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Visitor's Series, Billy Almon, "The Process of Creating Empathetic, Restorative Futures with Biology"

Event Type
Lecture
Sponsor
School of Art & Design
Location
Zoom
Date
Sep 23, 2021   5:30 pm  
Views
60

https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscOGvrjotHtAL_K83yk4djfR7-7Skkzad

Abstract:
In this discussion, Billy will expose A+D students to the concept of biomimicry and facilitate 
their exploration of what restorative futures look like in a world where human-led design has 
resulted in inequitable spaces and systems. Now more than ever, the world needs solutions that are 
not only sustainable, but are empathetic to the needs and circumstances of the people. Billy will 
share the process for creating "restorative futures" and detail an ideation process for design that 
is dynamic and empathetic. After the discussion, A+D students will see how biology-inspired 
solutions (also known as "biomimicry") can be used as a tool for creating spaces and systems that 
are inherently efficient and equitable for all human beings.

Bio:
Billy is an Astrobiofuturist who explores biology-inspired solutions to improve the human condition 
for those of us on earth and those who will travel to the stars. He now focuses on speaking to 
multiple generations of inventors, designers, scientists, and engineers on designing the future 
they wish to see. Previously, Billy was a creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, leading 
efforts to develop immersive experiences and environments around the world. He holds a Master's 
degree in Biomimicry from Arizona State University and Bachelor's degree in Architecture from 
Howard University. Billy sits on the Board of Directors for the Biomimicry Institute, the world’s 
leading authority on nature’s solutions to design challenges. He also teaches biomimetic design at 
the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

link for robots only