Biodesign NYC

At RISD, the biodesign studies that we have undertaken have supported RISD’s strategic plan, by introducing new ways of making and knowing, by engaging sustainability, and by pursuing opportunities that contribute positively to the diverse peoples of this planet. But RISD is not a hub for the study and practice of biodesign. Therefore, this travel course will provide you with an opportunity to learn about biodesign, and create meaningful contributions to the study and practice of biodesign, by directly engaging pertinent issues and projects with some of its global pioneers and influencers in New York City.

At-A-Glance

What
Wintersession Travel Course
Where
  • New York, NY
When
Winter 2025

Course Dates: Jan 5, 2025 — Jan 25, 2025

Who
Open to RISD students, Brown University students

Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Open to first year students with approval from the Dean of EFS.

Topics
  • Art
  • Design
  • Biodesign
Faculty
Academic Credits
3
Department
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
Cost
$4600

Includes accommodation, some group meals, field trips, museum entrances, health and travel insurance. Transportation to NYC is not included.

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Biodesign NYC
New York, NY 2019
Biodesign NYC
New York, NY 2023
Biodesign NYC
New York, NY 2023

About this course

Course Description

In many ways, biodesign presents a whole new paradigm for our Age. It’s design with biology. It transcends the limits of biomimicry, seeking to capture not only the variety of ways in which the natural world can inform projects, but it also promotes an understanding of the principles and processes that result in the myriad materials, forms, patterns, and relationships we see in the living world. The products and outcomes of biodesign feature ways of making that parallel nature’s strategies for yielding design and material solutions, and systems of production and engagement, that work with the natural world to promote conditions that are conducive to life on this diverse planet.

As such, biodesign involves an approach to design and production that replaces conventional mechanized systems of industry with biological processes. Its design tenets are biological principles that are observable in nature. Things grow and evolve, so its products are not thought of as ends in themselves; they’re part of a system, an ecology that design hopefully enhances. Therefore, biodesign projects are often complex, taking many factors into consideration, and are usually the result of a collaborative process that involves many specialists and generalists from a variety of fields, including artists and designers.

At RISD, the biodesign studies that we have undertaken have supported our strategic plan: by introducing our students to new, collaborative ways of making and knowing; by engaging sustainability through a variety of means that can help decarbonize and detoxify our communities; and, by pursuing accessible projects, resources, and opportunities that can contribute positively to diverse peoples, and our planet. But RISD is not a hub for the study and practice of biodesign. Fortunately, just down the tracks, there’s a global center where biodesign has been flourishing for many years: New York City. Therefore, located in NYC, this Wintersession Travel Course provided students with an opportunity to learn about biodesign, and create meaningful contributions to the study and practice of biodesign, by directly engaging a selection of topics and projects with some of its pioneers and influencers.

Apply to a Wintersession Travel Course

The application for Wintersession Travel Courses 2025 will is now closed.

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More Info

Application + Registration

The entire application process will be completed using an online application portal. You will be able to upload, request and submit all required documents there. Apply to a Wintersession Travel Course

RISD Students

Unless otherwise noted on the course page, all Wintersession Travel Courses are open to students in any year of study. Please check the course pages on this website carefully to learn about any restrictions specific to your chosen travel course. In all cases, RISD first-year students enrolled in Experimental & Foundation Studies must provide approval from the Dean of Experimental & Foundation Studies as part of their applications.

GPA Requirement: Exception to Academic Policy

If your current cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above, you are eligible for registration. RISD students seeking an exception to the GPA requirement academic policy should follow the instructions set by the Registrars’ Office.

Brown University Students

If you are a Brown University student with a GPA of 2.5 and up, you are eligible to apply. Admission for Wintersession Travel Courses is highly selective and preference will be given to RISD students. Please read carefully through the application materials and steps above to make sure you are preparing your application to the best of your ability.

As such, all students are advised not to purchase flights for participation in Wintersession Travel Courses until the travel is confirmed, which happens no later than one week after the final Wintersession Travel Course payment period.

In cases where Wintersession Travel Courses do not reach minimum capacity, the course may be cancelled after the last day of Wintersession Travel Course registration period. In case of cancellation, all payments will be refunded in full. Any cost incurred for travel reservations in such situations is the participant’s sole responsibility.

It is not possible for a student to drop a Wintersession Travel Course via the standard Add/Drop process after it has commenced. In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances (and only after students have spoken with the faculty lead and RISD Global for approval to withdraw from the program), students should be aware that no refund will be issued.

RISD Wintersession Travel Courses follow the RISD withdrawal policy for off-campus global learning programs

Apply to a Wintersession Travel Course

The application for Wintersession Travel Courses 2025 will is now closed.

View details
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1:1 Advising Session

Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.

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