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The Biomimetic Framework
When we look at the playbook of the natural world and try to embody its
refined brilliance, we see a pattern of fundamental principles that are employed
to generate success and continuity.
Sequoia' winning proposal to reimagine San Francisco's Market Street was
rooted in many biomimetic principles. It was in the aftermath of revisiting the
"checklist" however, that the concept matured and broadened its biomimetic
framework; to be a formidable design with maximum impact across various
needs. (See "the evolved design")
Below is a breakdown of how the design expresses core biomimicry principles
of: evolving to survive, adapting to changing conditions, being locally attuned,
being resourceful with materials and integrating growth with development.
Evolving to Survive
Urban greening, Rapid transit, urban farms, STEM playground equipment,
and ground up community engagement for urban development projects,
have numerous successful examples to reference for stimulating local
economies, revitalizing underperforming areas, improving quality of life, and
being wise financial, social, and environmental investments. (see research
and data bibiliography)
Being Locally Attuned
Specifically dedicating a large portion of the urban greening to local plants, trees and
flowers to revitalize the local ecology and biodiversity, results in significant and varied
positive outcomes
Cultivating cooperative relationships between local organizations, community benefit
districts, businesses and city departments, brings together a wealth of specialized
knowledge, information, and diverse involvement that can result in having a more
effective impact, more efficient mobilization and action, and a diffusion in the
responsibility of care.
Leveraging existing organizations and individuals like the Association of Ramaytush
Ohlone, Rec and Park, The Botanical Gardens, Food Justice advocates and community
organizers is a more organizationally efficient and economically sound way of improving
social benefit
Enacting measures that directly respond to the needs of the city and the unique
challenges it faces as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach will be more prudent in the
long run
Utilizing readily available materials, and local businesses will reduce the negative
environmental impact while simultaneously stimulate the local economy
Adapting to Changing Conditions
Creating a dynamic park with different elements (playgrounds, urban gardens, plazas,
educational walkways, and leisure zones) allows for various improvements that target
different challenges the city faces: social, environmental, economic, etc.
Utilizing primarily natural and regenerative materials (plants, porous concrete, etc.) builds
resilience into the infrastructure.
Having a sectional park allows for modular buildout and potential change and adjustment
over time without the need to overhaul an entire design.
Bringing in a diversity of partners, stakeholders, and organizations to form a coalition can
be a deterrent to corruption, embody democratic values, be politically sound, and engage
a broader network of caretakers for the park
Preparing for imminent challenges due to climate change will save the city significant
energy, money and resources.
Integrating Growth with Development
Approaching the significant undertaking with a bottom-up, top-down, meet in the
middle approach, will ensure a stronger positive response to the plan
Investing in local particpation by residents, volunteers and local organizations will boost
civic joy, pride, and stimulate growth in a way traditional approaches do not.
Constructing the park in a sectional/modular way, provides flexibility for the build out
and the possibility of divisional patronage and constituent funding and care, facilitating
the buildout and maintenance.
Engaging in circular economy (eg: local restaurant participation with food waste >>
compost at the urban gardens >> supplementing food security programs for residents
with food insecurity, and a place for food justice advocates to teach and engage.)
Being Resourceful with Materials and Energy
Intentional approaches to multifunctional design reduces energy, saves money and
invests in future growth and development (eg: STEM inspired play equipment not only
contributes to youth performance, well being and intellectual stimulation; certain
equipment can harness kinetic energy from play or mount solar panels, decentralizing
the energy grid.)
Utilization of porous cement allows for rain water, "waste water," or other runoff to be
captured and reused through a low energy process
Using human resources, like volunteers from Parks and Rec along with other ecological
educators to train community participants in planting and care of specific sections of the
park (eg: riverwalk, the commons, la playa etc.) is budget friendly and simultaneously
creates civic ownership, participation and stewardship.
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