SEM2007 Paper
From Patterns
Contents |
Key Dates
- Dec. 6, 2006 selection of abstracts
- Mar. 16, 2007 submission of papers
- June 3-6, 2007 conference in Springfield, Massachusetts
Abstract
We are facing increasingly complex and far-reaching environmental challenges. In addition to solving specific problems, designers are being called upon to consider how their solutions affect the long-term viability of environmental, social and economic systems. Individual designers often lack the skills, experience and knowledge to effectively deal with issues such as the implications of specific materials and manufacturing processes, how products and services are used, and the impact of final disposal. Increasingly, complex problems required an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach. At the same time, research and design disciplines are trending towards ever greater specialization, which can inhibit communication and collaboration amongst professionals.
Many students entering design faculties are seeking information relating to environmental issues and sustainability. A number of courses have successfully incorporated concepts from biology as a way of explaining engineering concepts. Students seem to be excited about the freshness of this approach as well as their accompanying improvement in their ability to relate their field of study to current events. Educators could benefit from tools that help them organize and communicate information about natural systems, in a way that is relevant to their specific disciplines.
This paper will describe a project to develop a ‘pattern language’ based on knowledge about ecosystems as well as robust human designs. Alexander [1, 2] developed the concept of ‘pattern languages’ in the late 1970s as a means of capturing and communicating recurrent problems and solutions in architecture. Successful pattern languages can provide a framework that structures information so that practitioners can gain a deeper insight into specific problems and explore innovative solutions. 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. Pattern languages also contain information about how problems and solutions relate to each other. By helping practitioners explore issues at different levels and scales, pattern languages can encourage thinking at the system and component levels.
Final Paper and Presentation
- Patterns from Nature Paper (1.3MB PDF)
- Patterns from Nature Presentation (1.2MB PDF of charts)
- Patterns from Nature Presentation (8.7MB PowerPoint)
Citation
Proceedings of the 2007 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics June 4-6, 2007 Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ISBN: 0-912053-97-6
SEM 2007 Presentation
According to Fil Salustri:
- "Stay on schedule. Everyone hates people who go over their allotted time."
- "Have a single stream of presentation - keep it nice and linear ..."
- "It's fine to have 'blue sky' bits, so long as it comes after presenting the 'hard evidence' stuff."
Archived Material
SEM2007 Archive contains the initial Wiki paper content, as well as the first two drafts in Word format. The third draft and final paper are too large to upload at this time, due to the size of the embedded images.
