Biomimetic Design; BCI Seeing & Sensing Systems

Date: 1/29/23

Location: Sopris Park, Carbondale, Colorado.

Conditions: Grey, cold, yesterday’s snow beginning to melt.

Intent of Session: Seeing and Sensing Systems.

Result of Session: Furthering my curiosity about parks as social gathering places, I made my way then to another park in my neighborhood, but one that is much more popular and frequented. What is different about this park to the last? One, I would say it is more popular because it is right off of the main street in town. Additionally, something special about this park relative to the previous one, is that there is a moat like creek that surrounds the perimeter of the park. It is man made, and has a cute little foot bridge that crosses over. Thinking about this, there is something comforting in feeling surrounded by the water perimeter, that feels more like one enters into a new place or a new world. From a systems perspective, this is interesting to me, as it feels more closed off from the main street in town, and more like stepping out of this world into another. Whereas the previous park (although actually more secluded) does not feel this way.

The element of water adds a whole new dimension to thinking about nature as a system. Although still feeling very lifeless in the cold grey winter, I know that the water makes the park feel like it is teeming with life. I know this park well, and begin to think about in the warmer weather, that there are bugs scooting around in the water, and the water babbles against the rocks, and waters the tree growing along the bank. This tree is very luscious during the warmer weather, therefore providing excellent shade for the park goers.

In thinking about design elements, I think there is something interesting about the closed off safe feeling that this man made moat/creek provides. Again thinking about the fact that this park is actually not as secluded, it feels differently. Additionally thinking about how the water is of course the lifeblood of the rest of park feeling lush and green. What other elements can be used to make one feel secure in a space or with a product, by giving it a pseudo-protection?