Growing living cities

People. Place. Power. These are all vital for building water security but are often forgotten in the creation of technical solutions. Many people don’t have access to adequate safe water supplies. What can the social-sciences, humanities and arts bring to water research? This talk will look at water in India and the approach of two new research hubs on international water issues. Water is used and valued in a multitude of ways that impact on technological uptake and on the broader environment.

Ehab Sayed is the Founder and Director of Innovation at Biohm, a company that allows nature to lead innovation in construction. Biomimetics, or the study and abstraction of biological systems, lies at the core of Biohm's work, which includes self-assembling living materials, mushroom-based insulation and plant-based concrete. Action towards a biomimetic future may be the key to transforming the industry to adequately meet our global needs.