should understand that we have readily available resources to enhance them.

Loren Johnson In response to a lecture we were given

by Loren Johnson, who explained how our world functions as a system and how this system’s thinking is

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They function with precise inputs and outputs, work interdependently, and experience entropy. There is also a hierarchy within our brains, and we need to be able to understand each and every part’s function, responsibility, and purpose in order to realize its full potential. It is more important to understand how we can maintain its function and even enhance our memory capacity.

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1|9 Design Memory + Architecture Biophilic architecture Any form of architectural design can include biophilia promoting techniques. Strategies as simple as proper daylighting, abundant exterior views, and the use of natural products can make a world of difference for a building’s inhabitants.

Additionally, water features, natural planting, and even floral prints can be included in any design.

Frederick Law Olmsted + Landscape Architecture The famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, focused his career on the development of many of the heralded urban parks and college campuses in the United States. His influence was pivotal to urban environments we see today. As cities turned into concrete wastelands, it was he amongst others that recognized the many benefits that nature could offer for humanity’s mental health (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Olmsted wrote in a report on Yosemite National Park, “If we analyze the operation of scenes of beauty upon the mind, and

consider the intimate relation of the mind upon the nervous system and the whole physical economy...the reinvigoration which results from such scenes is readily comprehended” (Selhub & Logan, 2012, p. 5).

Multi-sensory architecture In order for architecture to mimic the benefits of the natural environment on a person’s cognitive function, it must first stimulate as many of the user’s senses as possible. However, one must be precise and take great care when attempting to do so as there are adverse effects that overstimulation can cause, such as distraction and confusion. Therefore, in order to best stimulate the senses, a design needs to stimulate effortlessly and unobtrusively. To mimic nature, the space must allow a user to maintain a relaxed mind while utilizing all of their senses.

Memory enhancing architecture A design that allows a user to effortlessly use the entirety of their brain while experiencing the space will create a deeper imprint in their memory.

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35 Architectural response Windows Proper daylighting has an abundance of positive benefits for both sustainability and the health and well-being of a building’s occupants.

Windows provide views to the outside world which has been shown to be therapeutic to the users both physically and mentally. Additionally, windows let in natural daylight which enhance vision, comfort, and provide the occupants with essential vitamins, like vitamin D. For instance, a building devoid of windows has been proven to increase a person’s anxiety and promote depression.

Plants Natural and artificial planting can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve cognitive performance, and increase levels of happiness (Browning et al., 2014).

Water Water features and photographs of water produce a calming effect for a building’s users. The presence of water has been documented to decrease an individual’s stress levels, lower heart rates, improve concentration and memory retention, and promote positive attitudes (Browning et al., 2014).

Materials The use of natural materials in any design scheme enhances the biophilic response of a space’s

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inhabitants. Materials such as wood, stone, floral printed patterns, as well as art depicting natural scenes can be used to connect the interior world with the exterior environment that we respond to in a positive way.

In fact, a team of Japanese researchers have discovered the ideal percentage of wood to be used on floors and walls in an interior space. They believe that 30 to 40 percent of the surface area promotes the highest level of relaxation and stress reduction (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

1|10 Conclusion The ultimate goal for future research and experimentation in this subject is to provide concrete evidence that time spent immersed in nature enhances our cognitive function and memory retention. The benefits have the promise to be reaped in both the mental and physical aspects of our lives, and when the remedy is so simple and available, the act is simply a “no-brainer�.

promote a sense of effortless understanding that when reinforced can help our minds regenerate the possibilities in all circumstances. As we have moved further and further away from creation, we inhibit our abilities. The need for humans to reconnect with nature is pivotal, and if we can remember to do so, we will be rewarded.

Summary Our memories are a fragile aspect to our cognitive function. We acquire them, we store them, and we recall them. We can easily lose these memories, so it is vital for us to maintain them since they represent our entire being. Memories remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we’ve learned along the way.

Research and evidence suggest that there is a distinct connection between our bipohilic tendencies and our ability to remember. It is because of our affinity towards nature that we are relaxed at times of natural exposure, which allows our brains to exercise themselves and magnify their potential. They

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author Joseph fara South Elgin, IL I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in sustainable architecture at Judson University. I also received my bachelor’s degree from the very same. Prior to my Judson career, I attended the College of DuPage where I received an associate’s degree in architectural design. I have also been working for a small residential and light commercial architectural firm for almost thirteen years.

I’ve grown up living in the western suburbs of Chicago for all of my life. I have been lucky enough to live near large forest preserves and fields.

Through my childhood experiences, I have grown accustomed to the outdoor lifestyle. Yes, I grew up with video games and television, but I always enjoyed being outside. I played outdoor sports, traversed the nearby quarry, and built rope swings across the brook. The smell, the feel, and the sounds continue to draw me to the natural environment. My parents and sister were allergic to fur, so we could not own a large “family animal” like a dog or cat. This did not stop my attraction to the animal life, and I don’t think there was a single month that went by for 20 years that I did not have some sort of pet.

I took this class at Judson University because I love nature. It pains me to see it disappear and to see it fall away from humanity’s intrigue. As stated in my chapter, nature has left an indelible mark on me and I want to return the favor.

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What are we without memory?

Memory is everything we were, it is all we are, and it is how we got here.

It teaches us perpetually where to go and what to love. It informs us of our experiences and the times we’ve had. It is our knowledge, and it is our wisdom. We have memories of joy and memories of sorrow. We can feel the skin of a loved one, the breeze of an ocean, and we can laugh because of them. Memories are fragile. It is important to keep them.

I ask you...Can we exist in their absence?

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References Text Benyus, J. (1997). Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. New York: Morrow.

Berman, M., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Psychological Science, 1207-1212. Retrieved March 24, 2015, from http://pss.sagepub.com/content/19/12/1207.abstract Browning, B., Ryan, C., & Clancy, J. (2014, January 1). 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design - Terrapin Bright Green.

Retrieved March 25, 2015, from http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/14-patterns/ Byrne, J. (n.d.). Learning and Memory (Section 4, Chapter 7). Retrieved March 25, 2015, from http://neuroscience. uth.tmc.edu/s4/chapter07.html Cordell, H. (2008). The Latest on Trends in Nature-Based Outdoor Recreation. National Academy of Sciences.

Retrieved from http://www.foresthistory.org/publications/FHT/FHTSpring2008/Cordell.pdf Eichenbaum, H. (2012). The cognitive neuroscience of memory: An introduction (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Gaidos, S. (1999). Aquariums may pacify Alzheimer’s Patients. Purdue News. Retrieved from http://www.purdue. edu/uns/html4ever/1999/990628.Edwards.fish.html Heerwagen, J. (2009). Biophilia, health, and well-being. Restorative Commons: Creating Health and Well-Being Through Urban Landscapes, 38-57. Retrieved from http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/5132 Kandel, E. (2013). Principles of neural science (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Kaplan, S. (1995). The Restorative Benefits Of Nature: Toward An Integrative Framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 169-182.

Kellert, S. (2005). Building for life designing and understanding the human-nature connection. Washington, DC: Island Press.

Kim, G., Jeong, G., Kim, T., Baek, H., Oh, S., Kang, H., ... Song, J. (2010). Functional Neuroanatomy Associated with Natural and Urban Scenic Views in the Human Brain: 3.0T Functional MR Imaging. Korean Journal of Radiology, 507-507. Retrieved March 25, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930158/ Louv, R. (2011). The nature principle: Human restoration and the end of nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, N.C.: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

Matsuoka, R. (2010). Student Performance and High School Landscapes: Examining the Links. Landscape and Urban Planning, 97(4), 273-282.

Milner, B., Squire, L., & Kandel, E. (1998, March 1). Cognitive neuroscience and the study of memory. Retrieved March 25, 2015, from http://whoville.ucsd.edu/PDFs/285_Milner_etal_Neuron1998.pdf Orr, D. (1994). Earth in mind: On education, environment, and the human prospect. Washington, DC: Island Press.

Selhub, E., & Logan, A. (2012). Your brain on nature: The science of nature’s influence on your health, happiness and vitality. Mississauga, Ont.: John Wiley & Sons Canada.

Shinrin Yoku and Forest Medicine research links. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2015, from http://www.shinrin-yoku. org/research.html

Simons, L., Simons, J., McCallum, J., & Friedlander, Y. (2006). Lifestyle factors and risk of dementia: Dubbo Study of the elderly. The Medical Journal of Australia, 184, 68-70. Retrieved from https://www.mja.com.au/ journal/2006/184/2/lifestyle-factors-and-risk-dementia-dubbo-study-elderly Technology: The Cybernated Generation. (1965, April 2). Time.

