Focused Discussions (Asynchronous Session)
Cross-disciplinary Thinking in Biophilic Design: Why Historic Principles, Philosophies, and Geometry Need to Be Incorporated in Architectural Practice Today View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Annie Farquhar
More than 100 years ago, anyone who was considered exceptionally brilliant was by definition a cross-disciplinary thinker interested in many fields. The concept of specialization is a modern phenomenon in which the mind is focused on a single track, but specialization can breed narrow-mindedness. Conversely, when someone is well-versed in many subjects and shares this knowledge, shared understandings can help a group or organization progress. The same concept applies in architecture, which is one of the most cross-disciplinary professions. This paper examines how architects must collaborate with biologists to make successful biophilic architecture. Human dependence on technology has exponentially increased, which has altered how people interact with nature — sometimes to the detriment of the environment. Biophilic design is considered an attainable solution to sustainable life on this planet. This paper references pioneers of biophilic design, including Gaudi, Vitruvius, Ruskin and other master architects who analyzed the patterns, forms and proportions of living things and used this knowledge to translate the natural world into built form. They were remarkably committed to educating themselves in several fields and saw the importance of the human connection to the natural world — this is why their theories remain relevant today. This paper argues that the biological organization of natural systems and species are what modern designers should be mimicking in architecture, rather than copying natural forms from a strictly visual lens. A visual experience may only stimulate one sense, and this surface-level approach demonstrates how architects sometimes lack perspective from a biological standpoint.
Mentoring for Knowledge Transfer and Organizational Sustainability: The Leader's Imperative View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Claudia Santin
Research has shown that organizations that learn, are adaptable to market forces, and provide opportunities for leadership development may have the best chance for long-term success. Organizational learning depends on knowledge sharing between seasoned leaders and emerging leaders. This knowledge is lost through employee attrition if not captured. When used purposefully and intentionally, mentoring can be an effective tool to retain emerging leaders and transfer knowledge. When knowledge acquisition, transfer, and retention are given organizational priority through a formal mentoring program, emerging leaders are provided a forum for professional development. Emerging leaders recognize that they are valued, limiting attrition and encouraging innovation and organizational longevity.
