Bio-Syllabus for European Environmental Education [antikvár]

Using the structure of biological systems to provide iw dimensions in architectural models and city planning Many of the world's city problems could he resolved by paying greater attention to the environment. AH over the world, cities and úrban areas are experiencing inereasing signs of environmental stress, poor air quality, excessive nőise, and traffic congestion. At the same time, public health is in danger, as more and more citizens suffer from respiratory problems, heart attacks, strokes caneer or birth defects from high pollution levels. Architecture and úrban planning based on environmental preservation are the only option for maintaining quality of life and preventing lasting environmental damage. Pollution reduction, waste minimisation and energy conservation can be furthered through environmentally friendly úrban design and construction. Awareness of these issues and information on possible opportunities existing world-wide are vitai to the development of new possibilities and new scopes in restructuring úrban and agricultural areas, as well as hu man settlements in generál. Bio-architecture, as promoted by the Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.) since its inception in 1985, links the appreciation ofthe environment and biodiversity with úrban design and planning. Bio-architecture alsó promotes the use of materials and techniques which are environmentally sound, culturally sensitive and reliant on local resources and skills. A "biopolis" functions as a model for the harmonious co-evolution of humanity with the bio-environment. It is based on the application of clean energy sources - solar, wind, hydrogen, etc. - cleaner production and environmentally friendly materials, and aims at creating a self-sufficient, aesthetically pleasing úrban environment with minimai waste generálion and with an active participation of every member of society in the protection of bios. Every living organism on Earth represents a perfectly functioning system, well adapted to the environment as a result of the millions of years of evolution. The structures of biological systems - be they beehives, termite nests, the cell membrane or other organelles - can promote new innovations in architecture. The unravelling of the microcosmos and macrocosmos alsó provides new dimensions in architectural models and city planning. We may avail ourselves of nature as both an inspirational model as well as a view of the progress of biomaterials and a means to break away from stagnant patterns and realise the expanded possibilities afforded by technology and biocentric thinking. Cities are themselves environmental habitats. Úrban development usually reduces biodiversity by building over land and displacing animal and plánt populations. However, it can alsó create new habitats and niches. The character and structure of úrban green spaces, the connections between them, their interactions with buildings, the ways they are managed, levels of nőise disturbance and pollution, and patterns of humán behaviour, such as recreation, all influence the habitat qualities of cities. To preserve and enhance úrban green spaces and to improve the quality of life of citizens, a shift towards more environmentally oriented priorities is required, and as a consequenee, an adaptation to more environmentally compatible lifestyles, both aí the management level - úrban design and planning, transport, etc. - and at the individual household level through awareness and education. Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis B.I.O. President and Founder