Ulrich, R., Simons, R., Losito, B., Fiorito, E., Miles, M., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress Recovery During Exposure To Natural And Urban Environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 201-230. Retrieved March 26, 2015, from http://data.psych.udel.edu/rsimons/PSYC467/Ulrich et al, 1991.pdf Wilson, E. (1984). Biophilia. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

Wilson, E. (2002). The future of life. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

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Joseph Fara (beach / anguilla) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/47515486@ n05/14752928920> (Sunrise-on Padarn) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ lorenkerns/14544328432> (hike) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ t3rmin4t0r/7962474612 > (Pofu Camp - Northern Circuit) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/7958754@ n03/9050584913> (Forest near VĹ&#x2122;esina) Joseph Fara (dog /hanover park, illinois) Joseph Fara (flower/saba) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 < https://www.flickr.com/photos/ sbeebe/7790649948/ > (Yvon Chouinard fishing Snake River) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Joseph Fara (skiing/Upper Peninsula, Michigan) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/re_ birf/69485963> (Endless Numbers) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ tesschamakkala/2956927902> (Books of Knowledge) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ foltzwerk/281516702> (In My Head) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/see-throughthe-eye-of-g/8368764205> (Portrait of Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ pagedooley/8665657878> (The organization of memory) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ alyssafilmmaker/4009958897> (Dancing in Memory) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ mindfulness/41858642> (memory leak) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ brizzlebornandbred/9175200216> (TV Shows We Used To Watch ) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ marcelograciolli/2807100863> (No Internet) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from: bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.biokineticspt.com/wp-content/ uploads/2013/06/exercise.jpg> Image retrieved from: bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://mousebreath.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/01/Cat_Dog.jpg> Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ ryantylersmith/14010104872> (old-MIT-classroom) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from: pintrest.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.showiphonewallpapers.com/ iphonewallpaperslist_4331.htm#.VRQpYCjVHfg>

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Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ samnasim/8181132177> (Childhood Memory (Phase-II Silhouette)) Image retrieved from author on march 25, 2015 (ice caves / northern wisconsin) Image retrieved from author on march 25, 2015 (courtyard / florence, italy) Image retrieved from author on march 25, 2015 (holocaust museum / berlin, germany) Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Image retrieved from Flickr website on march 26, 2015 Joseph Fara (plain view/over europe) Joseph Fara (boat tour/ocho rios, jamaica) Joseph Fara (mayan ruins/belize, central america) Joseph Fara (dog walk/south elgin, illinois ) Joseph Fara (lake superior/northern wisconsin) Joseph Fara (camping/stockton, illinois) Joseph Fara (ice caves/northern wisconsin) Image from Cynthia Lou, retreived from: flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 < https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Image from Oleg Shpyrko, retrieved from: flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode>

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Faith

To connect back to nature Jacleine Ely

Faith enhances bioculture.

Bioculture enhances faith.

2|1 View Defining perspectives and Application As Christians, we are called from within this world to serve, just as Jesus Christ was called with a special mission to serve truth to the world.

It is through the redemption of Jesus Christ that provides us restored vision of God’s intention for creation.

As 1 Peter 1:3 states this vision seeks a “living hope” supported by faith. So why do we have faith and believe?

We have it because we have hope in the redemption that Jesus Christ offers us and hope in the Lord’s call upon our lives. God’s work becomes evident through our lives, living not just for ourselves but also as light to all of God’s creation. He can use us to teach others, walk with others, and care more about His creation.

Faith in this discussion is not just through the perspective of religion; however, simultaneously the discussion is about evaluating your lifestyle practices and beliefs. We need to take time to understanding our personal values we place on our day-to-day interactions, activities, living communities, and lifestyle choices. It is with hope we seek a holistic and optimistic vision for ourselves and for the greater good of our communities and environments.

Defining the application of Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture is considering all the ways that biology or nature teaches us through human / nature and biological interactions.

Over time, our world has become increasingly disconnected from nature.

A disconnect that has resulted in a devaluing of nature in our everyday lives. As a method to bridge human connection, back to nature, the practice of Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture proposes to be an educational tool for the sustainable lifestyle practices of people. Replacing our faith in technology back into faith in nature has proven beneficial for many people. To support this, many resources currently available speak on the integration and understanding of these three areas of application.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

- Hebrews 11:1

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“We conduct our life’s work with faith, believing our work has purpose.”

Philippians 1:27 response

How could faith play a role in understanding Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture? This is a concept that many people integrating Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture into their daily lives, will openly speak about.

Each person has provided varying answers that support their views. For this reason, I purpose this question becomes a part of your discussions in regards to Biophilia, Biomimicry,

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and Bioculture. What I have come to find because of posing this question to lecturers is a deep-rooted personal connection one has to their faith and what they value in connection to nature. A discussion acknowledging the role faith plays in reconnecting with nature emphasizes the available impact Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture can have on the personal applicable ways others value nature.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the answers for Biophilia are not known, but we do know of the positive change it creates.â&#x20AC;?

- Catie Ryan

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2|2 Personal Connection Revaluing the teachings of nature Life experience has helped mold me into who I become. From striving for academic and athletic achievements, dealing with a life threatening heart condition, to making some of life’s biggest decisions regarding my beliefs, education and future endeavors, every experience has shaped my journey. We all can relate to the difficulties life throws at us.

However, through it all steadfast my faith in Jesus Christ was a constant factor to continue to motivate me to keep moving forward and stay at peace.

Matthew 6:25-34 - Do not worry, keep the faith “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

As we pray, plan, and prepare for the unforeseen future, be encouraged to keep the faith and trust that God would direct your path. My personal faith became a reflection of my journey; highlighting my moments of weakness and strength. Because

of my faith in Jesus Christ, I would not stop believing the promise that God will rescue me; and no matter the circumstance “God is always faithful to do what he said he would do” 1 Corinthians 1:9. He takes all circumstances and works them for good.

Psalms 18:16-19 – Whom my faith is in “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

Practicing faith and practicing Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture carry both similar ideals.

Reflecting back over my circumstances, I have had the privilege to see evidence of my faith as I have intentionally chosen to walk by faith in Jesus Christ. However, I did not always value that privilege to see my faith at work. Not taking

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time to value, the evidence of God’s faithfulness toward my faith was devaluing God’s intentions in practicing faith. The reality is our view of nature is not very different from my faith situation. We have abundant blessings to use nature, yet we put faith in innovation and technology (Louv) and use it to fulfill our discretions. Today’s evidence of a depleting environment can suggest

our possible devaluing of nature the way God created it to be.

The good intentional works of God speaks of truth, even creation. As part of creation, If practicing faith and practicing Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture are similar, then they both will seek to find truth.

The confirmation of my faith is by the truth of God’s faithfulness

“We conduct our life’s work with faith, believing our work has purpose.”

- Jacleine Ely

“Everyone can define faith in numerous ways. Personally, for me, it is an unshakable belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”

- Jacleine Ely

53 evidently working in my life. By acknowledging his evidence, I value the called not to live for myself rather the truth of God. Nature is validated by the truth of how God created it to be. We are to look for “God’s truth written in all living things” as Arc 600 Professor Robin Randall states. The possibility that nature has so much to offer rather than take from it, we can listen, learn, and value it once

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again. Nature is not the Bible but as part of God’s creation, we must have faith and believe that nature is written with God’s truths and lessons within.

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2|3 “systems thinking” A holistic vision of biophilia A desired goal for a holistic vision in Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture is achievable by deepening our roots in understanding “systems thinking”. “systems thinking” means “seeing all the parts and inter-connectedness” of it all as stated by Loren Johnson a systems thinking research enthusiast and Architecture Associate at Legat Architects. Loren discusses how it is the parts, the inputs and outputs, interdepended, and temporality – these basic attributes of the system, that are vital for a holistic vision in the system.

One way the use of “systems thinking” is evident is in the Christian faith. As Christians, we are privileged to be a part of a body of believers with the opportunity to seek deeper meaning of interconnectedness within the faith. We learn about the holistic vision of God to create all of creation and make man in His image. Genesis 1: 27-28. “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on

the earth.” God had created a system of interconnectedness between him, man, and creation as his intention.

Another system of interconnectedness within the Christian faith is the Holy Trinity. Many cultures all over the world have come to know about Christianity’s unique teaching of God the Father, Jesus the son and the Holy Spirit as the Holy Trinity. This is a faith-based system inter-connected to provide those in the Christian faith identity, redemption, and guidance in our personal “faith walk”. Reflecting our personal “faith walk” back upon the Holy Trinity provides another opportunity to look at our faith as a system working within ourselves.

This inter-connected system allows one to see inherent qualities reflecting God’s truth and deepening its roots that we live by.

What I challenge you as a reader to do now is to personally think of inter-connection of “systems thinking” in your life. This call challenges you to transform the way we think allowing us to see interconnectedness in everything that we do. This interconnectedness, “systems thinking” approach is a part

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Evolutionary Time

Ecological Time Organismic Time Biochemical Time

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Edward Wilson in his written book, Biophilia, provides an example of â&#x20AC;&#x153;systems thinkingâ&#x20AC;? by depicting Biophilia in time. There are four different scales of time.

57 of what drives the created world.

It is because of systems thinking that Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture are enhanced with faith in acknowledgment of the value of inter-connected systems in nature.

Romans 12:2-3 “…And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

“Pursue an idea even for the sake of an idea, even if not completely a reality.”

- Loren Johnson Loren Johnson Architects

Lecture-

Legat

This describes faith actively in pursuit to seek truth. While Loren Johnson did not discuss faith as the main topic for his lecture, the lecture did focus on “systems thinking”. We came to understand that “systems thinking” is a vital component of nature and faith. Providing the perspective of seeing all the parts and inter connectedness within just about anything. We all can think of “systems thinking” operating

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within economics, various vocation, education, relationships, nature, social constructs, personal life, and the list goes on. Every system is composed of basic attributes formulate the system into a “holistic vision”. As each system’s attributes work together, entropy is evident through it all (from a Christian faith perspective this could be the result of the fall occurring in Genesis - ARC 691). However, every system strives regulate itself as a whole to reach end goals (laboring against entropy, is our current state in relation to nature - ARC 691).

One ideal consideration when applying “systems thinking” and faith is “mimicking systems thinking is an act of worshipping God” (Johnson). faith is on display when we seek the intended purpose of the system’s parts provided by God in nature.

