the future of Social Biomimicry, February 2012

Club of Amsterdam

pdf version



What we can learn from nature

In collaboration with LvDO

Presentations

Bowine Wijffels, Cailin Partners
Social Biomimicry – for project management, leadership, change in organisations
Douwe Jan Joustra, Managing Partner, One Planet Architecture institute
Living City

Article

Elisabet Sahtouris, PhD
Towards a Biomimicry Culture of Cooperation

Nature has a long history and it’s been known for some time that designers and architect find good solutions and ideas looking at nature. Nature is an inspiration when it comes to effective use of materials, construction of housing and other design challenges. But there is more to learn from nature.

Did you ever ask yourself questions like: How do swarms, flogs or herds work together? How do living organisms cooperate? How does nature grow or respond to changes? What about leadership?

In the meeting of February 23, 2012 we would like to address some of the issues of social Biomimicry. We will present some common patterns from nature that are inspirational for social issues like: communication, teamwork, leadership, development of organisations and society. We will give an idea of how to translate these patterns to work situation, architecture of organisations, teamwork and future growth. Social Biomimicry gives a fresh new perspective and we also belief it will contribute to resilient and future-orientated organisations.

Concept LvDO, Programm Learning for Sustainable Development

Bowine Wijffels is working as consultant and process leader in environmental education and learning for sustainable development. Learning from nature of one of her passions.
Social Biomimicry – for project management, leadership, change in organisations

Douwe Jan Joustra, Managing Partner, One Planet Architecture institute
Living City

Can nature inspire us for cityplanning and -development? Mostly we see the city as a non-natural habitat for people and some birds and other species like cars and bicycles. When we look upon the city as a living ecosystem, what can we learn from nature. Has the city it’s own metabolism, can it feed itself? How does a living city provide living conditions for all organisms?

9:00 – 20:05
Part I
19:00
Introduction by our Moderator
Caroline van Leenders, LvDO, Ministry of Economics, Agriculture, and Innovation
19:05
Bowine Wijffels, Cailin Partners
Social Biomimicry – for project management, leadership, change in organisations
19:35
Douwe Jan Joustra, Managing Partner, One Planet Architecture institute
Living City

20:05 – 20:25
Coffee break with drinks and snacks.

20:25 – 21:15
Part II
20:25
reflection from keynote listeners (we will ask 3 or 4 people)
20:50
Open discussion

Impressions