At Biomimicry Chicago, we aim to provide events for our network that both educate people about biomimicry - both the methodology and mindset, as well as foster new connections between multi-disciplinary professionals interested in this topic. To that end, we'd love to hear your suggestions if there's something you're interested in doing or learning about - please email us at info@biomimicrychicago.org.
Upcoming Events
Using Biomimicry to Inform Passive Buildings
When: September 19, 2018, 5:30-7:15pm
Location: TBA
Host: Passive House Alliance of Chicago
We are thrilled to join the Passive House Alliance of Chicago September meeting to discuss our Deep Roots Initiative category of Carbon & Climate. Attendees will get the chance to play with nature's local solutions to energy and climate challenges. This meeting is open to the public, so please join us! We look forward to seeing you there!
Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
When: November 14 - 16, 2018 (conference schedule)
Location: McCormick Place West | Chicago
Cost: See conference website for 3-and 4-day pass pricing. Not able to attend the full conference? Explore the Expo Hall on us! (see below for details)
In 2018, there is a plethora of updates, education, and new technology regarding sustainability in the built environment. This knowledge comes to life at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo.
Greenbuild is the in-person experience for sustainability in the built environment. It’s for professionals who depend on thoughtful and ethical solutions which promote wellness and resiliency in construction and urban development.
Discover three days of sessions - strategically planned to educate, motivate, and inspire you. When you return to the field or office, you'll have the latest resources and knowledge about sustainability in the built environment. Join Biomimicry Chicago's own Amy Coffman-Phillips to experience a Genius of Biome workshop November 15 from 8-10a.m.
In 2018, Biomimicry Chicago is partnering with Greenbuild, and you can be our guest - contact us to learn how you can receive a free expo hall pass when you register!
Our Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour event series is on hold as we prepare for fall events. Join us at Passive House in September or Greenbuild in November - register at the links above today!
Join us for our biomimicry happy hour discussions where you will have the opportunity to:
Learn about, explore and discuss biomimicry, challenges facing our built environment, and opportunities for rethinking our approach to these challenges through a biomimicry lens
Contribute your expertise to strengthen the group’s understanding of both the challenges and opportunities for using biomimicry in the built environment
Connect with like-minded colleagues from a wide diversity of backgrounds interested in driving true sustainability and resiliency in our cities
Past Events
June 15, 2018
Regenerative Materials Round Table
We spent an afternoon of conversation with local materials experts discussing how the materials we use and select can contribute toward healthy urban ecosystems.
February 28, 2018
Urban Biodiversity Roundtable
We spent an afternoon of conversation with local biodiversity experts discussing how our built environment can contribute toward healthy, resilient, and biodiverse communities.
November 16, 2017
Nature’s Water Strategies: A Design Jam!
Co-hosted with Living Building Collaborative: Chicago
Space provided by Interface; Drinks and food sponsored by Farr Associates.
September 21, 2017
Thirsty Thursdays - Connect, Learn & Create with Us!
Hosted by: DIRTT Environmental Solutions
2017 Summer iSite Challenge
Summer is an AMAZING time to be outside and experience nature biomimicry style! Learn more about our iSite challenge and view our network's 2017 examples here.
May 4, 2017
Thirsty Thursdays: Celebrating Our Deep Roots
April 21, 2017
Deep Roots Workshop
Participants learned about how the systematic removal of ecosystem functions in the Chicago region (and all cities) has resulted in the multitude of sustainability and resiliency challenges we see in our urban and suburban environments, from flooding to extreme heat to biodiversity loss to climate change. Participants then had the chance to explore how learning from nature can provide insight as to where current practices are falling short, and where opportunity exists to develop innovative more robust, resilient solutions for the future. Find a summary of the workshop here, and learn more about our Deep Roots Initiative!
April 6, 2017
Thirsty Thursdays: Carbon As Catalyst
Speaker: Jenny Carney, Principal, YR&G
Hosted by AECOM
March 9, 2017
Thirsty Thursdays: Water Management
Speaker: Aaron Elswick, Landscape Architect, Terry Guen Design Associates
Hosted by Devmynd
February 2, 2017
Thirsty Thursdays: Fostering Urban Biodiversity
Speaker: Emily Minor, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Hosted by DLR Group
January 5, 2017
Thirsty Thursdays: Ecosystem Functions - How do we measure up?
Speaker: Jim Patchett, Conservation Design Forum
Hosted by AECOM
December 1, 2016
Thirsty Thursdays: Envisioning Our Deep Roots
Speaker: Amy Coffman Phillips, Network Leader Biomimicry Chicago
Hosted by CBRE
November 3, 2016
Thirsty Thursdays: Biomimicry 101
Speaker: Rachel Hahs, Network Leader Biomimicry Chicago
Hosted by the Lurie Garden