God has provided the answer among us in a systematic way. So learn from nature by understanding how God created it to be.

Remember, faith seeks truthful solutions nature provides us; become inspired by the truth within nature. The opportunity to use systems thinking to study Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture could provide solutions to help solve our challenges in a holistic way beneficial for nature and us.

2|4 Balance Faiths re-connection to nature People and communities alike all face challenges. Similarly, our ecology and nature face challenges too. By design, the challenges faced all seek a resolution in the end. The idea that Amy Coffman Phillips presented during her lecture was to “think differently about ecology and its roots”. The “think differently” concept connects to faith by allowing people to investigate the ecological resolutions to ecological challenges.

Remaining open to what the root processes of ecology can teach us. The hope is through learning about nature’s processes, will translate into applicable ways of resolving the challenges in our lives and communities.

When people face challenges, we look to God, within ourselves, others, and even other things to soothe our concern and needs. God has created us to be relational beings valuing all of his creation. Yet today, it a rarity for people seek answers from God within creation. We have “lost connection [and value] with our ecological roots” as Amy states.

Even as Christians, we have become disengaged with God’s creation as a whole. The bible discusses how valuable he considers creation, that

is nature and his children included.

Matthew 6:25-26 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? “ Based on biblical principles, we should understand we are not to solve challenges based on our own accord. Accordance requires harmony, respect, and understanding with God’s creation.

God has an ecology set up that provides and meets the need of the birds. The birds know how to rely on nature in a healthy way and have known nature’s purpose since their creation. “There is genius all around us” (Coffman Phillips). Why seek to reinvent the wheel or use the wheel against its intended purpose. God created creation and nature with purpose to be in accord with that purpose.

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“There is genius all around us.”

- Amy Coffman Phillips

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So how can we practically apply the “think differently” concept?

Currently, it requires a continual process of defining the challenges we face followed by investigating how other organisms and things in nature have written in their purpose the language to solve these challenges.

This requires us to study and connect the attributes of how God designs ecology. Amy stated, “We

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face challenges in our communities concerning unemployment, maybe there is an ecological process that relates to this challenge and solves it. As a concept within Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture, there is hope that this concept would begin to resonate personally with people.

Nature can help to restore faith and vision in those who have lost hope on how to tackle life’s challenges.

The possibility that this concept provides a hope is not solely relying on technology but reconnection back to our ecological roots valuing nature’s cure. It could reestablish a heathy dependence on nature and confidence in people to make positive impacts in their lives and communities. The hope is that it can become a catalyst to help change the way communities interact with

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61 and within their environments.

Amy Coffman Phillips Lecture - CoFounder of Biomimicry Chicago Amyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lecture spoke on the approach that understanding Biomimicry is connected to your ecological roots.

If our cities actually embodied more consideration toward nature,

how much of an impact would that make on bettering people and their environment. Today we still lack progress in bringing truthful awareness about the negative and positive impacts we are currently making on our environments.

Amy presented what it could look like years from now if we design without concern to nature. How the embodied energy systems, water

systems, and resiliency challenges impact our environment in the way that we design.

Based on the trajectory of our systems, we treat water as a byproduct rather than life giving product in water systems.

In waste systems, we forget to consider everything that is waste is food for another organism.

With resiliency challenges, all these

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challenges are problems we must take responsibility in designing and creating. The responsibility is not the work of anything else beyond our own hands.

Her solution, acknowledge that we cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created the problems.

So what type of thinking should we use to begin to solve these problems?

“Ask Nature Thinking” and “ecological roots thinking”. Asking nature would mean that we consider how nature resolves or works to solve problems.

“Asking Nature Thinking” can change the way we build and the way we think about what we build, the way we work and the way we think about how to work.

If we use the Biomimicry concept of “Ask Nature Thinking”, some current goals to support this concept are 1) to sequester carbon – consider how the city can increase carbon in soil. Ecological truth states to keep as much of natural plants intact as possible. However, what additional things can we begin to do? 2) Capture and cleanse water and treat it as precious – what ways can we think about how cities could capture water? Even by using current amenities (shading devices, park furniture, and planter pavers) to care for water. 3) Use renewable resources beyond water, wisely nature operates utilizing energy more efficiently than we do.

How do we begin to challenge people?

The more opportunities we get to connect people to their environment, more we can encourage people in “Ask Nature Thinking and thinking about their ecological roots. Even in the heavily impacted concrete jungle of Chicago, a connection to the city’s past ecology has developed with programs teaching people the understanding of the prairie process that once was the main ecology of the Midwest Chicago area. The connection to the prairie process communicates knowledge, education, and faith in nature in an optimistic way. There is hope that more reconnection experiences with nature will inspire ideas of thinking differently about our communities ecological roots.

“Valuing God, your faith in relation to nature and communities is of the first importance and all else will reveal itself to develop and work over time.”

- Jacleine Ely

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2|5 evidence Restoring people and community Catie Ryan’s Lecture - Terrapin Bright Green Majors this type of interview and knowledge would be prevalent for: Design, Business, Math/Science, and Education and Psychology majors Catie’s work with the consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green, takes on a practical approach to implementing Biophilia within the various interactive working and living environments within our world today. Biophilia is embedded with deep-rooted research on the benefits of nature based live/ work environments.

However, today advocates for Biophilia are challenged on how do you begin to reach more people with this truth?

A truth rooted in our connection and faith in nature. How is the good news about Biophilia and Biomimicry spread to the people who need it benefits the most? Catie along with her team worked together to publish a book, the 14 Patterns of Biophilia as a free source for practical application and teaching of Biophilic design. Each pattern discusses how needs can be met through practical application.

When considering the purpose of implementing Biophilic practices, caring for people are the motivation of that concern. Catie stated, “It is practical to apply [the 14 patterns] in any place where people are there.”

Working efficiently considers “places that are extremely dense with people vs. non dense places”. Acknowledging which Biophilia patterns are applied fluctuates the impact on the people and environment. This is why it is important for implementing patterns strategically and efficiently.

Terrapin Bright Green believes “everyone should have access to healthy living conditions.” This should be the motivation to encourage people today to understand the practicality of Biophilia within living environments. That message communicates across the board to people alike all over the world; a truth that many people believe in.

The 14 Patterns of Biophilia provides the practical evidence to support developing faith in nature. Creating hope that everyone could apply the patterns and achieve the healthier living conditions, they deserve.

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2|6 Connection Communicating faith and nature This connection between faith and nature reinforces the beliefs and values we place on our day-to-day interactions. During an interview with Jason McLennan, the question was posed to him how faith plays a role in communicating his strong advocacy for nature-based design. The reality realized was the troubles in our environment are constructs of views based on our stories of faith. Due to the strong convictions of faith our world carries.

Nevertheless, this should not stop us from communicating our pursuits of restoring faith back in t nature.

and connect with their views and values. This way of communicating your faith in connection to nature communicates support and honesty to those who may or may not share your values.

Every sustainable initiative over the years has received major opposition from nonsupporters. Keep faith in what you believe to have a greater intention, purpose, and meaning for the greater good of our communities and environments.

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“Accept people where they are and share the same values of what we all desire.”

- Jason McLennan The key to communicate about sustainability in our world is recognizing a “moral compass at play” of protecting the environment.

As others bring their values to the forefront of an issue, we are to not alienate our own faith-based views 24

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author Jacleine Ely Columbus, OH Attended The Ohio State University to earn her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2011 Attended Judson University to earn her Master of Architecture with a concentration on Sustainability in 2015 While attending The Ohio State University, she attended a Bible Study Group with several classmates.

Their discussion and further investigation into how their faith and architecture would come together in practice encouraged Jacleine to investigate this connection deeper.

Jacleineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classmates prompted her to come to Judson University, the only Christian university with a Masters of Architecture Program, to gain a stronger understanding of what are the possible meanings behind becoming an Architect that is a Christian. Over the course of her three-years in attendance at Judson, she developed a rich understanding of the multiplicity of ways architecture can serve purpose beyond the sake of design. Our obligation to be good stewards toward our earth and people is a call that God has placed on all His children, no matter their vocation.

With her understanding beginning with the basics of architecture, art and community service, in the completion stage of her education she now sees how unique qualities of all three aspects work to serve purpose.

The Biomimicry, Biophilia, and Bioculture course interested Jacleine as a final capstone course to her concentration on sustainability. The course has broaden her perspective of how to collaborate communities with nature to provide services that promote healthy, sustainable, and creative living, as she continues to pursue her career goals.

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References Text Browning, Bill, Catie Ryan, and J. Clancy. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design - Terrapin Bright Green.” Terrapin Bright Green. Accessed March 19, 2015.

Coffman Phillips, Amy. “Systems Thinking.” Arc 600. Judson University, Elgin, IL. Jan. 2015. Lecture.

Johnson, Loren. “Systems Thinking.” Arc 600. Judson University, Elgin, IL. Feb. 2015. Lecture.

Louv, Richard. Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age. Chapel Hill, N.C: Algonquin of Chapel Hill, 2011.

McLennan, Jason. “Lecture on topics of related to LBC.” Arc 600. Judson University, Elgin, IL. Mar. 2015. Lecture.

Ryan, Catie. “Biophilia and the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design.” Arc 600. Judson University, Elgin, IL. Jan. 2015.

Lecture.

Torgerson, Dr. Mark and Sartor, Dr. Curtis. Arc 600. Judson University, Elgin, IL. Jan.- Feb. 2015. Lecture.

Wilson, Edward O. Biophilia. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1984.

