AEC Innovation: Clark Nexsen & Biomimicry

Recently I caught of glimpse of Clark Nexsen's innovative push to include biomimicry into their firm culture and their design of projects.  The concept is simple--"mimic" nature; its elements and functions into the planning, design, engineering and construction of man-made projects.  All AEC companies should take note: not only in the unique approach but in the differentiation that is supplies this full-service firm--an invaluable asset given enhanced competition during the current economic conditions.

Below is an article submitted by Cindy Allen, a colleague and marketing associate at Clark Nexsen.

"Clark Nexsen recognizes sustainable design isn't just about LEED for buildings. Sustainability and green design must positively impact long-term environmental, economic and social roots. As a multi-discipline architecture, engineering and planning firm, Clark Nexsen offers a holistic, collaborative, solutions-oriented design approach that addresses integral systems, structures and finishes of a project - and environmental, economic and social impacts."

"To elevate our in-house sustainable design capabilities, Clark Nexsen employs one of only 15 Certified Biomimicry Professionals in the world: Lisa Schmidtke, CID, ASID, LEED AP. Lisa uses Biomimicry to help designers develop nature-inspired design solutions."

Nature-Inspired Design Solutions

"Biomimicry is an old practice, a new science, and an emerging discipline that studies and then emulates nature's time-tested natural forms, processes, and systems to create more healthy and sustainable designs. The basic premise of Biomimicry is that, over the last roughly five billion years, nature has already solved many of the challenges humans face."

"These natural inspirations lead to new strategies for achieving environmental goals, building a toolbox of innovative ideas from water use, to waste reduction, to interior materials safe enough to eat. Clark Nexsen uses Biomimicry specifically to measure your current level of sustainability, to improve your current level of sustainability, to help solve sustainability issues, and reach environmental goals that might otherwise seem unachievable."  


Below is the Clark Nexsen video on Biomimicry: