AN EXPLORATION OF CONNEC¬TIONS AND CONSEQUENCES IN THE PRACTICE OF BIOMIMICRY
HOW MAY WE THINK ABOUT THE CONNECTIVITY AND CON¬SEQUENCES WHEN CREATING ARTEFACTS THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF BIOMIMICRY?

WORKSHOP THEME

Biological organisms and processes in nature in¬spire our creations. We translate biology into our designs, creating artificial imitations of what we see operating efficiently in nature. We mimic the nature, we learn from its long perfected structures and sys¬tems. And we do so in order to improve our designs, to make them as closely efficient as their biological counterparts. But, are we succeeding?

A biological organism renders connections - its feeding patterns inevitably are connected to other biological systems, as is its waste. A younger organ¬ism consumes more resources for its survival, while an older one needs far less. In majority of cases, the existence of the organism in its very structure ben¬efits the environment it is connected to. As such, a biological organism never appears in isolation.

The artefacts mimicking a biological structure or a function render consequences very different to those of the organism it mimics - their parts are often made of non-biodegradable, non-reusable materials; they may generate pollution and abiotic waste; their functionality may only be sustained with a constant energy source.

Therefore, we enquire:
With this workshop we aim to offer the grounds to generate radical thought methods with which the participants may be equipped to create artefacts imitating the nature more efficiently.


PROGRAMME

AN EXPLORATION OF CONNEC¬TIONS AND CONSEQUENCES IN THE PRACTICE OF BIOMIMICRY

The workshop is an inspirational 1 week themebased co-lab. It engages several disciplines to present to the participants multiple angles under the theme “Biomimicry”. The main purpose is to generate new knowledge in relation to the given theme and to be equipped to communicate an innovative and well analysed multidisciplinary response.

The workshop programme places emphasis on critical thinking, ability to write and record one’s thoughts, art research capacity and knowledge exchange and cooperation of the participants.
Artists and Designers are invited to participate in an inspirational workshop created to generate grounds for radical thinking applicable in arts and design inspired by nature.
The participants may come from backgrounds in visual arts, diverse design disciplines and architec¬ture. We expect prior interest in ecology, as well as in thought methods and design.


SCHEDULE

MONDAY JUL 2
• Networking lounge with Art Quarter Budapest and Institute of Advanced Design Studies 16.00-20.00.

TUESDAY JUL 3
• Lecture 1 / Biomimicry, Objects & Sustainability- Introduction (Karina Vissonova, Institute of Advanced Design Studies, HU)
• Lecture 2 / Thinking & formulating one’s thoughts (TBA)
• Lecture 3 / Ecology & Design (Dániel Barcza, MOME EcoLab, HU)
• Lecture 4 / Philosophy & Ecology (László Nemes, Eszterházy Károly University, HU)
• Group sessions





WEDNESDAY JUL 4
• Key Lecture / Radical design & conceptual-isation (Levente Gyulai, Architect, HU)
• Lecture 2 / Thinking in architecture (Andor Wesselényi-Garai Borderline Architecture, Debreceni University, HU)
• Lecture 3 / Biology & technology (Ákos Maróy, Aero Glass, HU)
• Group sessions

THURSDAY JUL 5
• Key Lecture / Ecology & art
(Maja Fowkes & Reuben Fowkes, Translocal Institute for Contemporary Art, UK)
• Lecture 2 / Ecology & crafts (Richards Funts, MAD International Summer School of Design, LV)
• Lecture 3 / Art & bio-philosophy (Lilla von Puttkamer Artist, DE)
• Group sessions

FRIDAY JUL 6
• Group sessions and workshop outcome material

OUTCOME MATERIALS
The knowledge generated by the participants during the workshop will be recorded and published in a workshop journal. As part of the training, the par¬ticipants will learn to record their thoughts. During the group sessions, the participants will create their individual and group “thought maps” reflecting on the theme and subjects of the day. In addition, the organisers will conduct interviews with the speakers and participants, will record sketches, photographs and reflections. The workshop journal will be made available at Art Quarter Budapest in a printed ver¬sion and published online.
Selected participants will be notified within 10 days upon application. Accepted participants are request¬ed to pay the full module fee within 15 days upon confirmation of their spot in the workshop.
APPLICATIONS, FEES AND DEADLINES
The participants are selected to represent diverse backgrounds to create a rich working/learning envi¬ronment. Recommended disciplines: arts (also wel¬comed technology and biology engineering inspired arts, installation art), design and architecture.

THE PRICE FOR THE WEEK’S WORKSHOP IS 250 EUR,

which offers 10 unique lectures, facilitated group work, an open networking event with wine and light meal, and published work in the workshop journal.
Lunches available at the venue (5 EUR). For visiting participants we offer accommodation (25 EUR/night) with limited availability.

Selected participants will be notified within 10 days upon application. Accepted participants are request¬ed to pay the full module fee within 15 days upon confirmation of their spot in the workshop.


THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICA¬TIONS IS JUNE 8TH.


SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO: MD@AQB.HU


COLLABORATION PARTNERS
The workshop is a collaboration between the ART QUARTER BUDAPEST and the newly established INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED DESIGN STUDIES, which will be the lead facilitators of the workshop.

https://www.aqb.hu