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Jacleine Ely (Frog / Tivoli, Italy) Jacleine Ely (Ladybug / Elgin, Illinois) Jacleine Ely ( Branches with Ice / Elgin, Illinois) Image retrieved from Facebook Page of Robert Avery Brooks on March 19, 2015 <https://www.facebook. com/photo.php?fbid=10150260742202214&set=a.464251032213.264990.668542213&type=1&theater > Jacleine Ely (Work Boots and Light / Jackson, Mississippi) Jacleine Ely (Tuscan Vineyard Fields / San Gimignano, Italy) Jacleine Ely (Sunset / Galloway, Ohio) Jacleine Ely (Sperlonga Beach / Sperlonga, Italy) Jacleine Ely (Butterfly / Elgin, Illinois) Jacleine Ely (Flower / Tivoli, Italy) Jacleine Ely (Tree Stump Growth / Columbus, Ohio) Jacleine Ely (Various “Systems Thinking” Diagram) Jacleine Ely (Biophilia in Time Diagram) Jacleine Ely (Tyler Creek / Elgin, Illinois) Image retrieved from P Is For Preschooler Blog Post on March 26, 2015 <http://www.pisforpreschooler. com/uploads/2/1/1/7/21178716/9833993.jpg?674 > (kids in water) Image retrieved from Wordpress Site of Rafael Hernamperez on March 25, 2015 <https:// rafaelhernamperezen.wordpress.com/2013/04/ > (Eagle Soaring) Image retrieved from Boston Magazine Site on March 25, 2015 <http://www.bostonmagazine.com/artsentertainment/blog/2013/08/07/signs-for-the-homeless-tumblr-kenji-nakayama/ > ( Seeking Human Kindness) Image retrieved from Light on The Hill Site on March 25, 2015 <http://www.lightonthehill.org/events/ nurturing-our-light/hands-holding-candle/ > (candle light) Image retrieved from Wordpress Site of This24 on March 26, 2015 <http://www.kimmierose.com/home/ wp-content/uploads/2013/01/unity.jpg > (Celebration of Unity) Image retrieved from Flickr Site on March 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ la-citta-vita/14309355271/in/photolist-nNtbMV-c6hBAd-8kDPnh-6jK37J-ggBAkZ-nHh6HG88gih9-nuE1tq-npet2K-iLVz3x-6jTw8r-4iap9v-51zjZf-giHyF3-mZBth7-6cqovg-r3i7pK-7GfGENobXDuU-asgmUk-9XpN1e-f9W6h6-9t4TGy-ouVcD6-926Txi-pZNJaY-fcXuEM-8dbKnn-atLsy9-cA1sLop7cv1B-aHYtoF-59s5v1-nDN1WC-9z7yhx-nJqpBe-mgSzWG-7SL6QQ-eKhjF9-aHYryH-a7i3Qm-hkjXw9oKgbkp-8dqaG2-84Du1K-ea7zLZ-7UsV1C-m1hkha-nY55KH-rhuaF8 > (connected biophilia in our designs) Image retrieved from Flickr Site on March 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/lisacee/4512569988/ in/photolist-7SL6QQ-eKhjF9-aHYryH-a7i3Qm-hkjXw9-oKgbkp-8dqaG2-84Du1K-ea7zLZ-7UsV1Cm1hkha-nY55KH-rhuaF8-gFAAHm-h1Pvwg-5RgXcD-dZhjF1-gMNnKr-8df3Em-a7g7wg-dkrgAE-ebAgFX6wgS8A-c6hyBq-a5uvsr-e4PZaM-8PypZA-hSE8UZ-pJczWc-mnxkLF-nwMP5q-nBRGKW-hRtCew-nuRakvjghi2V-9AAZ1C-bBPzMS-7VESBq-VZGWz-nuuoLw-fr8hjV-8dbK9n-76oyFE-hRpdQ5-adgjyy-fgz41s-cdQiaY9C7PGf-bQJhcv-58PsRS > (biophilia in flower) Image retrieved from Flickr Site on March 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ thorhakonsen/3050122031/in/photolist-5DwF1T-brzS94-nsk2Xm-jVuV6K-nr2qQv-oTcZE6-oAZJSXdkQHGJ-dFL4jg-dhcihj-dyKfx6-8T4utV-8T7ymh-8T7y33-8T4s7H-8T7xws-8T4rBr-arJ8ht-arLKaq-7z44yvbjBQQC-a78W64-8D9gYT-brzEek-brzMiz-btNf56-6PM3ih-bK7yFT-bujjRt-btWJne-btWjEV-bjA2CmbjBQkb-bqWa46-bD8mXU-bD8mFb-bS349V-7AgA5D-bqx8fa-bqwYsR-bqCvvM-8D9gTF-bqCQ48ae6VYG-cHgJ6-6PGUaF-7z3U3D-6PGUe8-8T4fN8-7z3U3n > (connected biophilia in our designs) Image retrieved from Apple Maybe Site on March 25, 2015 <http://applemaybe.com/category/animalsnature/ >(Sharing a Meal) Image retrieved from Wetlands Site on March 25, 2015 <http://www.wetlands.org/DesktopModules/ QuickImageRepository/image.ashx?forceDownload=0&fileId=7856 > (Walking on Sticks) Image retrieved from Flickr Site on March 26, 2015 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ walkingsf/5912385701/in/photolist-nUWD6L-5MY3iq-gX8SPh-a1swhv-EoDZ7-6LKaHJ-8SZyzP-9iJRpq-

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DePez-9iJRuf-5TfboA-a9JG86-97P5Xp-e65Dod-7fpbFY-9xri1L-8PXaqk-dTD98a-9iJRqL-HeZSV > (US Connection) Image retrieved from Dahn Yoga Site on March 25, 2015 <http://www.dahnyoga.com/img/workshop/ img_sedona.png (meditation) Jacleine Ely (Admiring the Day / Elgin, Illinois) Jacleine Ely (I Love Fall Leaves / Elgin, Illinois) Jacleine Ely (I heart Jesus / Sperlonga, Italy) Jacleine Ely (Family Plant / Elgin, Illinois) Jacleine Ely ( Life Verse - Psalms 18:16-19) Jacleine Ely (Motto: Enjoy the day and enjoy ice cream! / Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) Jacleine Ely (Made a new friend, Baby Duck / Galloway, Ohio) Photograph by: U.S. Department of Agriculture, retrieved from: flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Retrieved from: pintrist.com, on March 17, 2015 < http://www.fromupnorth.com/photographyinspiration-848/> Retrieved from Media-Cache website, <http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/27/95/18/27951829c6 544e8c459c5cbdccd0a638.jpg>

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Protection

For Our Survival and the Planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Season Gilliam

We cannot forget the importance of our natural world and we must pursue its right in our everyday life.

Society is in dire need to make behavioral changes to save and protect our natural environment.

3|1 Caged This is where we stand I grew up going to zoos. School trips to see the wild animals were the best! They provide the opportunity to experience something foreign to our lifestyle, like giraffes and elephants, and they also house animals on the endangered species list. I grew up with this, so it does not seem crazy. However, the same thing is starting to occur now with nature. Arboretums, a zoo of sorts for trees and plants, provide people with the opportunity to experience something that is foreign to them, and save endangered species, right?

Waitâ&#x20AC;Śtrees are foreign to us? It is so sad and true.

Technology is a blessing, but restraint must be shown no matter what your vocation or position in society. We cannot forget the importance of our natural world and we must pursue its right in our everyday life. Society is in dire need to make behavioral changes to save and preserve our natural environment.

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Nature is not a regular part of many Americanâ&#x20AC;?s everyday life. Childhoods that once consisted of biking around the neighborhood, hanging out in the backyard or at parks, and working on the farm, now consist of sitting on the couch watching television, playing video games, and scrolling through Facebook. Technology is not intrinsically evil or wicked, but there is little to no moderation, which is causing an imbalance. I am not saying we should forget about technology and only care about nature.

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3|2 Preservation Protect what we have In the book Biophilia, Edward Osborne Wilson’s passion for nature is evident. His writing is eloquent and inspires the same fervor in its reader, for the little things. He understands and describes complex yet simple processes that make you realize how much you don’t know about the world around you. Delicately and poetically, he describes different scales of nature, from an entire ecosystem all the way down to particular species of ants. Also, how they communicate with each other through odor trails of different types of chemical secretions (Wilson, 1984).

His excitement for the little things, like these chemical secretions, inspires. This got me thinking about what inspires me. What issues make me think deeply, and what issues do I have strong opinions on? What issues make me want to talk about and explain to the nth degree like Wilson does with ants, bees, and more? My conclusion has come to be that as humans, as daughters and sons of Christ, we have the responsibility to put nature’s needs above our own.

I’m not so gullible to believe that

our human nature will change so drastically that we live like the stereotypical Native American, only taking what we need and not prescribing ownership over land. That could be one extreme compromise, but it certainly is not going to happen by our own will, because it is not our will to change so radically. We like our routine, we like comfort, we like control. One could say we even “need” these things. As human beings who would like to see some change and maybe even inspire it, it is important to look at the little things, find our passions, and make some compromises. We have to look at how we can move forward, even if it is only an inch at a time.

Incorporating additional nature into everyday life is the goal of biophilic design. As this catches on, people have and will understand how important nature is for us to be healthy beings. This is a learning process. With this learning process and growing respect for the environment, can we start taking the next step by showing that respect and preserve nature? One of our duties as the children of God is to take care of the earth. In Genesis 2:15, God calls man to “till and keep” the land.

