Engaging with nature: A design thinking workshop

Description and details

Over the last two years, as people were forced more than ever before to retreat from community spaces and onto computers, they began searching for new ways to engage safely with the world beyond screens. Through this rewriting of spacial engagement, many found solace and inspiration in the beauty  and peace of the natural world. From evening walks to backyard birding to camping, fishing and hiking, engagement with the outdoors has reached new heights.

While biomimicry has long inspired designers to look to their environments for inspiration, how can we as designers intentionally build space to allow ourselves to engage with the natural world?

In this workshop, we will talk through the concept of biomimicry and how to make intentional time for things like forest bathing (even if you live in a city). We will then put those concepts into practice by participating in exercises that employ nature-inspired design thinking.

Bonus! Every person at the workshop will receive a specially-designed, interactive zine to further inspire their biomimicry skills.

Light refreshments will be provided from Teaism by our sponsor HAWJ Studio.

This event was put together in partnership with Threespot.

Venue

Venue name: Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park Creek Park, Picnic Grove #1

Venue info: 3998 Spring of Freedom NW, Washington, DC 20008

Preparation

Attendees must wear a mask at this event while not eating or drinking.

COVID-19 is hard to predict: What happens if in-person events need to be canceled?

When possible, in-person events will be moved to Zoom and a refund should not be expected. If an event is canceled in its entirety, a refund will be issued. In either scenario you will be notified immediately.

How to prepare

As we will be in nature, attendees should check the weather before the workshop to dress accordingly. In addition, attendees should bring:

• A water bottles
• Bug spray
• Notebook
• Writing utensil

In the case of inclement weather, we will communicate about rescheduling the event.

Accessibility

• A sign language interpreter will not be present unless requested. If requested, we will do our best to employ a sign language interpreter for the event.
• There is a paved pathway to the meeting location and a paved area for the planned activities.
• There are restrooms on site.

If you need any additional accommodations, please contact us using a method that works best for you:

• Email our accessibility team at accessibility@dc.aiga.org.
• Call or text our accessibility lead Josh Kim.
• Request an accommodation through our Google Form.

We honor your privacy. No identifying information like your name is required to request an accommodation, and all details will be deleted once completed.

You can learn more about how we’re making DC Design Week an accessible experience by visiting our accessibility statement.