IBE 2008
From Patterns
Contents |
Strategy
We have an opportunity to present our Patterns work as part of the Biomimicry track at the IBE conference held March 6-9/2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Due to the additional material that we have created in documenting proto-patterns, I suggest that we use our work to illustrate the value of pattern language, and refer anyone interested in the background on pattern languages to either the SEM 2007 or Biomimetics 12 paper. I would like to see at least one additional proto-pattern documented, along with an initial attempt to develop a network relating the proto-patterns. In addition, we need to show that these proto-patterns can be useful to designers. 
I plan to use the the February Newsletter article for BioInspired! as the starting point for the IBE presentation.
The IBE is only publishing abstracts in the conference proceedings. However, we have an opportunity to submit a formal paper to the Journal of Biological Engineering. This is a peer-reviewed journal, which raises the stakes. John raised concerns about the focus on medicine and small scale biomolecular/genetic manipulation. On the other hand, the editorial Introducing Journal of Biological Engineering (Mark Riley, editor-in-chief) talks about emergent behavior, the importance of a multi-scale (spatial and temporal) approach, interdependence, and sustainability. It wraps up with a reference to "underlying phenomena that govern the behavior of biological and biologically derived systems". The article Engineering education in the wake of Hurricane Katrina emphasizes the
importance of practicing 'radical engineering' (solving root problems), linking engineering and public policy, and finding sustainable solutions. I like the recommendation of "5 for 5 in 50" - in 50 years, the US should use 5% of the world's energy since it represents 5% of the population. I contacted Dr. Marty Matlock (one of the associate editors) - he encouraged us to submit a paper.
I (Maibritt) have also come across an IOP journal called Bioinspiration and Biomimetics Journal http://www.iop.org/EJ/journal/bioinsp as another or additional option.
Abstract
Humanity is facing increasingly complex and far-reaching environmental challenges. In addition to solving specific technical problems, designers and engineers are being called upon to consider how their solutions affect the long-term viability of environmental, social and economic systems. These practitioners often lack the skills, experience and knowledge to effectively deal with these inter-related issues. For example, they may be called up to design with an understanding of the whole life cycle of the product or service, including material selection, manufacturing, usage and final disposal.
Kay (2002) suggests truly sustainable design "is about designing human ecological-economic systems which fit in with natural ecological systems", to preserve the well being, resiliency and adaptability of both systems. Kay proposes "a new branch of engineering ... (that) will bring together the disciplines of ecology, economics, engineering design, systems theory, and thermodynamics". To deal with these issues, practitioners will need tools and methods that manage complexity and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
This paper will describe research that investigates the creation of a ‘pattern language’ based on ecosystem principles. Natural systems have demonstrated that sustainability can be maintained over extended periods of time, while creating environments full of diverse, rich and vibrant life. A number of preliminary patterns have been explored, including "Life creates conditions conducive to life" and "Using multi-functional design" (Biomimicry Guild, 2007). The process of developing the pattern language has led to a deeper understanding of how these principles work and suggested applications to human design.
Successful pattern languages help practitioners gain deeper insight into design problems by providing a framework for information as well as incorporating strong imagery. By using terminology that is not discipline-specific, pattern languages have the potential to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and simplify the transfer of knowledge between diverse fields, such as biology and engineering. They also contain information on how problems and solutions relate to each other at different levels, helping practitioners deal with the multiple perspectives and different temporal/spatial scales of complex systems. Pattern languages can guide practitioners in developing solutions that are acceptable and positive in both social and ecological contexts, leading to more sustainable and ideally regenerative designs.
| Fil Salustri | Mechanical Engineering (Ryerson University) | Tom McKeag | Landscape Architect, Town Planner (California College of the Arts) | |
| Denise DeLuca | Civil Engineering, Outreach Director (Biomimicry Institute) | Eileen Stephens | Mechanical Engineer, MBA in entrepreneurial management | |
| Maibritt Pedersen Zari | School of Architecture (Victoria University, Wellington) | John Reap | Sustainable Design & Manufacturing (Georgia Tech) | |
| Martha Love | Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology | Lynne Sopchak | Immunology and microbiology |
Applications of Proto-Patterns
Conducive to Life
Moved to Conducive_to_Life#Applications
Multi-Functionality
Moved to Multi-Functional_Materials#Applications
Interdependence
Moved to Interdependence#Applications
IBE Abstract Accepted
e-mail from Marshall Porterfield <porterf(at)purdue.edu> on January 10/2008, 09:43 AM
Subject: IBE 2008 Annual Conference - Abstract Submission(s) Acceptance
I am pleased to announce that the Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) received over 250 abstract submissions for the 2008 Annual Conference - a record number for the association! We are excited about the growing support of IBE and looking forward to another successful conference dedicated to Biological Engineering.
Your abstract submission(s) has been accepted and the program committee is currently working to confirm assignments and finalize the agenda. More detailed information including your session title, date and time will be distributed later.
The IBE 2008 Annual Conference is scheduled for March 6-9, 2008 at the Sheraton Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. Early registration fees are available until January 31, 2008 so REGISTER NOW and remember to book your hotel reservation too!
Thank you for submitting your abstract(s) and for your continuous support of biological engineering.
If you have any questions concerning your abstract submission(s), please contact Sarah Clements at sclements(at)ibe.org or 859-977-7442.
Kind regards,
Marshall Porterfield
Chair, Program Committee
IBE Charts
Final charts 8MB PowerPoint
Please consider the Journal of Biological Engineering
e-mail of April 16/2008:
- Dear Dr. Hoeller,
- Thank you for your presentation at the recent international Institute of Biological Engineering meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When it comes time to publish your work, we hope that you will consider the Journal of Biological Engineering (www.jbioleng.org).
- JBE was inaugurated in October 2007, and is indexed by PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Moreover, it is open access; your research is available to copy, distribute and display by anyone worldwide with just a couple of clicks. Online publication allows automated links. When one accesses a manuscript "Full Text", the reference list is fully active and hyperlinked to the original material. Average time to decision is 114 days.
- How to submit a manuscript, visit: www.jbioleng.org/manuscript/ for instructions and the style guide. Questions or problems: email editor@ibe.org.
- The Journal of Biological Engineering is the official journal of IBE: It is your journal!
- Best wishes,
- Mark Riley, Ph.D.
- University of Arizona
- Editor-in-Chief
- Mark Eiteman, Ph.D.
- University of Georgia
- Associate Editor