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“After the sun’s energy is captured by the green plants, it flows through chains of organisms...like blood spreading from the arteries...”

- E.O. Wilson

These words translated directly from Hebrew mean, â&#x20AC;&#x153;serve and protectâ&#x20AC;?

(Torgerson, 2012).

All humans becoming peace-loving, smelly hippies, living off the land is not our likely future. However, thinking of ourselves as servants and protectors of nature can be a step toward a better relationship. To provide you with an example, I will look at my own field of study, architecture.

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As a future architect, how can I serve and protect nature? The first things that come to mind are trees.

When architects get a job, they do wonderful and beautiful things, and in the end their cool design trumps the trees, trumps the hills, trumps the animals. Responding to the site is one thing, but not disturbing the existing nature and ecosystems is on another level. Every time we

build architecture we are removing dirt, we are killing living creatures and plants, and we are disturbing animal habitats. The decisions we make effect our environment and we should take that responsibility very seriously. Our needs and the environmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs often do not align, so as keepers of this world, we must mediate both.

81 Architecture 2030 has challenged us. It has put forth the challenge to reduce fossil fuel energy consumption. They have graphs that show how it can be accomplished through all renovated and new construction. I think this is a great step toward a fossil fuel independent future. But I want to point out the amount of new construction.

Approximately 5 billion square feet

of new construction is built every year (Architecture 2030). This may be blasphemous to the profession of architecture, but I propose that new construction needs to dramatically reduce.

This concept can take another step forward to start a new challenge. If we know how much new construction is on existing developed land, and how much is on new land, we can set particular goals

and limitations. For instance, we can limit how much new land we build on or how much developed land we turn back into its original landscape.

It is important to protect the nature we have left because we cannot be so ignorant to think never ending expansion and destruction of nature will leave us unaffected.

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3|3 Restoration Large Scale nature in cities A sense of wonder is a beautiful thing. Wilson writes about wonder and diversity, and how it inspires a passion within a person. With this, he emphasizes the importance of human’s proximity to nature, especially within growing urban environments, which can be void of such things as nature.

“It is a wonderful thing to grow up in southern towns where animal fables are taken half seriously, breathing into the adolescent mind a sense of the unknown and the possibility that something extraordinary might be found within a day’s walk of where you live. No such magic exists in the environs of Schenectady, Liverpool, and Darmstadt, and for all children dwelling in such places where the options have finally been closed, I feel a twinge of sadness” (Wilson, 1984).

I would not say that urban environments are void of “options” as Wilson suggests, but they are very different kinds of options. In a more rural environment, you may have a quaint, small, downtown area with shops. Yet, within walking distance is an extreme change in environment. There could be

fields of prairie, swaths of forest, or cascades of mountains. Inherently different environments reside right next to each other and I think this is what Wilson is trying to highlight and suggest is not present in large urban landscapes.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. -Anne Frank Large built environments can be monotonous and unappealing to some. Scattered parks with grass and trees help break up the lengthy paved lanes of concrete and asphalt, but are they enough? Even these parks are manufactured just as the cities they reside in are. There may

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be different scales of parks, but how often is there the direct antithesis right next to or in the middle of the urban environment? Is close proximity of these opposites, large scaled city and large scaled nature, possible? Can you have both in such close proximity to emulate the ideas Wilson admires in small southern towns?

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A great example of this is Central Park in New York City. I’d suggest areas even less landscaped and wilder within cities; forested areas that have more wildlife than just bunnies and birds.

“Restorative Commons: Creating Health and Well-being through Urban Landscapes,” a collection of essays, that cover the theory behind

“...not as a pastoral refuge from the city, but as an active agent within it.”

-Restorative Commons

85 and actual case studies of introducing natural landscapes into urban spaces. This is a great starting point to understanding their relationship and I am suggesting the ideas be pushed further. Transforming urban environments into a mix of urban and nature can be done at a more intense scale. The opportunity to experience the wildness of a prairie, forest, or mountain, within walking distance

of a built environment is the type of diversity that will create a sense of the unknown and extraordinary possibilities that make a place rich and desirable.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In wildness is the preservation of the worldâ&#x20AC;?

- Henry D. Thoreau

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3|4 our lives having a positive impact The re-use of materials as opposed to buying new is just one, of many serious ways, with which we can better protect nature. In a recent conversation with Christine Chaney on January 29, 2015, we discussed clothing, re-use, and re-design, as a model for living with the Earth’s future in mind.

Is recycling enough? Can we make it with what we already have? What if factories stopped? As Recycling has gained and lost popularity several times over the past 40 years we must ask if recycling is enough, and further, is it possible to reach a point where recycling is obsolete. Factories are endlessly producing more. We simply ship unwanted items away, whether they be made of useful materials or not, more shoes, more knick knacks, more building materials and yes, more clothing.

Abundance then has become a ball and chain. Society as a whole now finds it almost impossible to “live without.” We’ve stopped looking at what we have, we’ve now begun to look only at what we own, failing to see the potential in what we already have and instead tossing it aside for the shiny “new.” In my personal

life however, I have been able to appreciate more what I already have, by living without a car for the majority of my time. When faced with a problem I do not pursue “traditional” solutions and instead work with what I have, but also with what I lack. For instance, I recently needed to hang a picture in my room but did not jump in my car, go to the store, buy picture hooks, return, and hang said picture. Instead, as I have done more than once, I used sewing thread and pushpins instead.

The solution is elegant. It gets the job done. And it saves money. This “non-traditional” solution may be described as scrappy, or as Christine Chaney phrases it — “brilliant laziness.”

To live sustainably cannot only mean diminishing negative environmental impact; it must now also mean to have a positive impact on the world.

Alongside recycling, reducing one’s carbon footprint, one’s own life and even one’s own career must also have a positive impact. Simple, positive personal lifestyle habits are a small way of contributing to a better Earth.

The task of making the world a better place is best when broken down into

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87 smaller, manageable nuggets. We are not perfect. And this is not the goal.

We cannot do everything. However, we mustn’t allow the gargantuan number of ways in which we can in fact make a difference, overwhelm us into trying nothing at all. I advocate for individual, small actions, which aim to make the world a better place.

I’ve found little ways, and I’m able to act on them. For me, I chose not to drive a car. Although I do not recommend this to everyone, it works for me and shows others what is possible. Everyone can have a positive impact on the world, and our actions are our examples to others. I hope I inspire you to do the same. To find your own niche, so that you may inspire others.

“Brilliant laziness!”

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-Christine Chaney

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3|5 Education How Change Happens Education is the tool that will change the world, and as the saying goes, “knowledge is power.” There are endless ways to be an educator, and becoming a teacher is only one. My brother, even though he is not a teacher, has the ability to explain things in as many ways as needed to help whoever is listening. Personally, I am terrible at this, but as mentioned before, the way I can educate others is through my actions. Aspects of my lifestyle serve as examples of how small things are still important.

No one can separate oneself from education. Whether you have an active role, like a teacher, or you have a job that seemingly has nothing to do with education, people are always learning from each other. We learn the good and the bad, and even with out knowing it, our decisions and actions have an endless ripple affect. So, every person, every job, and every community, can make a difference.

There are endless ways to educate and make a difference. The guest speakers for this class are perfect examples of this variety.

Peter Lippman designs actual learning spaces. He asks and answers

the question of how a learning environment can enhance what is being taught. Nature and daylight are very important, and his work shows that. His work is an educating tool.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

-Mother Theresa Catie Ryan advocates for the education of clients. There are a lot of naysayers out there that do not believe in, or understand, the importance of the connection of humans to nature. We must listen to them and know how to respond.

They will understand what we are advocating for, and will, first of all, form an educated opinion, and secondly, and hopefully, be more willing to jump on board. Her explanations, to those she works for, are an educating tool. Loren Johnson is not afraid to share his knowledge and opinion to his colleagues and peers. That is his educating tool.

Christine Chaney eats local, does 21

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91 not eat meat, and re-uses instead of buying new. Her lifestyle is her tool.

Amy Coffman Phillips advocates that we should learn from nature.

For example, water is the inherent nemesis to architecture because it causes mold and decay, but that certainly is not the role water plays in nature. Water is nature’s, and our, life source. In architecture, can we start treating water like nature treats it?

Asking “how does nature...” is her tool.

We all have tools, whether we know it or not. My tools are advocating for vehicle-free living and for the protection of nature. Find your tools and use them.

The pursuit to protect nature can create educational tools. Community gardens, for example, not only bring humans and nature closer, but it also teaches the community other lessons. Those tending the garden learn responsibility, basic gardening skills, team work, and different types of vegetables and fruit.

“What a 21st century park means to us is that we can use a public space to educate people about a truly democratic process: how to care about social issues. We can…build an economic process that nurtures the community and nurtures the environment” (Restorative Commons).

With education comes the ability to clarify problems and solutions, which along with positivity, is key to the success of making a difference.

“We aren’t likely to succeed if we think of sustainability in terms

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of ceasing certain behaviors and placing limits on our lifestyles. True sustainability therefore must involve some accounting for what we can do and articulation of a lifestyle for the human species that is both responsible and not too distasteful” (Jacobsen, 2012).

