Beyond the Boundaries
The option of two unique talks: Bioinspiration in Design and Thread Carefully. Beyond the Boundaries talks take a peak into the future and explore the direction of development through design and consumption.
Beyond the Boundaries talks elicit important critical discussion among students helping to raise awareness of how our individual and collective actions impact on the planet. Both talks aim to provide students with a positive ‘can do’ attitude to change and a resilience to handle complex challenges. Beyond the Boundaries links to key topics within STEM, Social Science, Design and Technology, PSHE, SMSC and Careers.
“When we Ask Nature, first we quiet our human cleverness. Then we ask, and then we listen. The answer is the echo that bounces off of the land herself.”
– Janine Benyus
Sustainable Development | Biomimicry | Design and Innovation
Talk 1 – Bioinspiration in Design
This one-hour lecture discusses the principles of bioinspiration in design, a practice that develops novel materials, devices and structures inspired by nature. Students explore case studies from biomimicry to bionics and develop interdisciplinary understanding of how science can informs design and how better design can ultimately address sustainable development challenges.
Talk 2 – Thread Carefully
Thread Carefully highlights the dynamic, fast-paced and global spread of the clothing sector, drawing in first-hand stories of life within industry and framing how our consumption patterns impact on a sustainable development agenda. Students will follow the story of thread, listening to anecdotes and research conducted with more than ten years’ experience working for some of the world’s biggest brands and clothing suppliers.
Beyond the Boundaries is available in the following formats. For more information please get in touch.
1 Hour Talk
Duration: 45 Minute talk + 15 minutes Q&As
Number of students: unlimited
Learner Level: KS4 – KS5
Our speakers
Beyond the Boundaries talks are delivered by speakers with current experience of researching and working within the sciences and design: from policy to practice. From these perspectives we are able to bring your students thought-provoking, engaging and even entertaining introductions and insights in the themes of sustainable development and interdisciplinary practice.
Careers education
Beyond the Boundaries elicits important discussion about our personal and collective responsibility to environmental and social challenges. To add on a careers workshop we suggest selecting our Mind the Gap talk and workshop.