2008 - Nov. 11 Press Release

Janine Benyus and Autodesk to Launch World’s First Database of Nature-Inspired Design Strategies 

Next week, in an effort to push the boundaries of design and engineering software, renowned naturalist Janine Benyus and leading design software firm Autodesk will launch the world’s first database of design ideas inspired by nature – AskNature.org.

This free database is the only public-domain online library of its kind in the world, where architects, designers and engineers can search for and study nature’s solutions to design challenges – learning, for example, how organisms filter air and water, gather solar energy, and create non-toxic dyes and glues.

This nature-inspired design intelligence is being (and will be further) harnessed by Autodesk technology – and shared with leading companies around the world, who are using biomimicry strategies to create the next generation of sustainable, efficient buildings, products and designs.

Join us for a telephone press conference for journalists to see the world debut of AskNature.org, learn more about its capabilities and hear from a leading architectural firm about their use of biomimicry in real-world design workflows. 

WHEN: Monday, November 17; 12 – 1 p.m. ET/ 9 – 10 a.m. PT

WHO: Janine Benyus, founder of the Biomimicry Institute and author of “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,” a book that has galvanized scientists, architects, designers and engineers into exploring new ways in which nature's successes can inspire humanity. Benyus will give the closing keynote address at the Green Build 2008 conference in Boston Nov. 21

Lynelle Cameron, Director of Sustainability, Autodesk, a world leader in design software for manufacturing, building, construction, engineering, and media and entertainment

Thomas Knittel, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Senior Project Designer at HOK, a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities

WHERE: Webinar address: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/728970299

Meeting Password: Autodesk
Meeting ID: 728-970-299
Conference Call Dial-in: 1-866-692-3158
Password: 4619990

Contacts

Stacy Malkan
Biomimicry Institute
202-321-6963 (cell)
press[at]biomimicryinstitute.org

Colleen Rubart
Corporate Communications
Autodesk
415-547-2368
415-283-7100 (cell)
colleen.rubart[at]autodesk.com