An example of a problem, given

by Loren Johnson in a lecture, is America’s huge amount of gas consumption and its negative affect on the earth. A proper solution is not to say “don’t drive, it is bad,” nor is the solution to make vehicles that use less gas. A solution is more than something that theoretically solves the problem. It has to be feasible and effective. Saying “don’t drive, it is bad” is not going to be effective. We know it is bad for the environment, but we still do it, and making vehicles less dependant on gas will not actually decrease gas consumption in the end. What this will do is reduce the amount of gas consumption per person. Therefore, if owning a vehicle seems less damaging to the earth or seems more affordable in the long run, the other outcome will be that more people own vehicles. So these two effects cancel each other out to produce the same consumption. An example of a solution that does not shame the American lifestyle and will actually result in less consumption, is the production of multi-use neighborhoods where people can walk or ride a bicycle to work and other amenities. More knowledge and more positivity are the catalyst that can make a difference.

author Season Gilliam South Haven, MI Hello there!

My name is Season. No, my siblings’ names are not as cool as mine, and yes, my mom was kind of a hippie.

Thanks for the awesome name Mom, one of the many gifts I cherish.

I grew up in South Haven, MI, which is in the Southwest region, right on the Gold Coast. In that small town, I enjoyed the variety of landscapes, from the sandy beaches to the forested trails, made from old train lines. I have been an athlete since the age of 5. I played soccer through out high school and during my undergraduate and graduate career at Judson University. I began at Judson University in 2008 and will be finishing up my Master’s of Architecture soon, God willing.

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It is the awe-inspiring wonder that compels me toward the protection of nature. I noticed recently that as I design, I inherently ask, “how can I keep as much of the existing nature as possible?” This is what inspired me toward pursuing this topic and I believe it is a very important component to the discussion of biophilia, biomimicry, and bioculture.

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References Text Architecture 2030, 2011. <www.architecture2030.org> Benyus, Janine M. Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. New York: Morrow, 1997.

Browning, Bill, Catie Ryan, and J. Clancy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;14 Patterns of Biophilic Design - Terrapin Bright Green.â&#x20AC;? Terrapin Bright Green. Accessed March 19, 2015.

Restorative Commons: Creating Health and Well-being through Urban Landscapes. Edited by Lindsay Campbell and Anne Wiesen. Newtown Square, PA: USDA Forest Service, 2009.

Jacobsen, Eric. The Space Between. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012.

Torgerson, Mark. Greening Spaces for Worship and Ministry. Virginia: The Alban Institute, 2012.

Wilson, Edward O. Biophilia. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1984.

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Image from Jeff Rose, retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://photography. nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/whitetail-deer-arkansas/> Image from Benjamin Yeager, retrieved from bing.com, on March 19, 2015 <http://www.ytravelblog.com/ travel-pinspiration-california/> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnKYMLTYmpo/Tvpzr0s-hdI/ AAAAAAAABPQ/ApCWqZL0Xn8/s1600/cage.jpg> Retreived from bing.com, on March 19, 2015 <http://defenseanimale.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ singe-triste-en-cage.jpg> Season Gilliam Retreived from pintrest.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://losing-every-extra-pound.tumblr.com/ image/33558394234> Retreived from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.wallconvert.com/wallpapers/digital-art/ sunflower-field-2247.html> Retreived from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f6/0d/75/ f60d752c58eb28f5c94b18ad2d0a439c.jpg> Retreived from: bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.ace-clipart.com/photos/bee/bee-photo-04. jpg> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_42Ez0bRTcnA/THUB7tlNtVI/ AAAAAAAADpk/F-4j5UMrveI/s1600/lsd_hippies.jpg> Retrieved from pintrest.com, on March 17, 2015 ÂŹÂŹ<http://www.mrwallpaper.com/wallpapers/AutumnForest-Leaves.jpg> Season Gilliam Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/ galleries/2013/04/25/walled6.jpg> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://cf067b.medialib.glogster.com/tiepheyn/media/e5/ e5b19ce2eb374c5081b53e501640204fa81ac335/central-park.jpg> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <https://iso.500px.com/snow-monkey-iphone-photo/> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <https://gabyxdiana.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/factoryworkers.jpg> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Bicycle+Commuting +Rose+26+Percent+Last+Year+Wucv9GMRQvYl.jpg> Retrieved from pintrest.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.saywhatyouneedtosayblog. com/2012/07/27/make-today-beautiful-get-your-good-going/558429_10151348512518277_31858941 2_n/> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BgF2NfMEAL8/S83PDjabQ7I/ AAAAAAAAAZY/wyr5fj9Ah9k/s1600/thrift+store.jpg> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 19, 2015 <http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41111000/ jpg/_41111356_13_beninpeeter.jpg> Image from Dalton Reed, retrieved from flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Image from Christine Schmidt, retrieved from flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Image from John Vachon, retrieved from pintrest.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://blog.hemmings.com/ index.php/2011/12/30/bayamon-puerto-rico-1973/> Image from Clemens v. Vogelsang, retrieved from flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Retrieved from bing.com, on March 17, 2015 <http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/ gardens/images/Liz_1975_lg.jpg> Season Gilliam Season Gilliam Season Gilliam

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Season Gilliam Season Gilliam Season Gilliam Season Gilliam Image from Susanne Nilsson, retrieved from: flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Image from Antony Spencer, retrieved from pintrist.com, on March 19, 2015 <http://www.explosion. com/59785/33-photo-reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-iceland-the-miracle-nature-land/>

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Life

The questions of these recurring Oscar Medellin, LEED AP BD+C

The biophilia hypothesis, biomimicry, and the resulting â&#x20AC;&#x153;bioâ&#x20AC;? culture to-gether, offer no service to the architect, much less to an architect who may hold a Christian-worldview.

4|1 Fountain An architect is a person who designs buildings. In many cases architects also observe building construction.

A person who is responsible for inventing or realizing a particular idea or project is yet another definition of an architect. The task of invention, realization requires inspiration, inspiration which often runs dry. Architects then are involved in a constant, what seems endless, search for fountains of inspiration.

In recent years and as early as 1984, some have labeled Biophilia, Biomimicry and Bioculture (3B) as such a fountain. But is 3B a clean spring? What is the well-spring from which 3B flows?

“Is 3B Potable?”

-Oscar Medellin A review of the existing literature here, and an exploration of the 3B information relevant to Architecture in the enclosed, reveals 3B as inessential. In addition and as you will see here, 3B proves itself to be a redundant categorization system.

Last, when a Christian worldview is introduced to said review and

exploration we discover further fruitlessness.

The existing criticism is clear, 3B “does not necessarily create an ecologically sound product” (Volstad, Boks).

Perceived benefits and pitfalls are critically discussed, and the paper stipulates that to get the most out of biomimicry, it should be regarded as a way to enlarge the designer’s solution-space. When used reductively — with the goal to find a solution, not to necessarily create an ecologically sound product — biomimicry can be seen as a supplement to the designer’s existing toolkit. However, it should not be used bombastically and without consideration as if only nature holds the most suitable solution [to] a design challenge (Volstad, Boks).

In this context the existing toolkits are the proven methods of the day.

The act of supplanting them then, with something unproven, is meant here to imply a mistake.

Recent articles venture to “elevate” 3B to the status of a formal discipline.

It is both the latest “tech” and the oldest tradition. But the continuing hyperbole-parade will not create a

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101 new technological discipline called 3B by fiat; By treating nature as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;model, measure and mentor,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; companies, governments, and universities are in a strong position to take advantage of the leading edge opportunities provided by the emerging field of biomimicry (Hargroves).

We now stand at the advent of a revolution that will change the way we conceive, design and construct buildings (Koelman).

The field of biomimetics, the application of methods and systems found in nature to engineering and technology, has spawned a number of innovations far superior to what the human mind alone could have devised (Butler).

Likewise, 3B proponents cannot relabel old merchandise. In the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design

by Terrapin Bright Green, William Browning, Catie Ryan, and Joseph Clancy, over 24 of the cited references cite Psychology work. In other words, of the six pages making up the References Section of the text at least 24 sources, are Psychologyrelated. The International Journal of Psychology is cited, as is; Department of Psychology, University of Southern California; Science Journal; Journal of Environmental Psychology; Scandinavian Journal of Psychology; Architectural Lessons From Environmental Psychology; Review of General Psychology; Handbook of Environmental Psychology; Environmental Psychology for Design; Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin; Journal of Comparative and Physiological

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Psychology. I will not continue for the sake of brevity.

Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. It is an academic discipline and an applied science which seeks to understand individuals and groups by establishing general principles and researching specific cases. And it has a label — Psychology.

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Among the Psychology-related sources there were also many Biologyrelated sources, Public Health-related sources, Anthropology-related, and Forestry-related sources, which together made up the 14 Patterns’ supporting evidence.

Question — why is then the label not “The Intersection of Architecture and Environmental Psychology?”

Why must we invent a new word?

Given the above background of biomimicry, it might be suggested that the term is just a new label for all sorts of established practices, like for instance bionics (a biomedical practice which seeks to emulate human organs), permaculture (an agricultural practice that aims to emulate native grasslands and bushlands) and analogue forestry

103 (a forestry practice that aims to emulate natural forests). Thus, for some, biomimicry could be regarded as an organizing concept rather than a novel method of design (Marshall, Lozeva).

It seems counterproductive and impractical given the very established and honored traditions of true scientific research to re-

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label yottabytes of information. We have the labels, we have already a complete set of Dewey Decimal System cards. May we use the goodold labels?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It might be suggested that the term is just a new label for all sorts of established practices.â&#x20AC;?

-Marshall, Lozeva

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4|2 Complexity Criticism of 3B exists. The 1993 Edition of the very Wilson book, The Biophilia Hypothesis, offers criticism in Chapter 15, beginning on Page 441. “Complexity per se is salient, too, and Gadgil (Chapter 12) reminds us that we may be in danger of confusing biophilia with the fascination for complexity” (Soulé).

like experiences, Pleistocene-like social interactions, and Pleistocenelike companion creatures for solace (Soulé)?” This is of all the questions, the toughest to grapple, when considered alongside our other world issues: deforestation, habitat destruction, drought and famine.

