Seminars

Respect for the future can inspire architects, designers and business leaders to change their approach to the design process, by reconsidering materials, products and processes within the entire business realm. Following his mentor, Janine Benyus, author of Biomimicry, designer David Oakey studies nature to solve problems in design, business and life. He also draws on the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. In this presentation, he will offer examples of how design can shift away from seeking control and can instead mimic natural processes, premised on self-organizing feedback systems. David describes the development of a process and environment for design inspiration and collaboration that will enhance quality of life in the future. Speaker: David Oakey, founder of David Oakey Designs, is a textile designer who now leads global efforts in sustainable, or “smart” design through the study of biomimicry. He challenges industrial designers, architects, teachers and students to take action and bring about change today. Respecting the future is a conscious choice that recognizes how design impacts the world, during and after its life cycle. David has been featured in Business Week, Fast Company, Interior Design Magazine, New York Times Science, Green Futures Magazine, I.D. Magazine, and The Smithsonian Magazine.