Two-Day Symposium on "Synergetics and Morphology: Explorations into the Shapes of Nature" at the RISD Auditorium 2-4 Nov 2007

Theme:
Synergetics and Morphology: Explorations into the Shapes of Nature
When:
Saturday 3 November 2007, 8AM - 5PM (Symposium), 8PM - 10PM (Dance Performance)
Sunday 4 November 2007, 8AM - 5PM (Symposium)
A Reception will be held on Friday, 2 November 2007 from 7PM - 9PM
Where:
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Auditorium
17 Canal Street (Canal Walkway at Market Square)
Providence, RI 02906
Short Description
The "Synergetics and Morphology: Explorations into the Shapes of Nature" Symposium will bring together lovers of "form" ("philomorphs") for an exploration into the interrelationships of structure, Nature and Bucky Fuller's Synergetics.
Description
The Synergetics Collaborative has teamed with the Philomorphs and The Edna Lawrence Nature Lab to present a two-day symposium on "Synergetics and Morphology: Explorations into the Shapes of Nature" at the RISD Auditorium on 2-4 Nov 2007. In addition to presenting an engaging program around the intriguing concept of "the Form of Nature", the event will include a reception on Friday 2 November and a dance performance on Saturday 3 November. The event will also feature an art exhibit on "Synergetics and Morphology" with the work of participants on display at the nearby Waterman Gallery and in the Nature Lab. The Arthur Loeb Design Science Teaching Collection, which now resides with the Nature Lab, will be highlighted during the event. The event will continue our efforts to build upon Buckminster Fuller's Synergetics legacy. It will also offer a reunion for Philomorphs. Finally, it will provide an opportunity to discuss and share diverse viewpoints among the Synergetics community, the Philomorphs, the RISD student and faculty communities, and other explorers of Form aboard SpaceShip Earth.

The symposium will appeal to a broad range of individuals who share a common interest in Morphology (the Art and Science of Form: Goethe is reported to be the first to study and define morphology), including artists, designers, naturalists, geometers, mathematicians, scientists, educators and students.
Representative Symposium Topics
Presentations should touch on Buckminster Fuller's Synergetics and morphology. Representative topics include Synergetics, Arthur Loeb, the Arthur Loeb Design Science Teaching Collection, the Philomorphs, geometry and/or pattern in Nature, the form, shape, or structure of Nature, the forms, shapes, and structures in Nature. A relationship to Synergetics and/or Morphology should be central.
Registration
The registration fee is $125 (includes lunch tickets for Sat & Sun, and the performance on Sat evening); $30 for students. RISD students enter at no charge but registration is required. Please fill out the on-line registration form. Registrations received after 28 October will be subject to a $25 late processing fee. At the door registrations will be subject to a $50 surcharge. Please mail