War.

If the “intrinsic, genetic disposition to react to biological phenomena is the core premise of biophilia,” then is 3B heritable (Soulé)? Can I inherit it? Can these traits be passed on?

Have we evolved out of our intrinsic genetic predisposition? As a corollary, what else have we left behind?

There is also opinion. “To what extent is the appeal of a biological entity a question of its salience — its “standing out” (Soulé)? My culture is different from yours, my gender, my tabula rasa, will you or I in other words, will the same color green appeal to me? Is it nature or nurture?

“Salience may turn out to be culture and gender-specific (Soulé).” And not genetic, not passed on since cultures end, begin again anew, with some never having contact with another.

Of many, one criticism rings most interesting — “[Does] a creature that was genetically molded in the Pliocene and Pleistocene depend for its mental health on Pleistocene-

Second, since this discussion will cross-examine 3B with the help of a Christian worldview, there is yet another question which 3B has yet to answer. “If biophilia is destined to become a powerful force for conservation, then it must become a religion-like movement (Soulé).” Is 3B a new religion? A very dangerous question indeed.

Don’t answer that.

Changing gears and third, 3B is often misleading. A diagram showing activity of the motor cortex (Figure 1) is a favorite among 3B advocates (University of Miami School of Medicine).

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105 3B-advocates should consider themselves corrected. There is no significance to said diagram (Figure 1); it does not tell us anything about activity; most of all, it informs us of nothing which may relate, or could ever be related to, learning environments.

This diagram (Figure 1) shows a healthy brain, a healthy motor cortex, and tell us said person can balance themselves on their own two legs during a walk.

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The original paper (Hillman, C. H., Castelli, D. M., & Buck, S. M. (2005).

Aerobic fitness and neurocognitive function in healthy preadolescent children. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 37, 1967–1974), explores the relationship of exercise, after school, for children of specific ages and it is these associations which are intriguing; not walking; the discovery was not “go for a walk” but instead go to school, pay attention, then go run around after school, since these acts best prepare the brain for the tasks it has to do — retention of said lessons of the day.

As already stated, “When used reductively — with the goal to find a solution, not to necessarily create an ecologically sound product — biomimicry can be seen as a supplement to the designer’s existing toolkit” (Volstad, Boks). The key term here is not “supplement” but “reductively.” When biomimicry is used in a reductive way, it often leads to shallow applications.

The explanation of reductive biomimicry can be elaborated by

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recognizing that this approach focuses solely on the imitation of “a few features or functions of particular organisms or biological processes” (Bras). This is the “traditional” kind of biomimicry, and does not have any explicit goal of obtaining sustainability through the mimicry of nature (Volstad, Boks).

In a recent presentation by guest speaker Christine Chaney highlighting Nature’s Way, an armadillo shell, a nest, a nautilus, and a geode, served as tools to illustrate a question. The question, “How does nature address issues of security?” fails to ask “How do Information Security Specialists address the issue of security?”

Given the problem — the design of a lobby space for an information security company, which also offers data storage, virtualization, analytics, and cloud computing services where information security is the paramount concern — is this not a valid approach? Is asking what an ISS professional would do, invalid?

Absolute Security; Integrity Models; Defense-in-depth; F & A Requirements; Security through Obscurity; PD & R; Complexity; none of these true information security principals which in fact address information security were considered. Only form was considered.

Most disheartening is this fact, the nest, which was considered, was considered for its form and not its function. Had valid ISS principles

been applied, the true traits from an ISS-perspective of the nest may have come to light — or, a nest from an ISS-perspective is secure because of the “Security through Obscurity” principle.

A nest is safe from an ISS-perspective not because of its form, but due to its location; perched high, very high on the edge of a hill, or on the very

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last branch of a tree. It is secure by location, not form, according to ISS principles.

The resulting position then is simple; The biophilia hypothesis, biomimicry, and the resulting “bio” culture together offer no service to the architect, much less to an architect who may hold a Christian-worldview.

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For example Cognitive Psychology is of, has value. It is the study of mental processes such as “attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, creativity, and thinking” (American Psychological Association, 2013. Glossary of psychological terms.

Apa.org.

Retrieved August 13, 2014). Much of the work derived from cognitive psychology has been integrated

107 into various other modern disciplines of psychological study, including educational psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and economics.

It is proven, repeatable.

established

3B is a redundant classification system; it is not only inessential it is also a distraction; 3B distracts us from true science, from the great contributions now being made to Science by great men and women, worldwide.

and

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4|3 What is 3B? In 1984, Edward O. Wilson published Biophilia.

It introduced and popularized the biophilia hypothesis or, the “innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes” (Wilson, ix).

The Greek word μῖμος or mîmos can be understood through the word mimesis — to imitate. The term “biomimicry” was popularized

by Janine Benyus’ book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, and is referred to in the same as “a new science that studies nature’s models and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems” (Benyus, xi).

The resulting “bio” culture trickles out in all directions from this very intersection — the intersection of biophilia, biomimicry, but also from the activity generated by the consolidation of ideas, the interplay of so many bounded areas of interest, together.

Unfortunately, imitation is not new: Indigenous management of landscapes mimicked natural processes (Freeman and Seeland); Leonardo Da Vinci’s bird-like flying machine designs (Laurenza); some of the 19th century architectural ideas of Gottfried Semper who worked with the anatomical studies of renowned French naturalist George Cuvier (Aldersley-Williams); the turnof-the-century biomorphic style of Art Nouveau (Greenhalgh); George de Mistrals invention of Velcro based upon the attachment properties of cockle burs (Pareti).

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For the sake of clarity this paper deals with the topic (Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioculture)via the acronym of 3B.

Last, an elementary definition of a Christian worldview “refers to the framework or ideas and beliefs through which a Christian individual, group or culture interprets the world and interacts with it” — of many techniques, one.

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“Unfortunately, Imitation is not new...”

- Oscar Medellin

4|4 Definition 3B by definition, is not a sustainable practice.

In line with the explanation of reductive biomimicry, this will help solve a specific problem, but there is no guarantee that [it in fact] will yield an environmentally sustainable solution. This is pointed out[,] stating that because biomimicry is an effort to imitate life, and life has proven to be sustainable, it is easy to believe that a biomimetic product will automatically be less ecologically damaging (less unsustainable) than non-biomimetic products. However, test results show that reductive biomimetic products cannot be regarded as more sustainable than the norm (Bras).

We must remind ourselves here, of a previous point before continuing.

The key term here is “reductively.”

When biomimicry is used in a reductive way, it often leads to shallow applications. And the challenge stands — “but there is no guarantee that [it in fact] will yield an environmentally sustainable solution.”

Proponents of 3B will no doubt challenge the preceding.

In

summary, two statements ring true for most champions “of the cause”; 3B may enable humans to avail themselves of some really novel technologies; provide these really novel technologies in an inherently sustainable way.

However, while Benyus comes across quite strongly about the supposed eco-friendly nature of biomimicry, this is not always how the practice of biomimicry unfolds (Benyus). Of the following list of so-called 3B “devoted projects,” which has pronounced sustainability credentials — designing undetectable surveillance cameras based on the compound eye of insects (Duparre, Wippermann) (Toko); emulating biological molecules, such as DNA, to create industrial nano machines (Lerner) (Martin); exploring other planets with spacecraft inspired by insects, spiders and worms (Ayre) (Thakoor); inventing new military technologies based on all kinds of animals and plants (Butler) (Forbes); and fashioning new consumer bio-inspired products from bionic automobiles (Mercedes Benz), to genetically engineered fibers (Teule)?

111 One explicitly is military. Others are more gray. At first glance, science fiction movies come to mind. As we continue to investigate, well, we find trouble.

The former (surveillance cameras) bring to the front questions of liberty, freedom and privacy. The rest if pursued may yield dangerous consequence in the form of expanded ecological footprints and others a high degree of environmental risk.

It is also noteworthy that the prime funders of large-scale biomimicry research are tending to be the defense industry along with various large corporations (Marshall, Lozeva).

In other words, our 3B-pursuit may in fact undermine the very values we so vehemently espouse. As stated, the consequences may be more than dangerous, and we never even tackled the issue of possibly expanded ecological footprint which those products would create if brought to market.

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4|5 Christian Worldview We’ve already shared an introductory definition of what if anything may be defined as a Christian worldview — an elementary definition of a Christian worldview “refers to the framework or ideas and beliefs through which a Christian individual, group or culture interprets the world and interacts with it.”

There are other frameworks. A person may choose to interact with the world, interpret the world thru some other lens. This is one, hence the phrasing, “Of many techniques, one.”

When considering this inclination, tendency it is easy to simplify — hocus pocus, blind faith. In order to have a productive conversation the author will suspend his belief in the hocus pocus (walking on water, transfiguration, levitation) for the sake of this paper and instead focus on the facts.

A person who may hold a Christian worldview believes that, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (King James Version).

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon

the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (KJV) is verse 2 of the first book of Genesis. The author does not award “man-time” to God-time, nor do I believe that 1 God-day is equal to 1 Man-day.

I am willing to confront the innate contradictions of the framework which I espouse if the reader is willing to believe, that although the reader himself or herself may not believe them I do in fact believe them. The recognition then goes not to the “Spirit” or to what some would call voodoo magic, but to the framework and the set of beliefs which allowed primitive societies of human being to organize.

