Can nature and technology — long viewed as opposing forces — work together to stabilize our climate, sustain our urban environments, and benefit our health? Dr. Nadina Galle is an ecological engineer, TEDx & keynote speaker, TV presenter, and podcaster — on a mission to find out. She coined her concept “Internet of Nature” (IoN) in her Ph.D. dissertation and now applies emerging technologies that are restorative of nature, rather than exploitative.
Internet of Nature
Nadina will present a keynote about her concept the “Internet of Nature” on the BNA Inspiration night: Make NATURE Happen on Thursday June 23rd. Research, theory and practice of nature inclusive building and design is the key subject of the night. Nature inclusive design is to design with, and for nature. It goes further than integrating only a couple of square meters of green on a roof or in a façade. Said designs are meant to create physical spaces that protect its biodiversity and strengthens the eco systems. Green surroundings become an integral part of a building, to help nature flourish again. BNA sees a special role laid out for architects and aims to inspire its members with this inspiration night at the WUR Wageningen.
Nadina, how do you see the role and added value of the architect in nature inclusive design?
Architects literally shape not only how our future cities look, but how they feel. Much of what nature inclusive design offers us is intangible: the song of birds in the morning, the rustle of winds through the leaves, the splash of kingfishers diving into the water. We can’t quantify these benefits, but it’s critical we design space for them so all future generations can enjoy them. Increasingly, architects must play their role by looking into the crystal ball, imagining healthier communities, and reverse engineering their way back to the present day. Together, architects can design the future today so that it becomes a reality tomorrow.
Where do you see the tipping points to bring about change?
While technology lies at the center of my practice, the Internet of Nature (IoN) is not primarily about technology. Rather it is about the inventiveness and the passion of the people shaping the nature-rich communities of the future. About their humble belief that the best measure of a successful IoN technology is for people to enjoy its effects without even noticing it at work. A key tipping point will be when technological innovation is recognized as a powerful tool to rescue both nature and ourselves. Out of sheer necessity, the goals of the new IoN paradigm will go mainstream.
Make NATURE Happen!
Get inspired and join in on Thursday the 23rd of June. Make NATURE Happen! takes place in the newest building of the WUR: Omnia. A unique evening where we dive deeper into the research, theory and practice of nature inclusive design and building. Which positive impact can architects have on the fragile future of our eco systems? Join us and sign up for an inspirational evening.
Sustainability pioneer
Nadina is a former Fulbright Scholar at MIT Senseable City Lab, where she holds a research affiliation; a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam; and an advisor to start-ups and universities. Her work has been in documentaries by BBC Earth and arte.tv; on British, Irish, and Dutch radio shows; and in print including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic, in which her Ph.D. research was a five-page feature. SustainableMotion named her a “sustainability pioneer” three years in a row. Forbes and Elsevier have selected her for their respective “30 under 30” lists.