E.O. Wilson organization:

dismisses

this

As Carl Jung once said, some problems can never be solved, only out-grown. And so it must be for the Absolute Paradox. There is no solution because there is nothing to solve. The problem is not in the nature or even in the existence of God. It is in the biological origins of human existence and in the nature of the human mind, and what made

113 us the evolutionary pinnacle of the biosphere. The best way to live in this real world is to free ourselves of demons and tribal gods (Wilson, The Meaning of Human Existence, pg.

158, pa. 1).

Wilson goes further and covers both, the benefits of religious frameworks and harms of the same, with the same veil. He lumps the good with the bad.

Dismisses the accomplishments of the framework (literacy, education, marriage, family) because of the negative consequences of same (war).

Science however, if simplified, does not better. A dismissal of the negative consequences of science (the atomic bomb) does not dismiss the amazing accomplishments of hard working researchers worldwide (polio vaccine, penicillin, and on and on).

We should never be so inclined as to dismiss an essential tool (the framework of morals, laws, protocols, “the manual of life” which have been handed down to us from pioneering civilizations), believing we are the “pinnacle of the biosphere” and the like, can also be dismissed for the obvious reasons all readers already know. I need not repeat them.

We are part of a continuum — to deny this fact says our future doesn’t exist, while making the present something we can’t enjoy.

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4|6 Conclusion The author will not contribute “ecomimicry” to the conversation in direct contrast to “bio-mimicry.” The author will also not contribute “eco-philia.”

The introduction of the label ecomimicry is not intended as a launch of a grand new philosophy and practice of technology, it merely acts as a categorization system that delineates between practices of mimicking nature that are not particularly socially and environmentally responsible, and practices of mimicking nature that aim to be environmentally sensitive and socially just (Marshall, Lozeva).

But there is no need for a new categorization system. I encourage all to use the good-old labels: entomology, forestry, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics — and of course art, architecture and the humanities.

Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever re-new’d, Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me, Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined, The question, O me! so sad, recurring— What good amid these, O me, O life?

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Answer.

That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

[That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.]

O Me! O Life! by Walt Whitman Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring, Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish, Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)

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author Oscar Medellin Waukegan, IL

Leed ap BD+C

Hello, world.

I’m Oscar. I was born in Mexico D.F. and landed in Waukegan, Illinois at the age of 9. I attended Waukegan Township High School and the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, but left it for the real world and a job with Peak Telecom which led to a gig with Lucien Lagrange Architects. Then BOOTH HANSEN. Then Perkins + Will. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology & Management from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2012 (South Side, Chicago, IL) and am now completing a Master’s of Architecture at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. Judson is a private, evangelical Christian university on the Fox River.

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Retrieved from Most Beautiful Places in the World website, <http://mostbeautifulplacesintheworld.org/ wp-content/uploads/2013/05/church-of-the-sagrada-familia-barcelona-spain.jpg> Retrieved from Jason Pitcher website, <http://jasonpitcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TreviFountain-Rome22013.jpg> Retrieved from Ooyes website, <http://ooyes.net/userfiles/media/downloaded/daily-inspirati on-245-2009071006001928-3328844758_b533e4f24c_b_jpg.jpg> Retrieved from Investment Property Monster website, <http://investmentpropertymonsters.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/08/Bad-Apple.jpg> Retrieved from Walls 4 Joy website, <http://walls4joy.com/walls/art-design/rorschach-test-7003831648x1276.jpg> Retrieved from Prothetic Aesthetics website, <https://prostheticaesthetics.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/ rorschach_02_hdr_edit1.jpg> Retrieved from Aspects Images website, <https://aspectsimages.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/wpid641complexity.jpg> Retrieved from Media-Cache website, <http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/61/b9/0f/61b90fe849a 4763db44e35ad1323f66e.jpg> Retrieved from Estate Plan Shop website, <http://estateplanshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ blended-family-01.jpg> Retrieved from Your First Report website, <https://yourfirstreport.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/ information-security.jpg> Retrieved from Nilofer Merchant website, <http://nilofermerchant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ Stand-Out.jpg> Retrieved from The Inline Group website, <http://blog.theinlinegroup.com/blog/assets/content/ Stand%20out%20from%20the%20crowd.jpg> Retrieved from iDesign Quest website, <https://idesignquest.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/biophilia6. jpg> Retrieved from Blogs Newcastle website, <http://blogs.newcastle.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ zimbabwe.gif> Retrieved from Wearebuild website, <http://blog.wearebuild.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ biomimetics2_blog.jpg> Retrieved from HOK Life website, <http://hoklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/spiral-fromknowledgenet-small.jpg> Retrieved from Inhabitat website, <http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/06/ biomimicry-3d-janine-benyus-2-537x383.jpg> Retrieved from New Venturist website, <http://newventurist.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/EksoBionics-Full-Product-Empty.jpg> Retrieved from Paradise in the World website, <http://paradiseintheworld.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/05/rio-de-janeiro-statue.jpg> Retrieved from Forbes website, <http://blogs-images.forbes.com/ashoka/files/2014/06/the-power-ofplay_large.jpg> Retrieved from NYC WP Engine website, <http://nyc.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/ uploads/2013/03/IMG_1338.jpg> Retrieved from 99HD Wallpaper website, <http://www.99hdwallpaper.com/life/wallpapers/wallpaper-oflife.jpg> Oscar Medellin Oscar Medellin Oscar Medellin Oscar Medellin Image from Kasia, retrieved from Flickr website, on March 29, 2015 <https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode> Retrieved from Pintrest website, on March 19, 2015 <http://www.wallpaper4me.com/images/wallpapers/ pantoneleaves(2)-751071.jpeg>

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Closing Remarks Architecture can inspire . . . . Architecture can inspire curiosity and provoke learning.

-Robin Randall, Architectural Thesis, Ball State University, 1986 Can architecture inspire environmental respect that leads to responsibility?

I’m counting on it. As we practice in the “intentional biophilic age” (Jason McLennan) it is imperative that we integrate nature into our design.

Humans need nature to thrive and we no longer are guaranteed exposure in our busy lives.

Please take the time to ponder our chapters on biophilia, biomimicry, and bioculture and share your own memory, faith, protection, or question with us.

Continue the conversation.

- Robin R. Randall, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Contact: Robin R. Randall, AIA, LEED AP BD+C rrandall@legat.com Joseph Fara 2jfara2@gmail.com Jacleine Ely jacleine.ely@gmail.com Season Gilliam season_g7@yahoo.com Oscar Medellin, LEED AP BD+C oscar.medellin@student.judsonu.edu

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Credits Images Covers: - Retrieved from Media-Cache website, <http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/27/95/18/27951829c6544e 8c459c5cbdccd0a638.jpg> Contents Page: - Left: Retrieved from: pintrest.com, on March 19, 2015 <http://thruhiker.tumblr.com/post/25748671470> - Right: Retrieved from: google.com, on April 9, 2015 < http://widehdwalls.com/15608-bathing-stones/> Introduction Page (left): - Left: Photograph by: Umberto Salvagnin, retrieved from: flickr.com, March 29, 2015 <https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode> - Right: Photograph by: Donald Durham, retrieved from: flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 <https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode> Page 1 (top to bottom): - Retrieved from google.com on April 9, 2015 <www.veritascollaborative.com> - Retrieved from google.com on April 9, 2015 <www.treelearning.blogspot.com> - Retrieved from google.com on April 9, 2015 <www.interfacereconnect.com> - Retrieved from google.com on April 9, 2015 <www.plannin1417.rssing.com> Page 2: - Left: Retrieved from: pintrest.com, on March 19, 2015 <http://coffeeinthemountains.tumblr.com/ post/74584049701> - Right: Retreived from http://www.helenavanvliet.com/, on April 9, 2015 < http://www.helenavanvliet.com/ wp-content/uploads/2013/07/healthyandlocalmaterials2-e1374694652523.jpg> Page 3 (top to bottom): - Joseph Fara - Jacleine Ely - Photograph by: Benjamin Yeager, retrieved from bing.com, on: March 19, 2015 <http://www.ytravelblog.com/ travel-pinspiration-california/> - Retrieved from Most Beautiful Places in the World website, <http://mostbeautifulplacesintheworld.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/05/church-of-the-sagrada-familia-barcelona-spain.jpg> Page 4 (all images): - Retreived from Christine Chaney Creative, on April 9, 2015 <http://christinechaneycreative.com/> Page 6: - Retrieved from pixbay.com on April 9, 2015 <http://pixabay.com/> Page 8: - Photography by: Sonny Abesamis, retrieved from: flickr.com, on March 29, 2015 Page 122: - Top Left: Robin Randall - Top Right: Image retrieved from: bing.com, on March 31, 2015 <http://www.onedayswages.org/donate/org/ judson-university> - Bottom Left: Image retrieved from: bing.com, on March 31, 2015 < http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews. com/best-colleges/judson-university-1700/photos> - Bottom Right: Image retrieved from: bing.com, on March 31, 2015 < http://activerain.trulia.com/ blogsview/2507540/judson-university-elgin-il-ranks-20th-among-best-midwest-colleges>

Page 124: - McLennan, Jason. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Timeline of Disconnect.â&#x20AC;? International Living Future Institute. Poster.

Page 126: - Image from David Spinks, retrieved from flickr.com, on April 9, 2015 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/2.0/legalcode>

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

Spring 2015 Judson University 1151 N. State St. Elgin, IL 60123 With the kind support of Legat Architects.